Body Care Over 40: Coming Back to a Habit I Lost

I used to take better care of my body in my 20s and 30s. I used The Body Shop’s delicious body scrubs, put sauna masks on my legs and moisturized regularly. I enjoyed it. Now I mostly moisturize my legs in summer, when I wear something that shows them. The other time is in winter, when my skin gets so dry that it starts to sting when I move. Somewhere along the way, I just stopped caring.

When I do exfoliate my body, my skin looks and feels younger to me. That makes me happy. I think I should do it more often, but I don’t. I wish I would. This is my first body care post, and I wanted to be honest about that. I’m an aesthetician, but I don’t have a regular body care routine to show you. So this is a refresher for me, and perhaps for you too.

What changes in our 40s?

We often talk about changes in our faces, but the skin on our bodies changes too. You might notice more dryness, a different texture or skin that feels less firm. Age, sun exposure and hormonal changes can all contribute. During perimenopause and menopause, changes in estrogen can affect moisture retention and firmness.

That doesn’t mean every change you notice is hormonal. Here in Finland, winter and dry indoor air can make dryness more noticeable, too. Before buying something labeled “anti-aging”, it may be worth seeing whether a richer moisturizer helps. For me, remembering to use the moisturizer would already be a useful start.

Starting with the shower—and sauna

A warm shower feels lovely when it’s cold outside. If your skin feels tight afterward, slightly cooler water and a shorter shower may help. A gentle body wash is enough. There’s no need to scrub every part of your body each time you wash. I remember enjoying those sauna masks on my legs. Body care was something I did for pleasure then. If sauna is part of your week, the shower afterward could be a convenient moment to moisturize once you’ve cooled down. That feels like an easier place to start than planning an entirely new routine.

A body cream I want to reach for

My memories of The Body Shop remind me that enjoying a product matters. I liked the scents and textures. Using them was part of the appeal. These days, I would still want something pleasant to apply, but also comfortable on dry skin. A fragrance-free cream can be a good option if your skin is easily irritated. A pharmacy-bought product is also worth considering. A lighter lotion may suit summer, while a richer cream can be useful during winter. Ingredients such as glycerin and ceramides can help with moisturizing, without needing a separate serum for each one. Applying a plain moisturizer to slightly damp skin helps retain moisture. For me, the more important reminder is not to wait until my legs sting before giving them some attention.

Exfoliation: something I enjoy, occasionally

When I exfoliate, I like the smoother feel and the way my skin looks afterward. I would like to make room for that more often. But dry skin doesn’t always need a scrub. If it’s already stinging or irritated, I would leave exfoliation for another day and focus on gentle care. An exfoliating body product, such as one containing lactic acid, can help with rough texture.

There’s no need to combine several exfoliants or scrub hard. Following the instructions and noticing how your skin responds is enough. Retinol body products are another option if texture or signs of sun damage bother you. They’re an extra, rather than a requirement. Introduce them gradually and follow the directions, including whether to apply them to dry skin. I’m not ready to turn this into a long list of products. I would rather begin by using body cream more often.

Sun protection that fits life in Finland

When our arms, legs and chest come out from under winter clothing, sun protection becomes part of body care too. The Finnish Meteorological Institute recommends protection when the UV index reaches 3 or higher. A cool day can still have enough UV to need protection. Clothing, shade and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin help when walking, gardening or spending time at the cottage. Reapply sunscreen as directed, especially after swimming or washing your hands. The routine can change with the season and how much skin is exposed.

What I’m taking from this

Writing this has reminded me that I used to enjoy taking care of my body. I would like to find a little of that enjoyment again. I know what moisturizing can do, and I like how my skin feels after exfoliating. Knowing and doing are still two different things. I’m not promising a new daily routine. But I would like to reach for the cream before my skin becomes uncomfortable, and occasionally make time for the body care I used to enjoy. If yours has slipped away too, perhaps we can both start there.

-Nina✨