A Guide to Winter Body Care

The Ultimate Guide To Winter Body Care

Let’s get right down to it. When the temperature drops, so does your skin’s moisture level. This can show up as flakiness, itchiness, and dullness. The good news? You can prevent all three (and then some) with the right winter body skin care routine.

Our lineup of Brazilian-inspired body care has the rich textures and nourishing formulas you need to keep your glow going even through the chilliest days.

Here, we share our go-to winter body care tips and routine, including ingredients for maximum moisture––from the moment you step into the shower right until you bundle up.

What Happens To Your Skin In Winter?

Winter can put your skin through a lot. First, the dip in humidity leads to water loss in your skin. Add indoor heating and hot showers to the mix––both of which strip skin of natural moisture––and you’ve got a recipe for skin that feels rougher and more reactive to winter’s extremes.

Moisturizing regularly is key, but that alone may not be enough to combat the winter skin blues. Use formulas that support your skin barrier and contain deeply nourishing ingredients to protect skin long after you’ve applied your body cream.

Key Ingredients For Winter Body Care

At Sol, we’re all about making your body care experience feel like a self-care ritual, not a chore. This is all thanks to our delicious scents and powerhouse ingredients that fight dry skin and other common winter skin woes.

• Bacuri butter: Provides deep, lasting moisture 
• Plant squalane: Replenishes depleted skin barrier lipids, moisturizes, and helps prevent moisture loss 
• Guaraná extract: A naturally derived booster with 5x the caffeine of coffee. Helps energize skin for a visibly firmer, tighter look.
• Fruit AHAs: Exfoliating acids derived from mango and banana that help retexturize skin for renewed radiance
• Cacay oil: A natural retinol alternative that encourages skin renewal for a smooth, soft, youthful appearance

Your Step-By-Step Winter Body Skin Care Routine 

Now it’s time to put these ingredients into action. Here’s a basic body care routine for skin that looks and feels amazing–even on the days you don’t have time for an “everything” shower. 

Step 1: Cleanse with a Nourishing Body Wash

On busy mornings, you’ll want to lather up with a body wash that delivers multiple benefits. In addition to leaving your skin touchably soft, Bom Dia Bright™ Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash  gently exfoliates with fruit AHAs and helps clarify pores for radiant results. It’s also infused with the warm floral scent of Cheirosa 40 for a truly rejuvenating shower sesh. 

Sol tip: Make sure the water is not too hot, but still warm enough to open pores so skin can better absorb your products.

Step 2: Exfoliate a Few Times a Week 

We stan self-care Sundays, especially in the cold, dark months when the weather can get you down. Give your skin extra TLC by exfoliating with Bum Bum Body Scrub after rinsing off your body wash. With an all-natural blend of crushed cupuaçu seeds, sugar crystals, caffeine-rich guaraná, and coconut oil, it gives you soft, summer-ready skin even in the middle of winter. 

Sol tip: Focus on rough, dry patches of skin, including elbows, knees, and back of feet.

Step 3: Apply a Rich Body Cream Daily

Once you’ve rinsed and gently toweled off, apply body cream to skin that’s slightly damp. Warm a generous amount in your hands to help the product spread evenly. Then massage into skin using slow, circular motions to boost circulation, taking your time over areas that typically need extra hydration, such as shins, arms, chest, and shoulders. 

Two of our best body creams for winter: Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream, which uses plant squalane and cacay oil to boost collagen* and support skin elasticity, and Delícia Drench™ Body Butter, which locks in deep moisture and restores your skin barrier with the help of bacuri butter. As a final step, spritz on the matching Cheirosa 59 Delícia Drench™ Perfume Mist: the uplifting woody vanilla scent that’s proven to boost your mood. 

Sol tip: Moisturize within three minutes of stepping out of the shower so that your skin soaks up the humidity of the bathroom.  

A Few More Winter Body Care Tips

Keeping your skin happy, healthy, and glowing throughout the winter months takes a little extra effort, so we’ve got some other ideas for you. 

Drink up! When it comes to staying hydrated, what you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it. Be sure you’re drinking plenty of water, which you can also get from tea and fruits. 

Don’t skip the SPF! Even when you’re all bundled up, it’s important to apply sunscreen to exposed skin, especially your face. Look for a formula that offers SPF 30 or higher, like our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil.

Avoid itchy clothing. To reduce friction against your skin, which can lead to irritation, opt for soft, breathable fabrics. 

