I will be the first to admit that I am a creature of habit when it comes to most things in life. I like routine; I schedule my workouts, meals, social events and I buy the same brands and products over and over again. The same applies to my beauty routine and bathroom products. And why not? I like what I like, and it works for me, so why should I change it?

What I didn’t realise though, is that I’ve been missing out. And one thing I hate more than a break in my routine is missing out!

See, my ordinary shower gel and body lotion, while very nice, aren’t specific to my active nature. I train 4-5 or more times per week and I sweat… a lot. Sweating opens the pores up, meaning it’s an ideal opportunity to get rid of any nasties that might be lingering ready to clog them up. Sure, my exfoliating face wash and gloves will probably go so far to do that, but could it be better to use something that is specifically designed to not only thoroughly cleanse the skin, but also soothe and calm it too?

Introducing Activbod

Activbod is Britain’s first range of body care products specifically designed for active lifestyles. They have a complete range of products from heating balms to cooling lotions and everything in-between. Developed by people who are as active as their target market, each of their products contains a blend of ingredients that were chosen for their proven results – results that you can feel through cooling and warming of the skin. They aid recovery, rejuvenate and invigorate. 

Activbod kindly sent me a selection of products to try, which I have to say have actually knocked me out of my habitual ways…

Game Changer Face Scrub

This face scrub contains vitamin E complex, which apparently soothes and calms the skin (perfect for after exercise!), as well as micro-scrubbing particles, salicylic acid and sweet almond oil to cleanse the pores, and menthol to give a cooling hit. The biggest thing I noticed from using this scrub was how fresh I felt. I get very hot and red-faced in CrossFit metcons, but this scrub cooled my skin down and left my skin feeling clean and refreshed.

Pick Me Up Scrub

Who doesn’t love a body scrub? Salacylic acid and freen tea offer refreshing properties, and micro-scrubbing particles cleanse the pores. The particles are so effective, you could even use them after cycling to help remove any oil or grime from your gears. The fragrance of this is what really sold it to me though: I use eucalyptus oil in my massage oil and the scent is just so invigorating. Mix that with lemon and pepper and the combination leaves you feeling energised.

Feel Great Shower Concentrate

This handy bottle contains a concentrated formula that gives twice as many washes for a compact size, perfect for your gym bag. Sea minerals, green tea extract and almond oil cleanse the skin while also offering well-needed moisture, and the delicious blend of pepper, eucalyptus and lemon again stimulate you post-sweat-fest.

Cooling Finishing Lotion

Perhaps my favourite of the bunch, this lotion really does what it says on the tin. I am terrible at moisturising, and often end up with dry skin that gets itchy at the end of the day, but that in part is because after exercise I can’t imagine anything worse than using a sticky, oily moisturiser on my already-clammy skin (I know – gross). But this lotion is non-sticky and has a fantastic hit of menthol which instantly cools the skin. Like when you put that Ann Summers jelly on your nose at a party – ladies, you know what I’m talking about! I digress…

Anyway, this stuff would be a dream in a stuffy changing room as the minute you slather it on your whole body feels instantly cooler. It also contains vitamin E acetate and allantoin to moisturise and repair dry skin, and that glorious fragrance combination I keep harping on about. Bottom line? Get it!

Activbod definitely is a must-try for any active individual, if it can make me change my habitual ways then it certainly must be good for something! And just check out that packaging too, very slick.

Where to buy

You can pick up Activbod from certain Boots stores, or online at https://activbod.com/. Prices range from £5 for the Feel Great Shower Concentrate to £12 for the Cooling Finishing Lotion. You can also visit Activbod at Be:Fit London this weekend, so don’t miss out!