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- Your Summer Body Care Routine
Your Summer Body Care Routine: How to Get Smooth Skin Head To Toe

Bare skin season has arrived. That means more sun, more limbs on show, and a definite desire to feel confident in your own skin, quite literally. But with the joy of summer comes the less glamorous stuff: dry patches, post-shave irritation, bumpy bits you’d rather not think about.
If you’re wondering how to get smooth skin from head to toe - that’s silky legs, soft elbows, and a glow that doesn’t quit - you’re in the right place. This guide covers exfoliation essentials, shaving strategies, moisture musts and the best products to keep skin soft, nourished and summer-ready.
Why Smooth Skin Needs A Bit More Care In Summer
Hot weather and hair removal are not the kindest combo. Add in SPF, sweat, chlorine, and sun exposure, and your skin’s moisture barrier starts waving a white flag.
Dryness, clogged pores, rough patches and razor bumps tend to crop up more when the temperature rises - but the good news is, consistent care makes all the difference. Think of it as your body’s version of a skincare routine: exfoliate, hydrate, protect, repeat.
Step-by-Step: How To Get Smooth Skin On Body
Step 1 – Start With a Good Exfoliator
Smooth skin starts with a clean slate. Use a body scrub or exfoliating mitt a few times a week to lift away dead skin and reveal softer texture beneath.
Chemical exfoliants with AHAs or BHAs work brilliantly if you’re prone to bumps or dullness, while physical scrubs offer an instant polish.
Step 2 – How To Get Smooth Skin After Shaving
Shaving is often the quickest way to silky skin, but without proper prep and aftercare, it can leave behind more problems than it solves. Always exfoliate beforehand to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, and use a hydrating shave gel or cream to cushion the blade.
Post-shave, a soothing lotion or oil can calm sensitivity. Ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid will also help keep bumps at bay.
Step 3 – How To Get Smooth Skin on Legs
Legs deserve extra attention in summer. They tend to dry out quickly, especially after shaving or swimming, so locking in moisture will be key.
Apply lotion or butter straight out of the shower when your skin is still damp. For a circulation boost (and a bit of lymphatic drainage), try dry brushing before you hop in.
Step 4 – Lock In Moisture Daily
A great moisturiser should support the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss, so look for ingredients like ceramides, urea, and hyaluronic acid.
Use a lightweight lotion in the day and something richer in the evening to give skin time to soak up the goodness while you sleep.
Step 5 – Protect and Maintain
SPF isn’t only for your face. Sun damage can cause rough texture and long-term dryness on the body, too, so be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to any exposed skin every morning.
Top it off with a once-a-week treatment, a nourishing body mask or luxe dry oil, to keep everything smooth, soft and summer-ready.
Recommended Products For Smoother Skin
ESPA Body Smoothing Shower Gel
£19.95 £29.00 (32% off)This silky, citrus-scented body cleanser gently exfoliates with pineapple and pumpkin enzymes. It’s a dream for everyday use to help maintain smooth, radiant skin with minimal effort.
Clarins Tonic Body Scrub
£25.50 £39.69 (36% off)A refreshing body polish that combines natural exfoliants with essential oils and deserves a place on your summer body care lineup. It buffs away roughness while invigorating the senses, leaving skin soft and toned.
Fenty Skin Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub
£11.99 £28.51 (58% off)Sugar, salt and coconut shell powder team up in this tropical-inspired scrub. It feels rich and indulgent but isn’t too harsh - great for legs and elbows in need of a reset.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream
£14.87 £25.50 (42% off)Packed with salicylic acid, urea and ceramides, this fragrance-free cream tackles rough skin like keratosis pilaris and dry patches. It exfoliates and hydrates in one easy step.
Atenai London Sanctuary Hand & Body Lotion
£18.00Lightweight yet nourishing, this botanical-rich lotion melts in quickly and leaves a soft, dewy finish. With aloe vera and jojoba oil, it’s lovely post-shave or after a long day in the sun.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter
£5.44 £8.68 (38% off)A cult classic for good reason. This thick, creamy body butter smells like a holiday and deeply hydrates skin while helping improve tone and texture over time.
Biotherm Anti-Drying Body Milk
£19.51 £35.00 (45% off)This ultra-light lotion absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a film, making it just the thing for humid days. It’s enriched with citrus and moisturising agents to keep skin soft and supple.
Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Foot Cream
£7.70 £11.50 (34% off)Tired feet and cracked heels don’t stand a chance. This hardworking foot cream softens thickened skin with 10% urea, while also soothing and restoring hydration.
Bioderma Photoderm Lait ULTRA SPF 50+ For Sensitive Skin
£17.60 £23.95 (27% off)Light, non-greasy and made for sensitive skin, this body SPF gives high protection without clogging pores. It’s water-resistant and leaves no white cast - just invisible armour.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Dry Oil
£17.50 £32.50 (47% off)The ultimate finishing touch. A few drops of this golden dry oil give skin a luminous sheen while nourishing it with botanical oils. It’s summer glow in a bottle.
FAQs About Getting Smooth Skin On Your Body
Q: What’s the best way to get smooth skin on legs fast?
A: Exfoliate, shave gently with a hydrating cream, and follow with a rich body moisturiser. Finish with a glow-enhancing oil for instant softness.
Q: How do I get smooth skin on my body without irritation?
A: Avoid harsh scrubs and stick to gentle, consistent care – use fragrance-free moisturisers and exfoliate no more than 2–3 times a week.
Q: How can I avoid bumps after shaving?
A: Use a clean, sharp razor and shave in the direction of hair growth. Post-shave, apply a soothing lotion or oil with ingredients like aloe vera or panthenol.
Q: What’s the best way to maintain smooth skin in summer?
A: Hydration and SPF are key. Exfoliate regularly, moisturise daily, and protect your skin from sun damage and overexposure to harsh elements.
With a few simple tweaks to your routine and the right products in your arsenal, you’ll be glowing from shoulders to shins in no time. For more on summer beauty, check out our guide on The Best Waterproof Mascara: Pool-Proof & Smudge-Free.

Written by Franchesca Villar
With a love for all things beauty, Franchesca is a skilled beauty content and copywriter with expert knowledge of all of the latest beauty trends. She loves perfecting her bouncy blow-out routine (no matter how time-consuming), is on the eternal hunt for the best glow-boosting product, and is a lip-gloss addict.
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