We all know how important a good facial skin care routine is. In fact, many of us have extensive skincare routines that we undertake morning and night to nourish and cleanse the skin on our faces. Body care, on the other hand, doesn't get the same amount of air time, but it's equally important. So, what is body care, and what eco-friendly body care products should you be using? We unpack it all below.
What Is Body Care?
Body care essentially refers to any practice that works to look after the skin and hair on your body. From cleansing, exfoliating, and hair removal to nail care and body brushing — all of these activities can be classified as body care. Body care can also include regularly changing sanitary items during your menstrual cycle.Why Is Body Care Important?
When you think about it, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to invest so much time in our skin from the neck up, only to leave the rest of our skin high and (literally) dry. Body care is essential to ensure we're healthy, hygienic, and hydrated from head to toe. A good body care routine will help to prevent any skin dryness and irritation, reduce ingrown hairs or hair removal rashes, and limit the risk of infections in the skin or nail beds. Our bodies go through a lot in our day-to-day lives, from helping us move through the world and braving the elements, to bouncing back after knocks and bumps and helping us fight illness and infection. So, our bodies really do deserve some extra love.How To Take Care Of Your Body
You might fear that body care is yet another item you'll need to add to your overflowing to-do list, which could be enough to put you off the concept altogether. However, you've probably realised after reading our definition above that you already incorporate body care practices into your daily routine in one way or another. It's likely you already cleanse your skin when you shower, or you moisturise after you shave. This is a great start! To really ensure your body is receiving the care it needs, there are a few small things you can add to your routine. Setting up a body care routine shouldn't be an arduous task, so let's keep it simple. Your body care routine will ideally look something like this:
- Cleanse skin — daily
- Moisturise skin — daily
- Shave/remove body hair (this is down to personal preference) — every few days
- Apply body oil — after shaving and moisturising, every other day
- Nail care — weekly
- Exfoliate skin — weekly
- Apply multipurpose balm to dry patches — as needed
- Regularly changing sanitary items during your period
What Are Body Care Products?
Body care products include:- Cleansers
- Exfoliants
- Loofahs
- Moisturisers
- Balms
- Oils
- Razors
- Body brushes
- Nail files
- Hand and foot balms and scrubs
- Sanitary items
Eco-Friendly Body Care Products
Below, we've collated some of our favourite eco-friendly body care products.Biome Hand And Body Wash
This vegan cleanser blends olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, lemon myrtle, and cedarwood essential oils together to create a nourishing and hydrating body wash. This cleanser lathers up in the hands and can be used all over the body. It's also suitable for sensitive skin types.
Project Zero Coffee Scrub Bar
This is a gentle exfoliating scrub that will leave your skin feeling smooth and nourished. It's also a zero-waste scrub that is handmade in Brisbane from certified, organic, fair-trade coffee, Australian olive oil, organic coconut oil, organic shea butter, and castor oil.
Ecomax Cleopatra Loofah Pad
The Ecomax Loofah Pad is made from a natural plant fiber that is completely biodegradable and plastic-free. Simply soften the pad under warm water and exfoliate away!
Retreatment Botanics Wild Kakadu Hand And Body Cream
This cruelty-free, vegan moisturiser leaves skin feeling silky and smooth, without a greasy residue. Pop this on after shaving or after cleansing in the shower to firm, brighten, and hydrate the skin. It is suitable for all skin types.
Wanderlightly Base Balm
Made from unrefined shea butter, coconut oil, virgin hemp oil, and candelilla wax, this balm is designed to be used in small amounts on particularly dry patches of skin. The Wanderlightly Balm works to lock moisture into those problem areas and leave your skin feeling smooth.
Butt Naked Rose Body Oil
The Butt Naked Rose Body Oil is vegan, organic, and free of all the nasties. It's a sweet-scented oil made to plump and moisturise the skin. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this oil can be used on all skin types, including sensitive or irritated skin. It arrives in a glass dropper bottle with rose petals inside for an extra indulgent feel.
Biome Shampoo & Body Bar
This gentle and nourishing shampoo and body bar has been handmade in Australia from natural ingredients. It is vegan, palm oil-free, and packaged minimally in paper. Used as a shampoo bar, it adds volume and shine to hair, and used as a body soap, it gently cleanses and moisturises the skin, all without harmful synthetic ingredients and detergents.
Badger Cuticle Care
Badger Cuticle Care soothes and nourished dry, cracked, and damaged cuticles. Containing steam-distilled essential oils and East African Shea Butter, this balm is designed for everyday use. For overnight use, you can also apply the product to your hands and pop on some cotton gloves.
Wooden Massage Brush
This body brush is designed to be used for dry brushing to promote blood flow, stimulate circulation, and aid with lymphatic detoxification. Use your dry body brush before you shower, to ensure you wash away any dead skin cells that have been loosened.
Stainless Steel Safety Razor
Reusable safety razors are the most eco-friendly way to shave. With styles suited to women and men, legs and beards, a reusable safety razor allows you to reduce waste and achieve a close and comfortable shave every time. They don't have a ‘lubricating strip' that is generally made from palm-derived ingredients and that is the cause of irritation for many. They are easy to use and a tool you will likely be handing down to your grandkids!
Menstrual Cups
A menstrual cup is a convenient, economical and eco-friendly alternative to disposable menstrual products. A menstrual cup is used like a tampon, but collects rather than absorbs menstrual flow. A cup holds three times more fluid than tampons and pads, so it can generally be worn for twice as long as you would wear a tampon or pad for. With proper care, your menstrual cup will last many years, saving a significant amount of waste ending up in landfill. Biome stocks menstrual cups from Juju, Diva Cup, Lunette and OrganiCup, which all come in a range of sizes and styles. Shop the range here.
Hannahpad Reusable Menstrual Pads
Hannahpad Pads are reusable cloth sanitary pads made from certified organic cotton that is chemical-free, unbleached, non-dyed, and unscented. Hannahpad Pads are washable and reusable, and with proper care will last for many years to come, meaning substantially less waste ending up in landfill. These reusable pads are available in a range of sizes and styles, including panty liners and overnight pads.
