Are You Caring For the Skin Below Your Chin?

When we think of skincare, our minds go straight to the face. But that means we neglect more than 75% of our skin! 

Bodycare has never been bigger. We’re moving away from stripping soaps to gentle creams that reinforce your skin’s barrier. With new product launches everyday, it’s important to prioritize your body’s needs. 

Don’t neglect your neck and décolletage 

It’s common to forget, but you should always bring your facial skincare down to your neck and décolletage. This prevents crepey skin and an uneven texture in the long-term. Not only should you bring down your moisturizer and sunscreen, but also any serums! Whatever targeted products you use on your face, it’s likely you’ll want those same benefits on your neck and chest. 

Remember your hands

It can get repetitive, but sunscreen is the key to preventing signs of aging—even on your hands. While there’s no fountain of youth you can run your fingers through, sunscreen is as close as it gets! If you look around, you’re guaranteed to spot many splotchy hands. That’s sun damage caused by decades of exposure! If you want uniform color and texture for your hands, remember them when applying skincare. 

Body acne solutions

Many tend to prioritize their face acne, which makes sense because it’s the first thing people see! But body acne should not be ignored. There are many topical options, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide washes, creams, and spot treatments. If you still experience acne after 1-3 months of over the counter treatments, seek out a dermatologist for more effective options!  

Avoid strong soaps

Most bar soaps have a pH level of 8-10. Skin has a pH level of around 4.7-5.75, which makes it a tad acidic. When using products on your skin, you want to use ones with a similar pH level. Bar soaps can be harsh on your skin, robbing you of natural oils. Yes, they still cleanse, but they can create an uncomfortable tightness, and even flaking. Opt for body cleansers with some (or all!) of the following ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and natural oils, such as Blossom Essentials Total Moisture Body Wash! 

Hydrate your nails

Another overlooked area is our nails! As we age, nails tend to become brittle and dry, resulting in peeling, splitting, and flaking. If you paint your nails, you’re even more likely to experience and exacerbate this dryness. The acetone in nail polish remover is extremely dehydrating, while the polish itself prevents nails from getting oxygen. The solution? Massage a heavy salve like Hydration Repair Honey Salve on and around your nails every night before bed, restoring hydration and strengthening the moisture barrier. 

Limit bath time

We’re all guilty of slipping into a relaxing bath… that may be brimming with steaming water. While great for mental health, the hot water can wreak havoc on your skin. Between stripping natural oils from your skin and causing itchiness, hot bath water can worsen any existing skin conditions. Which is why it’s important to limit your bath time or lower the bath temperature. 

Shave carefully

If you’ve experienced razor burn or ingrown hairs, chances are you have sensitive skin. In an attempt to prevent those irritations, try these tips: shave when your skin is wet, use a shave cream or gel, and remember to shave in the direction your hair grows. To treat skin irritated by shaving, look for moisturizers with calming ingredients like chamomile, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. 

Always cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize

Why have a multi-step skincare routine that neglects over 75% of your skin? While you don’t need serums and targeted treatments for your body (unless you want!), you should always stick with the basics: cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize.