When it comes to skincare, we are constantly exposed to information, products and how to care for your face–but what about your body?

Learning about the key differences between the needs for a facial skincare regimen vs. a full body skincare routine can further support a holistic skincare approach, addressing the unique needs and challenges of the body’s largest organ. After all, your body covers way more area than your face, so let’s take a closer look.

Our skin is the first layer of defense against our environment, and as such, is subjected to constant attack from external stressors such as UV exposure, pollution and irritants. As your face is exposed more than any other part of your body, we tend to pay attention to it as a primary focus with barrier protection and targeted solutions.

It is estimated that the skin on our face and neck accounts for around only 5% of the total surface area of our skin, while our body accounts for approximately 91%.

Shifting attention and focus to body care supports a more comprehensive approach.

Skin’s structure comprises of three main layers:

• Epidermis - The top layer primarily acts as a shield to keep water in and harmful stressors out.


• Dermis - Home to structural proteins which provide skin with its firmness.


• Hypodermis -A fat-rich layer providing insulation, energy storage and acts as an anchor for the skin to the body.

While the primary functions of the skin remain relatively the same across the entire body, there are several differences between facial and body skin:

• Skin Barrier & Hydration - On average, the skin barrier is stronger across areas of the body than the face, however the inverse is true for hydration, with the face exhibiting higher hydration readings than the body.


• Sebum Levels - Levels of sebum change across areas of the face and body, being higher in areas such as the face and neck, and lower in areas like the legs and back.


• Microbiome - The composition of the skin's microbiome varies widely depending on the location. Multiple factors contribute to this, including genetics, sebum levels and pH.


• Epidermal Thickness - The thickness of the epidermis varies across the face and body, with some of the thinnest on the eyelid, and thickest on the feet and palms of the hands

This disparity between focusing on face vs. body is likely due to several factors, including the visibility of the skin area, level of exposure to external elements and even the fact that our face is the centerpoint of both verbal and non-verbal communication, drawing more attention towards it.

Here are some common myths when it comes to body skincare:

Myth #1: Body lotion is only necessary for dry skin.

• Reality: All skin types benefit from regular moisturization. Even oily or combination skin types can experience dryness, especially in certain areas like elbows and knees.

Myth #2: Using body wash is enough to keep skin clean and healthy.

• Reality: While many body washes are formulated to be non-stripping, some can strip away the skin's natural oils and - depending on your skin's condition - lead to dryness and irritation. Following up with moisturizer helps maintain skin hydration.

Myth #3: Exfoliating the body is unnecessary and can be harsh on the skin.

• Reality: Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and promoting cell turnover. Opting for gentle exfoliants suitable for the body can improve skin texture.

Myth #4: Body skincare products are interchangeable; any lotion or soap will do.

• Reality: Just like facial skincare, choosing products tailored to your body's specific needs—whether it's dryness, sensitivity, or aging—can lead to better results and an overall improved skin appearance.

Caring for overall skin health (both face and body) supports a total approach to skincare wellness.

Some common concerns include:

• Dryness - Similar to the face, body hydration is fundamental to maintaining a healthy skin appearance. When the skin lacks water, it negatively affects many processes within that keep it looking smooth and plump. By supporting the skin barrier and hydration, finding the right product can help improve the look of firmness and elasticity.


• Dullness - Refers to a lack of radiance in the skin's appearance, often caused by factors like dryness, dead skin cell buildup, and environmental stressors. Regular exfoliation, moisturization, and incorporating brightening ingredients can help restore the look of luminosity to the skin.


• Textural Irregularities- Roughness, bumps or uneven texture can be caused by a number of factors including environmental factors that can disrupt skin’s natural renewal process. This can often be addressed with exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, coupled with moisturizing to hydrate and soften the skin.


• Aging - Finding products to support skin renewal can help reduce the look of uneven skin texture, as the body ages differently from facial skin and needs a separate approach.

Similar to our approach for a facial skincare regimen, we recommend the same for body care. It’s important to Prep the skin, or cleanse the body, Treat skin after with products to exfoliate or target concerns, and then finally lock in all those ingredients in with your Seal step, or a locking moisturizer. As always, we believe sun protection is always essential, both on the face or body.

Just like facial skincare, the following considerations should be made when selecting the appropriate body products:

Seasonal Adjustments

Many environmental factors that change across seasons can affect the condition and appearance of the skin, including temperature, relative humidity, and sun exposure. Also, skin may be susceptible to stress and damage, decreasing its hydration in certain environments, like on an airplane or in certain altitudes can affect skin.

• Temperature: Skin's ability to recover is slower in cold temperatures. In cold, dry weather, the skin's water content decreases, making it look dry and flaky. In contrast, in summer, high humidity and low barometric pressure help keep the skin hydrated by allowing water to diffuse from deeper layers.


• UV Exposure: UV radiation damages skin cells causing oxidative stress. Over time, this damage can lead to signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines, as well as uneven skin tone or sun spots.

Skincare for Different Body Parts

When looking at your whole body, your approach to different parts of the body should require different approaches. Across factors such as sebum levels, epidermal thickness, and your microbiome composite, what you would normally use for your neck may differ from what you would use on your hands. A product guide or additional information provided when purchasing a product for your body should state which body part it’s intended for and if you still need additional help, consult with your physician.

It’s important to not overlook body parts that often get neglected, over-exfoliate or ignore skin reactions.