Your Glow-Up Shouldn't Stop at Your Jawline: A Guide to Body Skincare
Many people spend considerable time and effort on facial skincare routines. However, the rest of the body often gets overlooked. To achieve radiant, even-toned skin everywhere, extend the skincare routine beyond the jawline.
How Body Skin Differs from Facial Skin
Body skin has unique needs.
Thickness: Skin on the body is generally thicker than facial skin. It can often tolerate more robust ingredients and formulations.
Oil Glands: Oil gland distribution varies across the body. The chest and back can be prone to breakouts due to dense oil glands, while shins and arms might be drier.
Sun Exposure: Different body parts receive varying degrees of sun exposure. Hands and arms might get more chronic exposure, while shoulders might be more prone to intermittent burning.
Concerns: Body-specific concerns might include stretch marks, keratosis pilaris (aka- Strawberry Skin), and dryness.
Understanding these differences helps tailor the body care routine for optimal results.
Essential Ingredients for Body Skincare
Certain ingredients are beneficial for the body.
Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): Retinoids can:
Boost collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness.
Help reduce the appearance of sun damage and uneven tone.
Aid in clearing body acne and improving the texture associated with keratosis pilaris.
Note: Start slowly, as retinoids can cause initial irritation. Apply at night and wash off in morning. Always use SPF during the day.
Peptides: Peptides can:
Signal the skin to produce more collagen, improving firmness and elasticity.
Aid in wound healing and repair.
Support a healthy skin barrier.
Ceramides: Ceramides:
Help retain moisture, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Protect against environmental aggressors.
Are essential for maintaining a healthy and resilient skin barrier, especially important after exfoliation.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor): This is essential for any exposed skin.
Prevents sun damage, including age spots, sun spots, and the breakdown of collagen.
Protects against skin cancer.
Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, reapplying as directed (more often when in direct sunlight), especially on hands, arms, chest, and any other exposed areas. Don’t forget your legs and back!!
Routine Tips for Your Body
Creating a consistent body care routine does not have to be complicated.
Exfoliation (2-3 times a week):
Physical: Use a GENTLE body scrub or an exfoliating glove to slough off dead skin cells, promoting smoother skin and preventing ingrown hairs.
We LOVE Japanese exfoliating washcloths.
Chemical: Body lotions or cleansers containing AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) can chemically exfoliate, which is great for improving texture, treating KP, and fighting body acne. Just be sure to moisturize and not OVER exfoliate!
If you have questions about chemical exfoliants for your skin, make sure to always ask your provider.
Hydration (Daily, after showering):
Apply a rich body lotion or cream to damp skin to lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter.
Hydration is key for a healthy skin barrier and supple skin.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Hydration from the inside is just as important as hydration from the outside.
Targeted Treatments:
Retinoids: Apply a body retinoid lotion a few nights a week to areas to firm or treat for texture and tone.
Acne Treatments: For body acne, use cleansers or spot treatments with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
Firming Creams: Look for products with peptides or caffeine to address areas of concern.
Topical targeted treatments work wonders, but don’t expect overnight results. Consistency is key.
Tech-Enabled Glow-Up:
LED Masks/Devices: Handheld or wearable LED devices can be used on the body to target various concerns.
Red light can stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
Blue light can help kill acne-causing bacteria.
These devices can be especially beneficial for large areas like the back or chest.
Don’t be surprised if you need multiple treatments.
Enhance your results by combining tech with topical treatments!
Microcurrent Devices: Some devices are designed for body toning and can help stimulate muscles and improve skin firmness.
IN CONCLUSION:
Skin is the largest body organ, and it deserves consistent care. Incorporating ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and ceramides, along with exfoliation, hydration, and SPF, can help achieve glowing, even-toned skin everywhere. Let radiant skin shine!
