Body Care Step-by-Step

Use the following Step-by-Step guide for applying your Paula's Choice body-care products.
Step 1: CLEAN (a.m. or p.m.)
Wash your body using a gentle body wash or shampoo, such as Paula's Choice All Over Hair & Body Shampoo.
Wet skin with warm water. Smooth shampoo over skin to create a lather. Rinse well.


Step 2: SHAVE and/or SCRUB (a.m. or p.m.)
When shaving your legs and/or underarms, use our gentle, non-irritating Close Comfort Shave Gel followed by our soothing Skin Relief Treatment, which reduces the inflammation and red bumps commonly associated with shaving. Paula does not recommend using a salt scrub or another potentially irritating scrub in combination with shaving, but sugar scrubs are much gentler on the skin.

PAULA'S CHOICE CLOSE COMFORT SHAVE GEL
Apply to damp skin and shave, rinsing the blade between strokes. This gel formula does not foam or lather. Rinse or splash shave gel from skin after shaving.

PAULA'S CHOICE SKIN RELIEF TREATMENT
Apply to dry skin after shaving or hair removal. Saturate a cotton ball or pad and gently stroke over affected areas (can also be used with a Spray Pump if you prefer to mist it on). Do not rinse off. Can also be used prior to spa treatments, waxing, or electrolysis as a preventive measure. Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin or its derivatives.


Step 3: EXFOLIATE (a.m. and/or p.m.)
Apply Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Liquid. You may prefer using a combination of these products depending on your skin's condition and personal preferences. For example, you may want to use the 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) product in the morning and the 10% Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) product in the evening but it is NOT advised to layer the two products on one another (too much exfoliation can be irritating to the skin). Generally, AHA is best on dry areas and the BHA is best over blemished, blackhead-prone areas, or callused areas of the body such as elbows, heels, or knees. These exfoliants may also be used on all areas of the body that need exfoliation, including the chest, neck, back, thighs, or buttocks.

If dryness or irritation appears, decrease use to every other day or just a couple of times a week (for AHA or BHA). If that doesn't resolve the problem, discontinue use.

Step 4: MOISTURIZE (a.m and/or p.m.)
In the morning (under your sunscreen or on parts of the body not exposed to the sun) or at night after all other body care products are applied, you may use Paula's Choice Slip Into Silk Body Lotion, or Beautiful Body Butter, depending on your skin type. If you apply Slip Into Silk Body Lotion during the day, make sure to apply a well-formulated broad-spectrum sunscreen afterward (sunscreen should always be your last skin care step).

Paula's Choice body care moisturizers may be used together, or choose the one with the texture (liquid, lotion, or cream) you prefer.

SLIP INTO SILK BODY LOTION
All skin types
Apply to dry skin as often as needed. Dispense a small amount and massage into skin using gentle circular motions, using more in drier areas. Works especially well when used post-bath or shower when skin is still slightly damp. May be used over an AHA or BHA product. For daytime use, wear with a Paula's Choice sunscreen (applied after Slip Into Silk Body Lotion).


BEAUTIFUL BODY BUTTER
Dry to very dry skin
Massage over dry areas as often as needed. Can be used after applying an AHA or BHA product. For daytime use, follow with the appropriate Paula's Choice sunscreen.

Step 5: PROTECT (a.m.)
Your final daytime body care step after all other products are applied is to protect your skin with the Paula's Choice Sunscreen SPF 15 or SPF 30 for your skin type. Use on areas that will be exposed to the sun, every day of the year.

For any sunscreen to be effective it must be applied liberally to your face, neck, arms, backs of hands, and any other areas that are exposed to the sun. Always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply after sweating, swimming, or washing hands.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING AVOBENZONE:
Depending on where you live (because of the differences in the water of different regions), avobenzone can cause a yellow discoloration on white cotton, particularly when perspiration occurs. According to the company that makes avobenzone (Hoffman-La Roche), this can be an issue if you live in an area with iron in your water. The iron makes the avobenzone turn color. For the staining, a detergent cleanser that has "chelating" agents (ingredients that prevent minerals from binding to surfaces or substances) such as Fab or All should take care of the stain. Also, you can minimize the risk of staining by allowing the product to dry completely before you get dressed.