When we say “skin care” we usually are referring to the skin on your face. It makes sense. Our faces are what people focus on and see first, they are a representation of our identity that is fully unique to just us. Unless you’re an identical twin? We’ve got a whole lot more skin than just our faces, and as we encounter different conditions and get older, it’s not a bad idea to learn new ways to take care of every precious inch of skin on our bodies. Just like our face, our bodies can get acne, and just like our face, the skin on our bodies experiences its own set of unique conditions. Wearing SPF is, of course, the crème de la crème of all bodily skin care advice, but this article will dive into some of the possibly lesser known ways we can take care of our entire bodies.
Exfoliate properly
An even skin tone and glow doesn’t have to be reserved for your face – any part of your body can benefit from the renewing effects of exfoliation. Whether you have hyperpigmentation in your knees and elbows or cracked and dry feet, exfoliation brightens and removes dead skin cells all over your body. Because it unclogs pores, all over exfoliation will also help back-ne and break outs wherever you’re prone. While skin conditions like Keratosis Pilaris (commonly known as strawberry or chicken skin) can’t be cured by exfoliation, the bumpy texture can be evened out.
Whatever you do, please for the love of everything holy do NOT use loofahs or other hard and scratchy plastic shower tools. Unfortunately, in addition to being filled with germs, uncontrolled physical exfoliation can cause irritation and redness. Instead, opt for a product designed for full body exfoliation, that enlists chemical and proper physical exfoliation, like FIZZ FOUNTAIN. FIZZ FOUNTAIN uses chemical exfoliates like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid to even texture and renew skin without any irritating abrasion. Even the physical exfoliants, like fine pumice grains and bamboo powder are specially formulated to exfoliate without irritating the skin like some physical exfoliates (we’re looking at you walnut scrubs).
Pay Attention to Your Detergent
If you think about it, there is nothing that comes in more contact with our skin than the laundry detergent we use. All day, chemicals from our detergent that linger in the fabric of our clothes contact our skin. At night, our bed sheets and pillow cases do the same. Even if you’re not allergic to your detergent, the artificial chemicals present, like preservatives, fragrance and dyes, can cause contact dermatitis and disrupt your skin barrier. Besides irritation, many detergents have a PH level of 6-9, while optimal healthy skin has a level of about 5. Increasing the PH level on your skin reduces your barriers ability to fight bad bacteria, resulting in over growths and acne. Opting for a PH neutral detergent, might just do wonders for your skin!
Step up your moisturizer game.
If you’re not moisturizing head to toe after a shower, what are you doing??? And, if you’re not checking the ingredient list on that moisturizer really, what are you doing? Keeping your body moisturized is the foundation for healthy skin, and we don’t need to settle for just your dollar store lotion. If you do your research you can find a body moisturizer that enlists many of the hero ingredients we love for our face: ceramides, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, etc. When picking a body moisturizer, first take a moment to consider your skin type and goals. Sensitive and smooth skin looking for hydration, might opt for a HA and peptide moisturizer. Someone looking for oil control to combat body acne may want niacinamide. Some moisturizers even contain exfoliates like that trusty salicylic acid, which are great for smoothing rough skin, and fighting acne and keratosis pilaris.
Balance Bacteria Like A Pro
Just like our gut, the surface of our skin is covered in a universe of living microorganisms. When balanced, this microbiome is an integral part of your skin barrier, fighting bad bacteria, keeping pathogens out, and retaining vital moisture and nutrients. An unbalanced microbiome can be caused by sun damage, overusing antibacterial soap, or even environmental fluctuations and pollution and can cause rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne.
Just like your gut microbiome can benefit from taking a probiotic, your skin can benefit from a topical probiotic. And before you can ask—yes—such a thing exists! SILKSHAKE is a body wash designed to balance your skin’s microbiome with not just probiotics, but pre and postbiotics as well. Prebiotics are the food that nourish the probiotics, while postbiotics contain by-products from the fermentation process that boost the overall health of your skin. The topical ‘biotics of SILKSHAKE are combined with an array of omega fatty acids, which are essentially the building blocks of your skin. Add this topical probiotic, in with your new exfoliation technique, and an ingredient intelligent moisturizer, and you’ve truly become a full body skin care expert.
More on topical probiotics? Your wish is our command!