Winter can be a drag, but that doesn’t have to apply to your skin care routine. With our  body care, you can keep your glow going all year long–and have fun while doing it. 

*Based on a 9-day study vs. untreated skin.

SPF Spray or Oil: Which Is Right for Me?

The sunscreen game has come a long way. Now, there are elegant, easy-to-use formulas like sprays, body oils, and lightweight lotions—many of which have bonus skincare benefits in addition to sun protection.

So which one should you use? Well, experts agree that the best SPF is the one you actually want to wear every day. Two formulas that fit the bill? Our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil, which is amazing for dry skin, and our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray, which is refreshing and ultra-convenient. Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about these two sunscreens.

SPF Spray: The Features and Benefits

Sunscreen spray is a type of SPF that you, well, spray onto your body, making it super-easy to apply and reapply. Our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray is a continuous-spray, non-greasy formula that’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. It also features UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, and it is oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free. 

Here’s what makes this sunscreen a fan-favorite: It provides a cooling sensation as you spray it on and leaves a gorgeous, natural sheen that looks beautiful on all skin tones. As a bonus, it helps to brighten and even skin tone thanks to vitamin C-rich pitanga extract and niacinamide. Finally, it features our Cheirosa 87 scent, with beachy & nostalgic notes of solar tuberose and leite de coco. Who’s ready to get misting?

How To Use SPF Spray

One thing that makes Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray a must-have for summer (and the rest of the year, tbh) is that it’s so easy to apply on the go. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your bottle: 

• Shake well before use and apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. 
• Mist evenly onto skin, holding the bottle four to six inches away for the best coverage. Then, massage it in so you don’t miss any spots!
• Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray is water-resistant up to 40 minutes, so be sure to reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 

SPF Oil: The Features and Benefits

An SPF oil, on the other hand, is essentially a body care-infused oil with significant sun protection. Let’s clarify something right away: SPF oil is not the same thing as tanning oil. Tanning oil does the opposite—stimulating melanin production in the skin, a.k.a. causing UV damage. Even if a tanning oil says it has a small amount of SPF, it still isn’t enough to protect your skin in a meaningful way (the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum of SPF 30). 

If you want a SPF oil, try our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil, which not only has SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection, but is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. And unlike other oils you may have tried, the non-greasy dry oil formula feels amazing on skin. It’s made with nourishing patauá oil as well as pongamia seed extract, which helps protect skin from environmental aggressors. As a finishing touch, it has golden mica, which instantly adds a gorgeous shimmer that looks beautiful on all skin tones.

How To Use SPF Oil

With its high SPF, nourishing formula, and golden glow, Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil is a warm-weather must-have. Here’s how to use it:

• Shake well before use and apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. 
• Mist evenly onto skin, holding the bottle four to six inches away and massage all over so you don’t miss any spots.
• Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil is water-resistant up to 40 minutes, but be sure to reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 
• Pro tip: You can apply it as a daily body oil for both skin nourishment and added glow—sun optional.

The Differences Between SPF Spray and Oil

Now that you have the full breakdown of our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray and SPF 50 Body Oil, it’s time for a little compare and contrast to help you pick which one is right for you.

Formula: Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray is a continuous-spray body sunscreen with refreshing coconut water for an instant cooling sensation. Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil is a nourishing, non-greasy dry oil with golden mica that lends a gorgeous shimmer to all skin tones.

SPF: Both formulas have broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 sun protection and are water-resistant up to 40 minutes.

Application: Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray is a continuous spray, so it’s convenient to apply and reapply at the beach or pool. Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil is applied one spray at a time so you have extra control when and where it’s applied onto your skin. 

Finish: Both sunscreens are designed to look gorgeous on all skin tones. Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray leaves a natural sheen. Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil has golden mica in the formula to give skin a beachy shimmer on contact.

Fragrance: Both formulas feature our beachy and nostalgic Cheirosa 87 scent, featuring notes of…

Top: Leite de Coco, Warm Sand 
Mid: Solar Tuberose, Ylang Ylang  
Dry: Creamy Vanilla, Amber Essence 

Sun Care Recommendations and Tips

Been burned before, so to speak, by tanning oil? We hear you. But don’t worry: sunscreen oils are perfectly safe to use. “They’re great for protecting your skin but usually have a moisturizing component, are easy to spread, and have a lighter texture than creams or lotions,” board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, tells Byrdie. “It also typically gives a glowy, glazed look to the skin after application.” And rest assured, Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil doesn’t contain mineral oil, the main ingredient in tanning oil.

