Starting a body care routine can feel confusing. There are scrubs, lotions, oils, butters, exfoliants, “hydrating” vs “moisturizing”… and most beginners don’t know where to start. The truth is, you don’t need 10 products you just need the right foundation.
This guide is written for beginners in Canada dealing with:
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Dry, sensitive skin
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Flakiness during winter
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Rough texture or ingrown bumps
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Skin that loses moisture fast
If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
Why Body Care Matters (Especially in Canadian Weather)
Dry indoor heating + cold outdoor air = moisture leaves the skin faster. That’s why many Canadians struggle with:
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Tightness after showering
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White flakes on arms or legs
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Patchy, dull texture
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Products that “sit on top” instead of absorbing
A proper routine fixes this not by adding more products, but by building the right sequence.
THE BEGINNER ROUTINE: 4 Steps That Actually Work
Step 1: A Gentle Cleanser
Instead of high foaming soaps, start with a creamy cleanser. A beginner friendly body wash should:
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Clean without stripping
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Support the moisture barrier
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Leave the skin comfortable, not tight
Ingredients to look for: oat, aloe, shea butter, coconut, ceramides
Avoid when starting: strong fragrance, benzoyl peroxide, drying alcohols
Step 2: Exfoliate (1–2 times per week)
Beginners make one big mistake: scrubbing too often.
A body scrub for dry skin should:
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Remove dead skin gently
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Improve texture
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Help lotions absorb better
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Reduce bumps on arms or legs
Not every scrub suits every skin.
For dry/sensitive skin, choose:
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Sugar scrubs (gentler)
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Cream based scrubs
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Scrubs with oils but no harsh salt granules
For rough or textured skin, look for:
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AHA/BHA body exfoliants
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Fine grain salt scrubs
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Coffee scrubs (circulation support)
Step 3: Moisturize (Daily)
This is the step that changes the skin long term
A lotion should:
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Absorb fast
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Support long-lasting hydration
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Rebuild the moisture barrier
Look for:
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Shea butter
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Hyaluronic acid
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Coconut oil
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Vitamin E
If your skin absorbs lotion and feels dry again in 30 minutes, you need a richer cream.
Step 4: Optional: A Finishing Touch (Fragrance or Hair Perfume)
Once your skin is hydrated, a light fragrance “locks in” the experience. This isn’t required for results but it improves routine consistency and confidence.
What a Beginner Routine Looks Like
|
Step |
Product Type |
Frequency |
|
Cleanse |
Creamy hydrating wash |
Daily |
|
Exfoliate |
Body scrub for dry skin |
1–2x/week |
|
Moisturize |
Lotion/cream |
Daily |
|
Finishing Touch |
Hair perfume / soft scent |
Optional |
How to Personalize This Routine
|
Skin Type |
What to Choose |
|
Dry |
Shea, oat, sugar scrubs, richer cream |
|
Sensitive |
Fragrance-free, aloe, oatmeal base |
|
Textured / Bumpy Arms |
AHA/BHA exfoliating scrubs |
|
Oily Body Areas |
Lightweight gel lotions |
|
Normal Skin |
Any gentle routine to maintain balance |
When to Expect Results
|
Week |
What Changes |
|
Week 1 |
Softer skin, less tightness after shower |
|
Week 2 |
Texture improves, smoother touch |
|
Week 3 |
Lotion absorbs better, flakiness reduced |
|
Week 4+ |
Routine becomes habit; skin stays balanced |
Want to explore beginner-friendly options?
See our Body Scrubs Collection (Canada), only if you’re building your routine
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use a body scrub if I have dry or sensitive skin?
For most people with dry or sensitive skin, 1–2 times per week is the ideal frequency. This gives enough exfoliation to remove dead skin cells without stripping the moisture barrier. If you notice redness, tightness, or stinging reduce usage to once a week.
For severely dry or eczema-prone skin:
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Choose creamy or sugar-based scrubs (gentler than salt).
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Avoid anything with sharp exfoliants like walnut shells.
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Follow exfoliation within 3 minutes with a moisturizer to lock hydration in.
Think of exfoliation like exercise benefit comes from consistency, not intensity
Is exfoliation safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, as long as you choose the right type. Use sugar, oat, or cream-based scrubs and avoid harsh walnut or salt scrubs. If you feel burning/stinging, the formula is too strong.
Should I scrub before or after shaving?
Always exfoliate before shaving, ideally the day before. It lifts dead skin, prevents ingrown hairs, and gives a smoother shave. Exfoliating right after shaving can irritate open pores.