Q: I’m diligent with my facial skincare, but I often neglect my body. Does body care really make a difference, and what should I focus on?
A: Absolutely. The skin on your body makes up the majority of your skin’s surface area (96%), yet it often gets less attention than the face. Body skin experiences the same concerns as the face - dryness, pigmentation, loss of elasticity and acne.
A few principles go a long way when it comes to caring for our body skin.
- Cleansing gently: Over-stripping body washes can compromise the skin barrier. Opt for sulfate-free formulas that lock in moisture as they cleanse (like Moon Swim Hydrating Body Wash).
- Daily hydration: Just like your face, your body benefits from moisturizers with ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to lock in water and keep the barrier strong.
- Targeted actives: Invest in targeted body serums with ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids for smoothness, niacinamide for tone and peptides for firmness. These types of formulations can deliver visible improvements similar to those seen with facial skincare.
- SPF beyond the face: Hands, chest, shoulders, and legs are commonly exposed yet often overlooked. These are also areas where sun damage shows earliest so daily UV protection is key.
Investing in your body’s skin health isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. Body care not only improves texture and resilience but also how you feel in your own skin.
