Move Over, Skincare — Body Care Is The New Beauty Trend For 2024

For years, so many of us have been all in on skincare. From the best moisturizers to serums and toners, skincare has been having a moment. But it seems we're set to extend our skincare obsession in 2024 to focus more on our bodies. That's because body care (which, loosely, refers to skincare that's done below the neck) is the internet's newest beauty obsession.

"Body care is set to take center stage, channeling some main character energy in the form of actives traditionally reserved for our faces," dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite added to Glamour UK of body care's hold over 2024. And the numbers don't lie when it comes to the uptake in body care interest. According to Pinterest, 2023 saw the term "body moisturizer aesthetic" rise 245%, "bodycare" surge 845%, and, get this, "body skincare routine" shot up a whopping 1,025%! 

Several big names have been getting in on the action already, with celebrity brands, in particular, expanding into body care. Those include Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty, Kylie Jenner's Kylie Cosmetics (via Kylie Skin), and Jennifer Lopez's JLo Beauty. But it's not just brands supporting this body care surge. It's also huge on the likes of TikTok, where users share their tips and tricks on how to keep the skin on your body healthy. The term "bodycare routine" has amassed 2.5 billion views on the platform. Yes, BILLION. But why is everyone so interested in body care right now?

So, first things first. What exactly is body care? Allow us to explain. As we mentioned, body care refers to taking care of the skin below the neck (as the neck is technically still considered skincare). It can include everything from cleansing and exfoliating the body to hair removal to body brushing. Even nail care can technically be classed as body care!

One reason some people have become so interested in body care as of late is that the umbrella term can sometimes refer to taking care of more specific skin issues. Body care can involve finding treatments and products that address concerns such as eczema or psoriasis. After all, as dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman told HelloGiggles, "The face is not the only area that is susceptible to skin issues, like skin cancer, age spots, acne, skin disorders (such as rosacea or eczema), dry patches or flakiness, redness, and saggy skin." So why would we not treat our bodies like we do our faces to keep our skin healthy?

But body care isn't only important if you have a specific skin concern. Practicing good body care can simply relate to having good hygiene or protecting our bodies from the sun, by regularly applying SPF. If you apply moisturizer after bathing or use a shower gel with exfoliation properties, then you may already be practicing body care without even knowing it.

So why has body care attracted such interest going into 2024? According to TikTok's beauty brand partnerships lead, Antonia Baildam, it's because more and more of us are learning more every day about the importance of self-care — and body care is an easy way to do that. "Body care is emerging as a new interpretation of self-care," she explained to British Vogue. "Our beauty audience on TikTok is eager for information and has the appetite to learn about specific skin conditions and the ingredients and products to overcome them."

Not only that, but Baildam suspected that the rise in TikTok body care videos in particular is because so many people are trying to learn how to take care of themselves for less. "[A lot of videos are about] efficacy-based, 'function over form' brands, with products that are low-cost and ingredients-led," she shared. But there's still room for something a little more bougie, too — it is social media after all. "[Videos also feature brands] which offer an enhancement to body care, rather than treating a specific condition," Baildam said.

A strong body care technique doesn't require as much time or money as a good skincare routine. Dr. Dendy Engelman told HelloGiggles that the body and skin tend to be okay with a routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and the odd treatment (such as massages or mud baths). And, of course, just like the face, it always needs SPF protection from the sun. Yep, even in the winter.

Just like with our faces though, getting your body care routine down will require some trial and error. Those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis will need to moisturize regularly and use specific moisturizers. A few ingredients to look out for include moisturizing glycerin, urea, shea butter, or jojoba oil. Regardless if you have a specific skin condition or not though, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam told Refinery29 that moisturizing every day is the best way to keep your body's skin looking and feeling its best. "A daily moisturizer or body lotion keeps the skin hydrated and prevents dryness, especially in the winter months," she shared.

Other people though may need more regular exfoliation in their lives. "It helps to slough off dead skin cells, promote cell turnover, and prevent dullness and rough texture," consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto shared. "It also allows for better absorption of subsequent skincare products," she added. That sounds like a win-win to us!