James' Top Tips on Caring for the Skin of your Body
What are some common skin disorders we experience on our bodies?
With the skin of the body being such a large organ, it is therefore susceptible to a long list of skin issues and disorders. Common disorders include eczema, which favours areas such as our inner elbows and knees; psoriasis which favours the scalp, trunk, knees and elbows; as well as severe dryness, known as xeroderma, and dermatitis which is often temporary and can be easily fixed.
James, tell us about Keratosis Polaris, please?
Keratosis Polaris (KP) is is a harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. These tiny little bumps are an overproduction of the protein keratin, which blocks the movement of hair or oil, resulting in the bump.
Recently, I have seen a lot of clients with KP not just on their arms, but on their face too, and whilst the treatment is the same in terms of ingredients that work well, we have to be careful as the skin of the face is very different to the skin of the arms and legs.
Ingredients such as alpha and beta-hydroxy acids as well as Vitamin A can reduce the blockages releasing the texture and redness. KP appears on the legs often from fabric rubbing and irritating e.g. denim.
Can 'anti-aging' ingredients we commonly associate with facial care products like peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide and other antioxidants have any benefits for our bodies?
Often the skin of our body is an afterthought, especially when it comes to protecting these areas from the harmful and ageing effects of the sun.
In addition, with the skin of the body being larger than the face, these areas can accrue a greater amount of damage at the one time and the skin of our body usually doesn’t get the same level of time and expense that we give to our face.
Common skin ingredients, such as peptides, Vitamins A, B and C, as well as acids, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides and antioxidants, all work on the skin of the body to target specific concerns, such as discolourations, texture, breakouts, age management and sensitivity.
Skin, with the inclusion of our feet, is really skin so treat it all the same if you have the desire and budget.
What are some of the best ingredients to keep an eye out for when shopping for body products?
I love a two-in-one chemical exfoliant, e.g. lactic acid and body moisturiser. Cue Aspect's Body Therapy, $115.00.
The exfoliating component helps the hydrating ingredients to penetrate and creates one less step of needing to scrub in the shower.
I think a body oil hides a multitude of sins as it hydrates, softens and tones a skin, in addition to giving it a glow.
Important to note that just like our face can get irritated from too many actives, the skin of our body can also reach a saturation point and it can get irritated and sore. Ensure you’re not overdoing it. Too much of a good thing isn’t always good, often its actually quite bad!
What are the most common complaints your clients come to you with when talking about the skin on their bodies?
When it comes to the neck and the chest, clients have often sprayed their perfume on these areas and you can see a faster break down of collagen and elastin, in addition to pigmentation issues. This is known as Poikiloderma of Civatte.
News flash: one of the most photosensitising ingredients to the skin is fragrance. I encourage clients to spray on non-exposed areas or on their clothing.
Aspect's Pigment Punch body, $77.00, is a fantastic body product to help reduce hyperpigmentation and inhibit more from forming.
KP is very common, as well as pigmentation on arms and legs. It’s essential to get a full skin check before removing any pigmentation from the body to avoid removing the signs of skin cancer and therefore reducing early detection.
Care to chat more about the skin/skin of the body? Book a consult to chat on of our therapists, here.
