How to Achieve “Dolphin Skin” This Summer

Step 1: Slough Away Dead Skin Buildup

Dolphins have super smooth skin that helps them glide through the water with ease. But did you know that they also have a little skincare routine, one that we humans like doing? Our mammal friends regularly exfoliate by rubbing against certain corals to shed their dead skin and prevent infections.

Take a cue from the dolphins but leave out the corals. Instead, use the dry brushing technique to scrub your body. For the face, you can try using a chemical exfoliant since it also works to unclog the pores.

Dry brushing helps remove dead skin and boost blood circulation.

Step 2: Cleanse Your Skin

Give your complexion a wake-up call with a good and thorough wash. But don’t pick just any product. One of the keys to unlocking dolphin skin is choosing a gentle cleanser that can effectively remove dirt and oil without causing dryness or irritation.

Look for hydrating ingredients, like ones in Dove Go Fresh Cucumber & Green Tea Body Wash and Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash. The former contains cucumber and green tea extracts for a moisture boost whereas the latter is infused with Sakura flower and Himalayan pink salt to help soothe the skin. Plus, both feature Microbiome Gentle Skin Prebiotics Formula that helps maintain the skin’s natural protective layer and preserve the moisture level.

A hydrating face or body wash can help your skin retain moisture better.

Step 3: Moisturize in Layers

What is dolphin skin without moisturizers? Only well-hydrated skin can look dewy. That’s why you need two types of products in your arsenal: humectants and emollients.

First, coat your skin with humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. They attract water molecules into the skin. Next, top it off with emollients like shea butter. These ingredients deliver lipids to the skin barrier, helping protect your skin from irritation and soften any rough or flaky patches.

Humectants and emollients work in tandem to keep your skin supple and hydrated throughout the day.

Step 4: Add a Coat of Oil

If your skin is feeling extra parched, call in reinforcements. Applying a face or body oil helps seal in moisture and adds a nice sheen to your skin However, avoid pore-clogging formulations, especially if your skin is acne-prone. Scour for lightweight options like rosehip, squalane, and grapeseed oils, which are also packed with antioxidants.

Plant-based oils have many skin benefits since they have loads of vitamins and fatty acids.

Step 5: Build Your Base

After skin prep, focus on your makeup base. Create a flawless canvas with a luminous foundation to keep the glow meter up. If your skin leans towards the oily side, opting for a satin foundation helps minimize greasiness. Pro tip: blend your makeup with a damp sponge for a seamless and dewy finish.

Make sure to consider your skin type before choosing your base makeup. Also, skip powder!

Step 6: Sprinkle Some Highlighter

What makes dolphin skin unique is its wet-looking shimmer. That said, keep in mind that it has to look as if you just had a dip in the pool, so stay away from anything with glitter. Use a highlighter balm or petroleum jelly (a budget-friendly alternative!) to give you that dolphin-like gloss.

Dab the highlighter onto your cheekbones, brow bones, chin, the bridge of your nose, and cupid bow. Take it a notch by putting the same highlighter on your collarbones, shoulders, upper arms, and shins. Not enough shine? Do a full sweep of lip gloss over your pout to complete your dolphin skin look.

For the most natural-looking effect, put highlighter only on areas where the light naturally hits your skin.