How to Start a Body Skin Care Routine

How to Start a Body Skin Care Routine

By Dr Davin Lim
Cutis Dermatology
Dermatologist, Brisbane

Summary and Davin’s Tips:

Here are my favorite go to tips on extra facial skin care (I have summarized this page, read below for more on the logic). 

• Antioxidants: CE Ferulic acid by Skinceuticals, followed by Silimarin. Ascorbic acid concentration of 15%. 
• Sunscreen: La Roche Posay Anthelios, or Melan 130 (Chest and neck). Banana Boat for body.
• Chemical exfoliators: Lactic acid 7% in sorbolene, or glycolic acid 5-8% plus HQ 3-6% for chest and neck. 

Everyone goes on about facial skincare, but your face only accounts for less than 4% of your skin. What about the rest of your skin? Let us dive right in. 

1. First, identify your skin type and any specific issues you want to address (e.g. anti aging, dryness, eczema, acne).
2. Next, establish a basic routine of cleansing and moisturizing your skin daily. Use a gentle body wash or soap and lukewarm water to cleanse, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
3. Consider exfoliating once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.
4. Use sunscreen on any exposed areas of skin to protect it from UV damage.

Cleansing basics

1. Start by using a gentle body wash or soap that is formulated for your skin type. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, as they can irritate the skin.
2. Use lukewarm water to cleanse your skin, as hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils.
3. Use a washcloth or loofah to gently exfoliate your skin while you wash. This will help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. More on exfoliation later.
4. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to body acne, such as the back, chest, and shoulders. Use a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide body wash to target these areas.
5. Rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of soap and exfoliating products.
6. Finish by patting your skin dry with a clean towel, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
7. Repeat the routine daily.
8. It’s also important to keep your shower clean, wipe down surfaces after each shower, and use a new towel every time you dry off to avoid bacteria buildup.

Neck, chest & decolletage 

These areas are super important as they are an extension of your face. Living in Queensland, patients are exposed to super high levels of UV, in turn causing premature aging of these areas. My go to tip is to protect these areas with antioxidants. 

Antioxidant skin care is beneficial for preventing damage caused by free radicals and can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone on the neck and chest. Here are some general guidelines for starting an antioxidant skincare routine for the neck and chest:

1. Start by identifying your skin type and any specific issues you want to address, such as sun damage, uneven skin tone, or wrinkles.
2. Cleanse your skin thoroughly with a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. 
3. As part of your morning routine, apply an antioxidant-rich serum or moisturizer to the neck and chest, focusing on areas that are prone to sun damage or wrinkles.
4. Look for products that contain antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea. These ingredients help to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage. My favorite is CE Ferulic acid by Skinceuticals. It is super expensive at over $210 dollars, but you only require a few drops to cover exposed areas. 
5. Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher on your neck and chest to protect your skin from UV damage..

Exfoliation; why is it important?

Exfoliation can be achieved through chemical or physical exfoliators. For the face, I prefer chemical exfoliation whilst for the body, physical. It is purely based upon time and money. Your body’s surface area is over 30 times that of your face & neck, so the usual exfoliators on these areas don’t apply. More later. 

Physical exfoliation with scrubs or brushes

1. Start by using a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush. There are different types of exfoliants available, such as scrubs made with sugar, salt, or beads, and brushes made with natural fibers or synthetic bristles.
2. Wet your skin with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of exfoliating scrub or brush to your skin.
3. Gently massage the scrub or brush over your skin in circular motions, focusing on areas that are prone to dryness or roughness. Be careful not to press too hard as it can cause irritation and redness.
4. Pay special attention to areas such as the elbows, knees, and heels, where dead skin cells tend to accumulate.
5. Rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the exfoliant.
6. Finish by patting your skin dry with a clean towel, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
7. Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough, but it may depend on your skin type. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist if you’re not sure how often to exfoliate.
8. Avoid exfoliating if you have open wounds or sunburned skin.

Chemical exfoliation with lactic acid. 

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can be used for exfoliation and hydration of the skin on the body. Here are some general guidelines for using lactic acid in your body care routine:

1. Start with a low concentration of lactic acid. Products typically range from 5% to 12% lactic acid. Begin with the lowest concentration and gradually increase as your skin becomes accustomed to the product.
2. Use lactic acid products 1-2 times per week at first. As your skin becomes accustomed to the product, you may increase to 3-4 times per week.
3. Cleanse your skin thoroughly before applying the lactic acid product.
4. Apply the lactic acid product all over your body, focusing on areas that are prone to dryness or roughness.
5. Leave the product on for the recommended amount of time. Usually, it’s around 1-10 minutes, depending on the concentration of the product.
6. Rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the product.
7. Finish by patting your skin dry with a clean towel, and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration.
8. Avoid using lactic acid on sunburned or irritated skin. Additionally, avoid using other exfoliating agents (such as scrubs) or other acids (such as salicylic acid or retinoids) on the same day you use the lactic acid.
9. If you experience any redness, itching, or burning sensation, rinse the product off immediately and discontinue use. Consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.

What can be done to treat pre-existing sun damage on the body?

Sun damage affects exposed areas of the body. The neck and chest will have areas of discoloration known as poikiloderma. This consists of red and brown areas, sparing  

Poikiloderma is a skin condition characterized by patchy discoloration, thinning of the skin, and small blood vessels that are visible on the skin. It typically affects the neck, chest, and hands, and is caused by a combination of sun damage and aging. Treatments that can help improve the appearance of the skin.

1. Sun protection is crucial in preventing further damage and slowing down the progression of poikiloderma. Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher on all exposed areas of skin, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
2. Topical creams that contain retinoids, such as tretinoin, can help improve the texture and color of the skin. They work by promoting collagen production and increasing cell turnover.
3. Topical creams that contain hydroquinone or arbutin can help lighten the discoloration associated with poikiloderma.
4. Topical creams that contain Vitamin C can help improve the overall appearance of the skin by neutralizing free radicals and promoting collagen production.
5. Chemical peels that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, or trichloroacetic acid can help improve the texture and color of the skin.
6. Laser therapy, such as intense pulsed light (IPL) or pulsed dye laser (PDL) can help improve the appearance of small blood vessels and discoloration. Fraxel is another laser that we use to rejuvenate skin and reverse photodamage. Most patients require 2-4 sessions for optimal outcomes. 

For more information on starting a skincare routine, consult my nurses at Cutis Dermatology, Brisbane. They have extensive knowledge of skin, including skin directed procedures such as lasers, chemical peels, injectables and more. Please note I am a procedural dermatologist, my work involves directed procedures, and not skin care.