The main thing to remember with SPF oil, as with any sunscreen, is that you apply it correctly and often. And a formula that doubles as body care is always an added bonus. “I like looking for hydrating ingredients in my sunscreen oil for dual benefits, as well as antioxidants to help fight environmental aggressors,” Zubritzky tells Byrdie. And again, Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil fits the bill, as it contains nourishing patauá oil, as well as antioxidant-rich pongamia seed extract.

When it comes to your spray sunscreen, it’s just as important to apply correctly. “Dermatologists recommend spraying until your skin glistens,” according to the American Academy of Dermatologists website. Then, be sure to massage it into the skin thoroughly so you don’t miss any spots. Now you have the full breakdown of the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray and Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Oil. Both formulas are suitable for all skin types, feature broad-spectrum sun protection, and come in our Cheirosa 87 scent, so you really can’t go wrong. Can’t decide? Our Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Travel Duo has travel sizes of both sunscreens, so you can bring them on your next vacation, or simply test them out!

How to Apply Body Butter for Hydrated, Happy Skin

Dreaming of deeply hydrated skin and a healthy glow? It’s closer than you think with the right body butter.

Ultra-rich and luxurious, body butter is perfect for soothing extra dry areas like elbows and knees, or simply indulging in intense hydration.

Ready to take your skin’s moisture up a notch? Here’s the scoop on how to use body butter. 

What is Body Butter? 

Body butter isn’t your average moisturizer. It works beneath the service to deliver intense hydration. Thicker than body cream, it’s often packaged in a jar for easy scooping.

Body butter is also known to nourish and rejuvenate dry skin––whether that’s all over or only on problem patches, such as elbows and knees. Rich body butter is your body care bestie especially during cooler months. Our body butter uses ingredients like bacuri butter, prebiotic hibiscus, and Brazilian Soothing Complex to lock in moisture up to 24 hours.* 

What Do You Use Body Butter For? 

If you’re new to this side of body care, you may be wondering: What are body butters used for? Let us break it down for you.

Soothing Dry Or Irritated Skin 

If you have dry skin prone to cracking, the intense moisture from a body butter will help keep you soft and smooth. It’s also a go-to moisturizer for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, or more minor irritations. 

Protecting Your Skin 

Body butter forms a barrier on your skin to help retain moisture. It also protects against environmental stressors that cause chapped skin, like wind or cold air. 

How Do You Use Body Butter? 

Body butter beginner? Here’s how to use body butter cream for your softest, smoothest skin yet. 

First, start with clean skin. Apply body butter right after a shower or bath to help lock in  moisture. Then use your fingers to scoop a generous amount and rub it between your hands so it warms up. Doing this makes it easier to apply, while also adding to the luxurious experience. 

Then, use circular motions to massage all over your body, concentrating on areas where skin feels most dry, like elbows and knees. Allow time for the nourishing benefits to soak in before getting dressed.  

When Do You Use Body Butter? 

So, exactly when do you put on body butter? You’ll seal in the most moisture when you apply body butter while your skin is still slightly damp post-shower.  

You can also add it to your wind down routine at night, which is another good time to lock in moisture. Because you typically move less while sleeping, it’s more likely to soak in. It’s also so nice to wake up with super-soft skin.  

How Often to Apply Body Butter 

There are few optimal times for when to use body butter. In the fall and winter, try making it part of your daily post-shower routine. We also suggest applying it each night and then during the day, focusing only on places where you’re extra dry.

And don’t forget to pay special attention to the backs of your hands and cuticles. Dry cuticles can hurt (ouch!) and the backs of your hands are less age-resilient than the rest of your body. 

Body Butter FAQs 

For lingering questions about how to use a body butter, we’ve got answers. Dive in for all the details.

Can you use body butter on your face? 

Body butter is intended only for your body and isn’t tested for the skin on your face. Its rich consistency can also clog your pores and lead to blemishes. 

Do you put body butter on in the shower? 

It’s best to apply body butter after showering and towel-drying your skin. Your skin should still be slightly damp and able to absorb the moisture. You can also apply it to wet skin while still in the shower, but it will take longer to dry. 

How should I store my body butter? 

To keep your body butter fresh, store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity—like a pantry or cabinet. If it melts, you can refrigerate it until it hardens. 

In just a few minutes, you’ve gone from wondering how I use body butter? to being well on your way to your most hydrated skin. Trust us, your skin will thank you.