How to get smooth skin based on your skin type

Achieving smooth, radiant skin is a common goal for many people, as it not only enhances confidence but also reflects good health and self-care. 

Whether you’re dealing with redness, uneven texture, ingrown hairs, or blemishes, the journey to smooth skin begins with understanding your unique skin type and its needs. 

From exfoliation and hydration to proper nutrition and sun protection, creating a consistent skincare routine tailored to your body and face can make a significant difference. 

But having smooth skin isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s equally important to understand your skin type so that you’re able to nurture your skin’s overall health and address any concerns like dryness, acne, or dullness in a way that is good for your skin. 

Our expert team at SmoothSkin has shared to ensure you can have smooth skin tailored to you. Check out our tips below. 

 

How to find out your skin type

Like facial skin, body skin types are very similar when it comes to care and treatment, but body skin can have additional distinctions due to different needs and conditions. 

We might only be used to seeing tips or products marketed towards normal, oily, dry, or combination skin, but there are many more common skin types for our bodies’ that need tailored care to achieve smooth skin from head to toe. 

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most common body skin types, and the things to look out for to help you determine which one you have: 

 

1. Normal Skin

• Balanced moisture and sebum production.
• Soft, smooth texture with minimal dryness or oiliness
• Few or no noticeable skin concerns.

2. Dry Skin

• Feels tight, rough, or flaky, especially in areas like elbows, knees, and shins.
• More common in cold or dry climates.
• May experience itching or cracking in severe cases.

3. Oily Skin

• Produces excess sebum, particularly on the back, chest, or shoulders—but doesn’t necessarily cause breakouts. 
• Prone to body acne and clogged pores.
• Can feel greasy or sticky in humid climates.

4. Combination Skin

• A mixture of oily and dry areas on the body.
• For example, the upper back and chest might be oily, while legs or arms are dry.

5. Sensitive Skin

• Easily irritated by fabrics, detergents, or body care products.
• Prone to redness, itchiness, or rashes.
• Requires gentle, fragrance-free products.

6. Keratosis Pilaris Prone Skin (“strawberry skin”)

• Bumpy or rough skin is caused by a buildup of keratin that clogs hair follicles.
• Commonly appears on the arms, thighs, or bum.
• Often referred to as “chicken skin” or “strawberry skin”. 

7. Mature/Aging Skin

• Becomes thinner, less elastic, and drier with age.
• May develop a crepey texture or uneven tone.
• Requires extra hydration and nourishment.

8. Hyperpigmented Skin

• Uneven skin tone with areas of discolouration, often due to sun exposure or friction.
• Common in areas like the neck, knees, elbows, and inner thighs. 

9. Acne Prone Skin

• Frequently experiences pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads on the body.
• Most common on the back, chest, and shoulders.
• Triggered by sweat, tight clothing, or hormonal factors.

10. Eczema Prone Skin (Atopic Dermatitis)

• A chronic skin condition characterised by inflamed, red, itchy patches of skin.
• Can affect any part of the body, often on the hands, inside of the elbows, feet, face and neck, or behind the knees.
• It’s associated with a weakened skin barrier, leading to moisture loss and sensitivity. 

Each body skin type may vary in severity and can change based on factors like environment, lifestyle, and age. 

 

How do you get smooth skin? 

Now that you’ve identified what skin type you have , here’s our expert-backed tips for how to get smooth skin based on your skin type. 

1. Normal Skin

Ideal water temperature: Warm (37–38°C). For those with normal body skin, maintaining smoothness is fairly straightforward. Normal skin tolerates a range of temperatures, but warm water is best for cleansing without disrupting the skin’s natural balance.

Body washing: Use a gentle, hydrating body wash free from harsh sulfates to cleanse without disrupting your skin’s balance. Aim to exfoliate once or twice a week with a mild scrub or a body wash containing glycolic acid to prevent ingrown hairs. 

Hair removal: When it comes to hair removal, shaving, and IPL treatment is a good option. When shaving, ensure you use a sharp razor and a hydrating shaving cream or gel to reduce irritation and prevent razor bumps. 

 

2. Dry Skin

Ideal water temperature: Lukewarm (36–37°C). Avoid hot showers as they can exacerbate dryness and strip away natural oils, and use lukewarm water instead, to prevent further dryness and maintain moisture. 

