Skin Care Essentials 5: Body

So now that we have healthy glowing faces, lets talk about the rest of our body from the chin down. I’ve been struggling with this post trying to get some solid information to share without just rehashing earlier parts of this series. But healthy skin is healthy skin, and the same basic principal of “Cleanse, Hydrate, Protect” applies to the rest of your body. It is just done a little differently.

The big this about your body vs your face is how often to wash. Washing too frequently will cause your skin to dry out. There is not an agreed upon frequency, but on average as little as once or twice a week or as frequent as every other day is probably sufficient. There are, of course, a number of factors that go into this such as skin type, time of year, and activity level. If you are frequently building up a sweat you will need more frequent cleansing, but if your skin is dry you need less frequent cleansing. Don’t forget that even oily skin is sometimes suffering from dryness, which can increase oil production. It’s best to keep showers short and cold or luke warm, not hot. If your skin feels tight when you get out of the shower, that means it is too dry.

Neck & Decolletage

Anything that stick out of the top of your shirt should be cared for the same as your face. Just extend your facial products (except foundation and other make-up) down your neck and onto your chest.

Hands

Your hands are actually exposed to damage more than your face, but the skin is more durable to handle this. Your hands should be washed several times a day to help to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Hydrate your hands with a plant-based butter to keep skin soft, but consider using a petroleum based lotion if your hands are in the water a lot or subject to more frequent washing (for example someone in health care). Most importantly, don’t forget to protect your hands. Use a little extra SPF from your facial care on the backs of your hands year-round, and wear gloves when washing dishes or doing yard work to protect your hands further.

Feet

Dry, cracked feet? Try exfoliating, then treat your feet to extra moisturizing by applying a moisturizer before bed and wearing plush socks overnight. Especially dry or calloused feet may take several treatments to see results.

For achey feet an energizing lotion with menthol and/or peppermint will help to increase blood flow and ease muscle pain.

Body

Just like your face, hands, and feet, your body can benefit from occasional exfoliation. Use an exfoliating body wash that is gentle enough to be used everyday (not that you should be showering that often in most cases) to manage occasional breakouts on your back or other areas.

Sun Care

The best protection from the sun is not exposing your skin to the sun, by way of wearing protective clothing, hats, and staying indoors midday. That is not always possible or preferable in our lives. Extend your daily wear SPF products that we’ve discussed for faces to your neck, hands, and arms. Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is recommend for Active Wear (extended or harsh sun exposure) by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Look for a non-comedogenic formula. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

To get the most out of your skin care, speak with someone trained to help you take care of your skin. Your local Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant has an abundance of products to specialize your skin care to meet your specific needs. Don’t have an Independent Beauty Consultant? Ask your questions here!