Dermatologists frequently encounter this phenomenon of finding a perfect body care routine.
Patients present with immaculate facial skin, yet the condition of their bodies below the neck is markedly different.
According to Dr. Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, individuals often have extremely dry skin on their bodies that resembles the texture of alligator skin, but their faces are adequately moisturized.
According to Dr. Lauren Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, S.C., some people have dry patches on their backs or black spots on their hands and arms.
According to Dr. Ploch, many individuals disregard taking care of their bodies since they often focus on maintaining the appearance of their faces.
However, it is important to note that the skin on the rest of your body need an equal amount of care and attention as the skin on your face.
Here is the method to provide it with the necessary requirements.
Keep it simple.
The skin, which is the biggest organ of the body, serves numerous vital tasks.
It maintains homeostasis by regulating body temperature and protecting against dehydration, UV light damage, and infection by pathogenic microorganisms.
According to Dr. Ploch, any skin issue that can happen on your face, such as dryness, acne, UV damage, or skin cancer, can also appear on other parts of your body.
According to Dr. Ostad, melanoma frequently originates on the chest and back for men and on the legs for women, particularly among those with lighter skin tones.
According to Dr. Lindsey Bordone, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia hospital in New York City, it is better to have a minimalistic approach when it comes to developing a skincare regimen for your body.
According to dermatologists, this three-step approach is recommended.
Step 1- Ensure thorough cleansing of the area.
The frequency of your showers is a personal choice.
However, Dr. Bordone suggests that excessively cleaning your entire body with soap on a daily basis may be excessive, particularly if you have a tendency to have dry skin or eczema.
According to Dr. Ostad, the majority of soaps contain surfactants, which aid in the removal of debris and oil.
However, these surfactants can also harm the skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness or irritation.
According to him, it is typically sufficient to apply soap to the complete body only two to three times a week. “My patients are surprised when I say this,” he continued.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to cleanse the areas that accumulate dirt or perspiration, such as hands, feet, armpits, groin, and buttocks, on a daily basis.
Dr. Ploch recommends daily use of soap to cleanse your complete body if your occupation involves regular interaction with individuals or exposure to germs, such as in the fields of healthcare or education.
According to Dr. Ploch, it is advisable to use a mild cleanser, whether it is in the form of body wash or bar soap.
Dr. Ostad suggested using products containing glycerin, niacinamide, urea, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
These chemicals, known as humectants, have the ability to retain and restore moisture in the skin.
Dr. Bordone advises against using antibacterial soaps as they can eliminate beneficial bacteria on the skin and make you more susceptible to infections.
Avoid using abrasive body washes and products containing fragrances, since they might potentially cause skin irritation.
Step 2 – Apply moisturizer
According to dermatologists, it is crucial to apply lotion or cream generously to your entire body, paying particular attention to your arms, legs, torso, and difficult-to-access areas such as your back, in order to maintain healthy skin.
“Patients frequently present with complaints of pruritus on their dorsal region,” stated Dr. Ploch. “In the field of dermatology, we refer to this condition as winter itch.”
According to Dr. Ostad, applying moisturizer on a daily basis helps to safeguard and restore the protective layer of your skin, while also keeping it well-hydrated.
This reduces the chances of experiencing dryness and irritation.
According to Dr. Bordone, it is advisable to increase the frequency of moisturizing during the winter months or if you have a tendency to develop dry skin.
Conversely, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it is recommended to decrease the frequency of moisturizing.
Dr. Ostad recommends searching for moisturizers that contain humectant substances, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, urea, glycerin, and shea butter.
These components help to retain moisture in the skin. Utilize oil-free products if you are experiencing acne.
According to Dr. Bordone, the optimal time to apply moisturizer is immediately after leaving the shower and gently drying oneself.
To enhance moisture retention throughout the day, generously apply a dense moisturizer onto skin that is slightly moist.
Step 3 – Administer sunscreen
According to Dr. Ploch, it is essential to consistently apply sunscreen to all parts of your body that will be uncovered and exposed to the sun, such as your face, chest, arms, legs, and hands.
According to her, elderly patients frequently exhibit clear skin on their back and upper arms, but their skin below the sleeve is characterized by a mottled and spotty appearance, indicating UV damage.
It is widely advised by professionals to use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and to reapply it at least every two hours.
Consistent application of sunscreen on a daily basis provides protection against detrimental ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reduces the likelihood of developing skin cancer, and diminishes the appearance of aging indicators such as sunspots, pigmentation alterations, and wrinkles, as stated by Dr. Ploch.
When to Consult a Dermatologist
Consult a professional if your skin continues to experience sensations of tightness, dryness, or irritation, despite the regular use of a mild cleanser and daily moisturization, as advised by Dr. Ploch.
You may be experiencing a dermatological disorder, such as acne, eczema, or contact dermatitis, which requires medical intervention.
According to her, physicians may suggest cosmetic procedures such as Botox or laser treatments if you are concerned about wrinkles or sunspots.
(The headline and the story has not been edited by THND staff and is published from a syndicated feed. However there can be minor changes from the original source article.)
Further Reading :
- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/23/well/live/shower-every-day.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/article/sunscreen-spf-safety.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/19/well/body-acne-treatments.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/25/well/live/skin-care-winter-dryness.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/09/well/live/body-skin-care-routine.html#:~:text=Slathering%20lotion%20or%20cream%20all,%2C%E2%80%9D%20Dr.%20Ploch%20said.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-care-tips