Body washing: Use a creamy or oil-based body wash enriched with moisturising ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil or ceramides. 

Exfoliate gently once a week with a sugar scrub or a lactic acid-based exfoliant to smooth rough patches and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs. 

Hair removal: If shaving, opt for a razor with a built-in moisturising strip and use a shaving cream or oil to protect the skin from irritation. Dry skin can be particularly prone to razor bumps, so if you’re struggling with them, check out our full guide on how to prevent razor bumps when shaving. 

After hair removal, apply a rich, hydrating body butter or cream containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane to soothe dryness. 

 

3. Oily Skin 

Ideal water temperature: Warm (37–38°C). Warm water helps effectively remove excess oil without overstimulating sebum production, which cold or very hot water might trigger.

Body washing: Cleanse with a gel-based or foaming body wash containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil to reduce oil buildup and prevent clogged pores. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week using a body scrub or a chemical exfoliant like glycolic or salicylic acid to clear the skin and minimise ingrown hairs. 

Hair removal: For shaving, use a lightweight, non-greasy shaving gel and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue that may clog pores. Waxing or sugaring is an effective alternative for oily skin, as it removes hair and dead skin simultaneously. After hair removal, apply an oil-free, lightweight lotion with calming ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide to prevent irritation.

IPL is an effective option for oily skin as it reduces the need for frequent shaving, which can lead to irritation. Always shave the area beforehand for the best results. If you’re about to use an IPL for the first time why not take a look at our FAQs? 

 

4. Combination Skin

Ideal water temperature: Lukewarm to Warm (36–38°C). A moderate temperature ensures the dry areas on your body are not overly stripped of their natural oils, and the oily areas are cleansed without irritation.

Body washing: Use a pH-balanced body wash suitable for all skin types to cleanse effectively without over-drying or adding greasiness. Exfoliate once or twice a week with a scrub, focusing on oilier areas (like the back and chest) with a salicylic acid-based product, while using gentler exfoliants like lactic acid on drier areas.

Hair removal: Waxing or sugaring is ideal for oily areas, while shaving with a moisturising cream works well for drier parts. 

IPL hair removal works well for combination skin, as it reduces the need for frequent waxing. Shave the target areas before IPL treatments to ensure the light effectively targets the hair follicle.

After hair removal, use a combination of lightweight lotion for oilier areas and a richer cream for dry areas to ensure balanced hydration. 

 

5. Sensitive Skin

Ideal water temperature: Lukewarm (36–37°C). You should shower in lukewarm water to prevent redness and irritation that can occur with hot or cold showers. 

Body washing: Use a fragrance-free, soap-free body wash with calming ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, or oatmeal. Avoid harsh scrubs; instead, exfoliate gently with a soft washcloth or a mild chemical exfoliant like mandelic acid once a week to reduce ingrown hairs without irritation. 

Hair removal: If you have sensitive skin you should avoid waxing or epilating if your skin reacts easily, and consider patch-testing hair removal creams before use. 

Before using IPL, patch-test the device before widespread use, and shave the area to ensure the light effectively targets the hair follicle. For shaving, use a razor with a single blade to minimise friction and pair it with a fragrance-free shaving cream.

After hair removal, soothe the skin with a hypoallergenic lotion or a calming product containing colloidal oatmeal. Always wear a mineral-based sunscreen after hair removal to protect sensitive skin from UV exposure.

 

6. Keratosis Pilaris (KP) Prone Skin (“strawberry skin”) 

Ideal water temperature: Lukewarm (36–37°C). As hot water can aggravate KP by drying the skin and increasing inflammation you should use lukewarm showers that are gentle and better for softening rough patches. 

Body washing: Start with a gentle, non-stripping body wash, ideally containing ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help dissolve the keratin plugs. Exfoliate 2-3 times per week using a chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or urea-based lotions) or a gentle physical exfoliant with fine granules. Avoid harsh scrubbing with rough exfoliators or tools like an exfoliating brush , as it can worsen inflammation.

Hair removal: IPL can be an excellent choice for KP-prone skin as it reduces the need for frequent shaving, which often exacerbates bumps. If shaving is preferred, always use a sharp razor and shaving cream or gel designed for sensitive skin to prevent irritation. 

