Summer Smooth Skin Routine: What to Save, What to Splurge

Summer skin isn’t just about glow. It’s about being touchably smooth, bump-free, and confident in your own body from every angle. I like to feel free wearing shorts, showing off my shoulders, or slipping into a bikini, but rough patches, keratosis pilaris, and ingrown hairs can get in the way. Don’t worry—there’s a method to the smoothness.

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After testing dozens of body care staples and so-called “miracle” treatments, I’ve narrowed down my ultimate body-smoothing summer skincare routine. Some are worth the splurge (hello, luxury scrubs), and some are affordable essentials you’ll want to stock up on in bulk to lock in inflation prices. Here is everything you need to know about how these products work, how to use them, and why they deserve a spot in your shower or vanity.

🧽 STEP 1: Exfoliate Intelligently—Chemical Meets Physical

💸 SPLURGE: Bum Bum Body Scrub by Sol de Janeiro

What it does:
This luxe body scrub uses crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals to buff away dead skin, revealing baby-smooth legs, arms, and even your chest. Enriched with caffeine-rich guaraná, it also improves circulation and gives the skin a more toned look.

Why it works:
The texture is fine and rich, meaning you don’t need a lot per use. Plus, the Sol de Janeiro scent is iconic for a reason—think beachy, sweet, and summer in a jar.

How to use:
Use 2–3 times a week on damp skin in the shower. Massage in circular motions and rinse thoroughly. Follow with moisturizer or SPF.

💰 SAVE: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub

What it does:
This drugstore gem contains salicylic acid (BHA) to help unclog pores and prevent body acne. It’s especially useful for those prone to breakouts on their back, chest, or arms.

Why it works:
It combines gentle scrubbing beads with acne-fighting ingredients, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone summer skin.

How to use:
Apply daily or as needed in breakout-prone areas, especially post-workout or sweat-heavy days.

✋ STEP 2: Manual Tools to Boost Circulation & Exfoliation

🪥 SAVE: Body Brush (Dry Brushing)

What it does:
Dry brushing stimulates lymphatic drainage, exfoliates dead skin, and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite over time.

Why it works:
It improves circulation and preps your skin for better absorption of your body treatments.

How to use:
Use on dry skin before showering. Brush in long, upward strokes toward your heart. Avoid broken skin or sensitive areas.

🧼 SAVE: Loofah

What it does:
A loofah is a gentle way to exfoliate and cleanse in one step. It’s a budget-friendly staple that enhances your body wash and helps slough off daily buildup.

How to use:
Replace every 2–4 weeks for hygiene. Lather with your favorite cleanser and scrub in circular motions.

🧴 STEP 3: Clear Texture + Brighten Skin

💸 SPLURGE: First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

What it does:
This is a cult-favorite for a reason. With glycolic and lactic acids (AHAs), it exfoliates deeply to reduce keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin”), ingrown hairs, and rough patches.

Why it works:
It combines physical exfoliants (pumice) with chemical exfoliants, making it a double-action powerhouse that visibly smooths your skin after just a few uses.

How to use:
2–3 times a week, massage onto damp skin in the shower. Let it sit for a minute to allow acids to penetrate, then rinse.

💸 SPLURGE: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

What it does:
Technically for the face, but trust me—these pre-soaked pads are magic on décolletage, arms, and anywhere you want to brighten skin tone or fade discoloration.

Why it works:
Infused with lactic and glycolic acid, they gently exfoliate and boost radiance without irritation.

How to use:
Swipe on clean skin post-shower, 2–3 times per week. Great for bikini area or back-of-arm glow.

✂️ STEP 4: Hair Removal—Your Smooth Skin Foundation

💰 SAVE: Waxing Kit (At-Home)

What it does:
A great option for long-lasting hair removal that also helps reduce future growth over time.

Why it works:
By removing hair from the root, you prevent stubble and achieve longer periods of smooth skin.

How to use:
Heat, apply, pull in the opposite direction of growth. Always exfoliate gently 24 hours before waxing and moisturize afterward.

💸 SPLURGE: Laser Hair Removal

What it does:
A permanent hair reduction option that saves time and hassle in the long run.

Why it works:
Laser targets the pigment in your hair follicle, gradually reducing regrowth. Summer isn’t the ideal time for professional laser due to sun exposure—but at-home devices can help maintain.

How to use:
Use weekly on clean, dry skin. Avoid sun exposure and use SPF on treated areas.

💰 SAVE: Shaving System (Razor + Cream)

What it does:
A great razor paired with a hydrating shave cream helps prevent razor bumps, cuts, and dryness.

Why it works:
Hydrating creams create slip and protect the skin barrier. A quality razor minimizes tugging.

How to use:
Shave in the direction of hair growth. Use warm water and rinse blades often. Pat dry and moisturize afterward.

🌞 STEP 5: Protect & Maintain Smooth Skin

💸 SPLURGE: Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 by Supergoop!

What it does:
A weightless, invisible sunscreen that doubles as a makeup primer and offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection.

Why it works:
Smooths the skin while protecting against UVA/UVB rays. It’s oil-free and won’t clog pores—perfect for post-exfoliation or post-hair removal skin.

How to use:
Apply generously as the last step in your routine. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or immediately after sweating.

BONUS: Maintenance Tips for Consistently Smooth Summer Skin

✅ Exfoliate—but not every day

Overdoing exfoliation can backfire. Stick to 2–3 times a week for most products unless it’s a daily gentle formula.

✅ Moisturize daily

Smooth skin starts with hydration. Use lightweight body lotions or oils immediately after showering to lock in moisture.

✅ Shave at night

This gives your skin time to calm down before sun exposure the next day—plus, your pores are less inflamed overnight.

✅ Don’t forget your SPF

Whether you’re heading out for errands or basking poolside, sunscreen is your #1 anti-aging and anti-hyperpigmentation essential.

Save or Splurge: Final Thoughts

Here’s a breakdown of what’s worth the investment vs. where you can confidently save:

You don’t need an entire luxury cabinet to get results. Use the high-performance products strategically, and fill in with budget-friendly daily staples. These are what I use regularly in my weekly routine throughout a majority of the year. All of these steps do not need to be applied for an everything shower a few times a week, but one thing here and there throughout the week, so it does not feel like an overwhelming chore you wish to avoid.Your smoothest, silkiest, most confident summer body is just a routine away in affordably simple steps. 

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