Why Body Skin Is Different From Facial Skin
Body skin has sebaceous glands but fewer per square centimetre than facial skin. It is thicker overall, particularly on the soles of the feet and palms. It is more prone to dryness from frequent washing, hot showers and exposure to cold, dry air.
The two most widespread body skin concerns are keratosis pilaris (the chicken-skin texture on the upper arms and thighs) and ingrown hairs, both of which respond well to consistent targeted treatment and poorly to standard moisturisers alone.
The Core Body Skincare Routine
Shower Temperature
Hot water strips the skin's natural oil barrier. Reducing shower temperature from very hot to warm produces a measurable reduction in post-shower skin tightness within 1 to 2 weeks. End showers with 30 seconds of cooler water to close the pores and reduce surface redness.
Body Cleanser
Standard bar soap has a pH of 9 to 10, significantly higher than the skin's natural pH of 4.5 to 5.5. This alkaline pH disrupts the skin barrier with each use. pH-balanced body washes (pH 5 to 6) are gentler on the barrier.
Look for sulphate-free formulas or formulas using gentler surfactants (sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, coco-glucoside) for daily use.
Body Exfoliation
Exfoliate body skin 2 to 3 times per week, not daily.
Physical exfoliation: A gentle body scrub or a silicone scrubbing brush removes dead surface cells. Concentrate on elbows, knees, heels and the upper arms (keratosis pilaris areas). Do not use harsh salt scrubs on irritated or broken skin.
Chemical exfoliation for body: Body lotions containing AHAs (AmLactin, Eucerin Roughness Relief with lactic acid) provide ongoing gentle exfoliation with each application. These are the most effective products for keratosis pilaris and ingrown hairs because the acid works continuously rather than only during the brief scrubbing contact of a physical exfoliant.
Body Moisturiser
Apply body moisturiser within 3 minutes of exiting the shower, while the skin is still slightly damp. Damp-skin application allows the moisturiser to seal existing surface moisture rather than only adding moisture from the product itself.
For dry body skin: A thick cream or balm with ceramides, shea butter or urea (5% to 10%).
For normal body skin: A standard lotion is sufficient.
For keratosis pilaris: See the specific treatment below.
The Pro Diagnostics tool performs a comprehensive skin analysis that covers both face and body skin condition. Use it to identify whether your body skin concerns are best addressed by exfoliation, barrier repair or a targeted active ingredient.
Run Full Skin DiagnosticsAsk About Body SkincareKeratosis Pilaris: What It Is and How to Treat It
Keratosis pilaris (KP) affects approximately 40% of adults and 50% to 80% of adolescents globally. It produces small, rough bumps (most visible on the upper outer arms) caused by keratin plugging the hair follicles.
KP has a strong genetic component. It is not caused by poor hygiene and does not indicate any underlying health problem.
The treatment approach:
Step 1: Chemical exfoliation with AHA or BHA.
- Lactic acid 5% to 12% in a lotion applied after showering reduces the keratin plug build-up over 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use
- Salicylic acid body wash (2%) used as a shower wash directly on KP areas dissolves the plugs from inside the follicle
- Products: AmLactin Ultra Hydrating Body Lotion, Eucerin Roughness Relief, Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Step 2: Consistent moisturisation.
KP worsens in dry conditions. Moisturising directly after the exfoliating product reduces the roughness and redness significantly.
Step 3: Manage expectations.
KP does not disappear permanently. Consistent treatment suppresses it, and stopping treatment causes it to return within weeks to months. Treatment is maintenance, not cure.
What does not work for KP: Standard moisturisers alone (without chemical exfoliation), physical scrubbing alone (without chemical exfoliation), dietary changes (no dietary link to KP severity has been established).
Ingrown Hairs: Prevention and Treatment
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back into the skin rather than growing outward. They are most common in areas with coarser, curlier hair growth: bikini area, legs, underarms, face (in men).
Prevention:
- Exfoliate before and after shaving or waxing
- Shave in the direction of hair growth with a single-blade razor; multi-blade razors cut below the skin surface level and increase ingrown risk
- Keep skin moisturised; dry skin makes ingrown hairs more likely
- Consider long-term hair removal alternatives (laser, IPL) which reduce ingrown frequency by reducing the density of hair growth
Treatment for existing ingrown hairs:
- Salicylic acid (2% solution or serum) applied to the affected area daily softens the skin over the trapped hair and allows it to emerge
- Do not squeeze or pick; the trauma causes hyperpigmentation that outlasts the ingrown hair itself
- Use a warm compress to soften the skin, then use sterilised tweezers to gently lift a hair visible close to the surface; do not dig for buried hairs
Post-ingrown hyperpigmentation:
Dark marks left after ingrown hairs are PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Treat with niacinamide, azelaic acid or alpha arbutin in a body lotion applied to the affected area consistently for 3 to 6 months.
The Weekly Body Skincare Schedule
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Physical exfoliation in shower; body lotion with AHA after |
| Day 2 | Standard cleanse; body moisturiser |
| Day 3 | Standard cleanse; body moisturiser |
| Day 4 | Chemical exfoliation with BHA body wash; body lotion |
| Day 5 | Standard cleanse; body moisturiser |
| Day 6 | Physical exfoliation; body lotion with AHA |
| Day 7 | Standard cleanse; body moisturiser |