After showering or hair removal, apply a rich, soothing moisturiser containing ceramides, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid to restore hydration. Products with niacinamide can also help reduce redness and inflammation. 

Consistency is key with KP, regular care can significantly improve the texture and appearance of KP over time.

 

7. Mature/Aging Skin

Ideal water temperature: Lukewarm (36–37°C). As aging skin is more prone to dryness and thinning, lukewarm water preserves hydration and prevents excessive drying. 

Body washing: Use a hydrating body wash with anti-ageing ingredients like ceramides, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to cleanse while replenishing moisture. Exfoliate weekly with a mild AHA-based exfoliant, such as lactic acid, to improve texture and prevent ingrown hairs. 

Hair removal: Mature skin benefits greatly from IPL hair removal as it reduces the need for frequent shaving, waxing, or other methods that can irritate or dry out the skin. Shave the area beforehand to maximise the IPL device’s effectiveness. 

When shaving, use a razor with a lubricating strip and hydrating shaving cream or oil to prevent nicks and dryness. If you prefer waxing for hair removal, make sure to follow up with a rich body cream containing antioxidants like vitamin E to soothe and nourish the skin. 

As always, protect exposed skin with SPF to prevent UV-induced sensitivity and maintain an even, smooth texture.

 

8. Hyperpigmented Skin

Ideal water temperature: Warm (37–38°C). When showering you should use warm water as it enhances blood flow, and cleanses effectively but avoids the potential inflammation hot water can cause, which may worsen pigmentation. 

Body washing: Begin with a body wash containing gentle exfoliants like lactic acid or papaya enzymes to slough away dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. 

Exfoliate weekly with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid to enhance skin renewal and fade dark spots. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as it can trigger further pigmentation in sensitive areas.

Hair removal: After hair removal, use products with brightening ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, or liquorice root to target pigmentation. Niacinamide is another excellent choice to even out skin tone while calming inflammation. 

Always finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas, as UV rays can darken hyperpigmented spots further. With a consistent routine, smooth, radiant skin can become achievable.

 

9. Acne-Prone Skin

Ideal water temperature: Warm (37–38°C) Use warm water as it helps unclog pores and remove excess oil without overheating the skin, which can lead to increased oil production.

Body washing: Cleanse with a body wash containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil to target acne-causing bacteria and keep pores clear. 

Exfoliate 2-3 times a week with a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid to smooth rough spots and prevent ingrown hairs. Avoid scrubbing too harshly, as this can worsen irritation. Wear breathable fabrics and shower immediately after sweating to keep pores clear and skin smooth. 

Hair removal: When shaving, use a fresh, sharp razor and a non-comedogenic shaving gel to avoid aggravating acne-prone areas. IPL can help reduce irritation and improve skin texture over time by minimising the need for frequent hair removal. 

Afterwards apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser with calming ingredients like niacinamide and green tea extract to soothe the skin and prevent irritation. Avoid heavy products post-treatment and use sunscreen to protect sensitive, treated skin from UV exposure.

 

10. Eczema Prone Skin

Ideal water temperature: Lukewarm (36-37°C). Eczema-prone skin requires gentle care to prevent flare-ups and maintain smoothness. Stick to lukewarm showers. Wear loose, breathable fabrics, and consider using a humidifier in dry environments to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated. 

Body washing: Use a soap-free, fragrance-free body wash with soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or ceramides. 

Exfoliate sparingly with a soft washcloth or mild lactic acid once a week to avoid irritation. 

After cleansing, pat the skin dry and apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser or ointment immediately, products with shea butter, glycerine, or hyaluronic acid are ideal to lock in hydration and repair the skin barrier.

Hair removal: For hair removal, IPL is a great option as it reduces the need for frequent shaving or waxing, which can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin. However, avoid using IPL on active flare-ups. 

If shaving, use a sharp razor with a fragrance-free shaving gel to minimise friction. Post-hair removal, soothe the skin with a fragrance-free lotion containing aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal. 

IPL hair removal is an excellent addition to any grooming routine. Not only does IPL reduce the amount of time you need to spend on hair removal—freeing up time for other self-care—but it’s great for improving overall skin appearance. 

Check out our real user’s results to see for yourself!