Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.
Image by ohlamour studio / Stocksy
June 25, 2023
Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may
Everyone has a different way to describe their skin goals—some aim for a dewy, “glazed donut” complexion, while others swoon over a matte “cloud skin” look. I tend to settle on this: dolphin skin.
I doubt the name needs much translating, but here’s what I mean: skin that is smooth, even-toned, super-bouncy, and most importantly, healthy as can be. Below, four tips to encourage this slippery look.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
1.
Be gentle with hair removal
First thing’s first, you’ll want to limit ingrown hairs however you can. Do this by removing hair carefully, either with a sharp, clean razor or another form of removal like waxing, threading, sugaring, etc.
If you shave, be sure to exfoliate your body beforehand, either with a body scrub or chemical exfoliant.
“Gentle exfoliation can help [loosen] the free edge of hairs that may be trapped under the skin,” said board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. “This can give you a smoother shave and lower the likelihood of razor bumps or irritation.”
2.
Moisturize daily (at least)
After you step out of the shower, immediately apply body lotion or body cream. Your slightly damp skin will enhance the benefit of the moisturizer. See, humectants like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid pull excess water into the skin, contributing to a more hydrated skin barrier.
You’ll definitely want to do this after you shower, but feel free to level up and apply lotion twice daily if you feel like it or if your skin feels particularly dry.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
3.
Use active body treatments
Many people use chemical exfoliants and retinol on the face, but they don’t often give the same attention to the body. However, both of these ingredients can be game-changers for smoother, tighter body skin.
Exfoliants will slough off dead skin cells and boost radiance, in addition to preventing ingrowns. Retinol, on the other hand, has plenty of body skin benefits, including:
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
You can find retinol in body lotions or body serums, but make sure you skip using retinol and exfoliants in the same night, as the duo can irritate your skin.
4.
Take skin supplements
Last but certainly not least: Invest in skin supplements. While not every supplement out there is an A+ pick, there are plenty of ingredients that can help support healthier, tighter, dolphin skin—including collagen peptides.*
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
The takeaway
If you want skin as smooth as a dolphin, it takes some dedicated steps. First, if you choose to remove hair, do your best to avoid razor bumps. Then find a lotion you love and apply it at least once a day. Finally, never overlook the power of active skin treatments and skin-boosting supplements.
