Q: I perfected a skincare routine for my face. Should I have something similar for the rest of my body?
Dermatologists see it all the time. Patients come in with a flawless complexion, but below the neck is a different story.
Often, the skin on their bodies is so dry it “looks like alligator skin,” while their faces are well hydrated, said Dr. Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. Others have dry patches on their backs or dark spots on their hands and arms, said Dr. Lauren Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, SC.
Many people neglect to take care of the body because the face is what usually appears, Dr. Ploch said. But the skin on the rest of your body needs just as much attention as the skin on your face. Here’s how to give him what he needs.
Less is more
Your skin, the body’s largest organ, has many important functions. It regulates your body temperature and protects against issues such as dehydration, UV damage and contamination from potentially harmful germs.
Any skin problem that can show up on your face — dryness, acne, sun damage, skin cancer — can show up on the rest of your body, Dr. Ploch said.
In fact, for people with lighter skin tones, melanoma usually starts on the chest and back for men and on the legs for women, Dr. Ostad said.
When it comes to creating a skin care routine for your body, less is more, said Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Hospital in New York.
Dermatologists recommend this three-step routine.
Step 1: Clean properly
How often you shower is up to you. But scrubbing every inch of your body with soap every day could be overkill, especially if you’re prone to dry skin or eczema, Dr. Bordone said. Most soaps contain surfactants, which help remove dirt and oil, but can degrade the skin’s protective barrier, resulting in dryness or irritation, Dr. Ostad said.
You generally only need to do a full-body lather two to three times a week, she said. “My patients do a double take when I say that,” he added.
However, you should clean areas that get dirty or sweat, such as hands, feet, armpits, groin and buttocks, daily. And Dr. Ploch suggests washing your entire body with soap daily if your job requires frequent contact with people or germs, such as in health care or education.
You can use body wash or soap, but make sure it’s a gentle cleanser, Dr. Ploch said. Dr. Ostad recommended products with glycerin, niacinamide, urea, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides, which are humectants, or substances that trap and replenish moisture in the skin.
Avoid antibacterial soaps, which can destroy the healthy bacteria that live on the skin and cause you to get an infection, Dr. Bordone said. And stay away from harsh body scrubs and scented items, which can irritate the skin.
Step 2: Moisturize
Applying lotion or cream all over your body, especially your arms, legs, torso and hard-to-reach areas like your back, is essential for healthy skin, dermatologists say.
“Several times a day, patients come in and complain of an itchy back,” Dr. Ploch said. “We call this winter the itch in dermatology.”
Daily moisturizing protects and repairs your skin’s barrier and keeps it hydrated, minimizing the chance of dryness and irritation, Dr. Ostad said.
You may need to moisturize more often during the winter months or if you’re prone to dry skin, Dr. Bordone said, or less often if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Look for moisturizers with moisturizing ingredients similar to those in cleansers: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, urea, glycerin and shea butter, which lock in moisture, Dr. Ostad said. And use oil-free products if you have acne.
The best time to moisturize is right after you get out of the shower and dry yourself, Dr. Bordone said. Apply a thick moisturizer to slightly damp skin to help it retain moisture throughout the day.
Step 3: Apply sunscreen
You should always apply sunscreen to any areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun, such as your face, chest, arms, legs and hands, Dr. Ploch said. Often, older patients will have clear skin on their backs and arms, he said, but “from their sleeve down, it’s mottled and mottled,” a sign of sun damage.
Most experts recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying it at least every two hours.
Using sunscreen daily protects your skin from harmful UV rays, reduces your risk of skin cancer and minimizes signs of aging, such as sun spots, pigmentation changes and wrinkles, Dr. Ploch said.
When to see a dermatologist
See a specialist if your skin still feels tight, dry or irritated even after using a gentle cleanser and moisturizer daily, Dr. Ploch said. You may have a skin condition such as acne, eczema or contact dermatitis that needs treatment.
If wrinkles or sunspots bother you, dermatologists may also recommend cosmetic procedures like Botox or laser treatments, she said.
