Body care routines are shifting to the shower—and skin experts approve

While your typical skincare routine for your face involves a milky toner, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen, when was the last time you considered caring similarly for the skin on your body? The only time your body is subjected to some TLC is perhaps when you book that monthly spa appointment. And even then, major concerns like acne on the back, arms and chest, keratosis pilaris (or strawberry skin), bumpy texture, dullness, and ingrown hair remain unresolved.

The prevalence of such concerns, specific to the body’s skin, is higher than you think. One study reveals that 60 per cent and 15 per cent of the Indian population are susceptible to back acne and chest acne respectively. Another study reports that approximately 40 per cent of adults experience keratosis pilaris. Caring for the skin on the body has largely been overlooked, and to address this gap in your body care routine, Dove has introduced a new range of body washes, infused with familiar actives like vitamin C, salicylic acid, and AHAs, to make body care easy and undemanding. But how far can these active ingredients in your body wash really go? We ask a skin expert to weigh in.

Does the skin on your body require chemical actives?

“Yes,” says Dr. Mona A Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Professor at Yale School of Medicine, and co-creator of the Dove Serum Body Wash range, “because your body is your skin too.” It’s a known fact that our skin is the largest organ of our body, and that explains why all of your skin, including the body’s, is at risk of common concerns like acne, texture, dullness, and dryness. We mostly pay attention to our face—serums, creams, SPF—but forget that 90 per cent of our skin is from the neck down, adds the medical expert. “Actives are ingredients backed by science that help address specific concerns like dullness, breakouts or roughness. Whether it’s your back, arms, or legs, skin everywhere benefits from a thoughtful body care routine, and actives help bring that care into focus—daily and effectively.”

Why Dove’s Serum Body Washes are a lazy girl’s best friend

Typically, a body care routine demands time and dedication, and that’s exactly what Dove intends to address, by formulating serum-infused body washes that tackle common skin concerns while you shower. “Think of this range as your skincare routine—but in the shower,” says Gohara. “We zeroed in on the most common and frustrating concerns, from dull, bumpy skin to body breakouts. We wanted to make body care feel purposeful, accessible, and luxurious at the same time.” The best part? While the actives in each variant target their respective primary concerns, the body washes inevitably protect and fortify the skin barrier, thanks to “Dove’s Pro-Ceramide Technology, which balances actives with nourishment.”

“WE MOSTLY PAY ATTENTION TO OUR FACE—SERUMS, CREAMS, SPF—BUT FORGET THAT 90 PER CENT OF OUR SKIN IS FROM THE NECK DOWN” — Dr Mona A. Gohara

The range consists of three variants: Glow Recharge, Exfoliate Away, and Acne Clear that feature 3% brightening serum with Vitamin C, 4% refining serum with AHAs, and a 1% Salicylic Acid formula, respectively. Explaining why these actives were the brand’s choice for this range, Gohara says, “We wanted a powerhouse that addresses the widest range of body concerns—from brightening the skin tone, clearing out pores and bumps to exfoliating dead skin and helping with texture, dullness, and ingrown hair. Together, they deliver results while still being gentle enough for daily use in a wash-off format.”

But, while serums sink into the skin, can the actives in a body wash, which barely linger on the skin, prove to be of any merit?

The answer lies in the range’s smart deposition system. As you lather, oil-soluble actives like vitamin C, salicylic acid, and AHAs are delivered in encapsulated form—allowing them to cling to the skin even after rinsing. This ensures longer-lasting efficacy, helping the ingredients penetrate where needed and continue working beyond the shower. At the same time, skin-caring elements like fatty acids and ceramides help maintain the moisture barrier, so your skin stays nourished, not stripped.

Plus, these body washes deliver cleansing and skin-bettering benefits at once—without adding any extra steps to your preexisting body care routine.

Expert-approved body care tips you should bookmark

While much of your bodily skin’s needs will be taken care of in the shower with Dove’s Serum Body Washes, supplementing that with a post-shower body care routine is essential. Firstly, ditch hot showers (or reduce their frequency, if they’re non-negotiable) since that can irritate already triggered skin. “Post-shower, pat (don’t rub) the skin dry and follow with a moisturiser that supports the active you’re using. For instance, pair the AHA wash with a rich body cream to seal in hydration and support skin renewal,” recommends Gohara. “And don’t forget sunscreen on exposed areas; vitamin C and AHAs make skin more sun-sensitive, so protection is a must.”

If your body is prone to acne, opting for clay masks occasionally can subside inflamed bumps; if your skin is dull, dry or rough, it could be helpful to replace your daily body moisturiser with a slightly heavier body oil or butter for deeper nourishment. Ultimately, skin maintenance is a recurrent task—and while Dove’s Serum Body Washes seamlessly integrate actives into your daily shower routine, regularly following the other steps in your body care routine is equally crucial for healthier skin.

To explore Dove's new Serum Body Washes, head to Nykaa.