Body skin care is important because we are forming new skin cells daily. Dead skin cells accumulate, and several bacteria and microbes attack our skin barrier. So it is essential to clean and exfoliate our skin regularly to keep it healthy and glowy.
Difference between body and facial skin
This writer talked to Dr Sneha Ghunawat, an Indian Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, Director and Co-Founder at Meraki Skin Clinic, Gurugram, regarding body skin care.
"One may have normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types of body skin. Very rarely, oily back skin and upper chest skin are seen. The main difference between body and facial skin is that facial skin is way more sensitive than body skin. Also, facial skin has less fat layer under the skin," said Dr Sneha.
However, the body's skin is less sensitive because it is much thicker. The number of oil-producing glands is less than facial skin. So body skin is less oily too. The cell turnover is much slower in the body's skin. Thus it tends to be much scalier and drier.
Appropriate products for body skin cleaning
"It is essential to choose the right product for cleaning our body skin. Many cleaning agents are available in soap bars, body wash, and shower gel forms. The main goal is to have skin free from bacteria and dirt," said the doctor.
When it comes to soap bars, these are harsh on our skin as soaps are alkaline. But some options of medicated soap will work well. Medicated soap can treat acne and fungal infections. Those suffering from a particular skin condition can use medicated soaps to solve the skin issue.
"Body washes are more moisturising and less harsh and suitable for dry or sensitive skin. Shower gels are gentle than soap but less hydrating than body washes. So you should pick one which your skin requires," she added.
How to exfoliate body skin
Body skin can be gently exfoliated using a sponge or cleansers with alpha or beta hydro-oxy acids. Manual scrubs, which have walnut particles, can be used as body scrubs. Chemical-based peels can be used on the body's skin for chemical exfoliation, Dr Sneha advised.
This will remove all the excess dead cell layers and specks of dirt on our skin. It will also help to clean the pores of our body layer.
Manicure and pedicure
Manicures and pedicures are good procedures for maintaining the hygiene of hands, feet, and nails. The purpose of manicures and pedicures is to clean and moisturise the skin and exfoliate dead skin cells.
"However, certain things must be kept in mind. You must avoid trauma to the cuticles because cuticles form a protective layer of the nails. You have to avoid unnecessary chemical application, and lastly, you must be gentle with the skin and avoid any kind of cuts."
Body acne
You can use medicated soaps or body washes with salicylic acids and benzoyl peroxide to treat body acne. These substances are anti-acne. There are some sprays and body lotions, too, with those ingredients.
"If the acne is more severe, in that case, you might need oral antibiotic or isotretinoin. But before that, you must consult a dermatologist or an expert to get rid of skin issues," Dr Sneha concluded.
