6 Underrated Body Skincare Products That Deserve More Credit (Especially in Winter)

Winter should be my favourite season. I’m a July baby, after all.

But it's a love/hate relationship.

On the one hand, cooler weather means winter fashion like jackets, boots and lots of cosy layers.

But more importantly, it’s completely acceptable (if not encouraged) to stay at home, put on a pair of your fluffiest socks and order some Uber Eats.

That said, chilly winter nights, scalding hot showers and indoor heaters all lead to one outcome:

Dry, dehydrated skin… everywhere.

You got me. Doing all these 'bad' winter skin things I know I shouldn't - like, say, plonking myself in front of my heater for hours on end day after day - isn't something I’m proud of.

In an ideal world, I’d wear more layers.... but it just seems rude to break up with something that brings me so much joy.

So, because I'm not willing to compromise on the heater, I’ve spent the last few years levelling up on body care because itchy skin just isn't a vibe.

Settle in as I take you through the top six body skincare products I think deserve more credit - especially in winter.

Honestly, they're the only reason my skin doesn't resemble a scaly snake skin suit right now.

1. Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit.

What: Medik8 Smooth Body Exfoliating Kit

A body kit that uses chemical and physical exfoliation to treat dry and bumpy skin, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris aka chicken skin.

The set comes with the Smooth Body Scrub, Smooth Body Mitt (which can be used together in the shower for a deeper exfoliation experience) and Smooth Body Lotion to apply on dry skin afterwards.

Why I love it:

Honestly, I can’t fault Medik8. In my opinion, they’re the gold standard of skin care and this product is a testament to that.

I’m always cautious when it comes to scrubs because it’s easy to go overboard and irritate the skin. This one is finely-milled, easy on the nose and does exactly what is says it will.

It's packed with pore-exfoliating salicylic acid (a BHA or beta hydroxy acid), lactic acid to help with the texture of your skin (this is an AHA or alpha hydroxy acid), and the humectant ingredient urea that helps the skin to retain moisture.

Pro tip: You can use this kit to manage body acne (because yes, butt-ne is a real thing).

2. Weleda Skin Food Body Butter.

What: Weleda Skin Food Body Butter

A rich body butter with ALL the good stuff. I’m talking lanolin, shea butter, beeswax, cocoa seed butter and chamomile to soothe and hydrate even the most sensitive of skin types.

Why I love it:

I've tried a lot of body butters, so I know a good one from a not-so-good one. This one is DELIGHTFUL.

Thick and delicious, the texture sinks right in, doesn’t feel greasy and will leave your skin feeling like velvet. A little goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount and add more as you need. This means your tub will last for longer, woohoo!

Pro tip: Pop some on your décolletage before bed and thank me in the morning when you wake up with a dewy dumpling-esque chest.

3. Salt By Hendrix Dream Polish.

What: SALT BY HENDRIX Dream Polish

A buzzy new body exfoliator that's packed with nourishing oils and smells like candy.

Why I love it:

The texture of this body exfoliant is unlike anything I’ve tried before. It's a cross between a soufflé and a jelly, that somehow leaves your skin with the most incredible smooth glow.

It's heavily-scented, which I love, but those sensitive to fragrance, take note. This is my go-to when I’m in the mood for some serious self-care.

I’m talking the whole shebang: Scented candles, Snoh Aalegra on replay, and this luxurious polish followed by an extra large mug of hot chocolate.

Side note, I go through my top-to-toe body skincare routine in this YouTube video below.

4. Compagnie De Provence Seaweed Hand Cream.

What: Compagnie De Provence Seaweed Hand Cream 75ml

A luxe, ultra-nourishing hand cream formulated with shea butter and vitamins A, C, D and E.

Why I love it:

If there’s one thing that’s a non-negotiable in 2024, it’s hand cream to keep sanitised mits hydrated. I find the texture of most hand creams too thick, which is why this one is a clear standout.

A little bit of this lightweight cream softens and hydrates my hands, sans sweaty palms and slippery fingers. Plus, it has a subtle floral/aquatic scent, and the blue tube looks pretty darn chic on my bathroom shelf.

5. Salt By Hendrix Body Glow.

What: SALT BY HENDRIX Body Glow

A body oil/highlighter formulated with a cocktail of Camellia, Jojoba, Apricot Kernel and Argan oils to leave your skin hydrated and looking sun-kissed (without the sun, of course!).

Why I love it:

Is a bronze body glow oil necessary? No. Does it make me feel like a 17 out of 10 when I use it? Absolutely.

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison to illustrate this product's glowy powers. I'm wearing the shade Blush Skies, but it also comes in a bronzier shade called Golden Hour.

This is NOT just your average tinted body oil. Shake before applying to limbs for the most gorgeous shimmer that sinks in quickly and won't transfer.

No, seriously. I've put it to the test and can confirm it doesn’t stain my white clothing. HUGE win.

6. CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream.

What: CeraVe SA Renewing Foot Cream 88ml

A hard-working heel balm with hero ingredient salicylic acid that promises to exfoliate and moisturise dry, rough feet and reveal smoother and softer feet.

Why I love it:

My feet hated me when I got into running... until I was introduced to this heel balm from CeraVe.

The fast-absorbing formula is easy to apply. It doesn't feel greasy and gives skin soothing and softening sensation.

And if scaly legs need your attention too, the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream 177ml is just as good.

Pro tip: Put on a pair of socks after application and wear them overnight, you'll wake up to noticeably softer heels.

Want more body care recommendations? Check out our body skincare routine YouTube video below!

Read more skin care for your body reviews right here:

• I Tried Dry Body Brushing Like a Celeb - Here's Exactly What It Can (and Can't) Do For You

• Does Shaving Give You 'Strawberry Skin'? Here's How to Get Rid of It for Good

• Bargain vs Bougie: 4 Lush Shower Oils That'll Save Your Scaly Winter Skin