Q: I’ve perfected a skin care routine for my face. Should I have something similar for the rest of my body?
Dermatologists see it all the time. Patients come in with flawless complexions, but below the neck it’s a different story.
Often, the skin on their bodies is so dry it “looks like alligator skin,” while their faces are well moisturized, said Dr. Ariel Ostad, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. Others have dry patches on their backs or dark spots on their hands and arms, said Dr. Lauren Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, S.C.
Many people neglect body care because the face is what’s usually on display, Dr. Ploch said. But the skin on the rest of your body needs just as much attention as that on your face. Here’s how to give it what it needs.
Less Is More
Your skin, the body’s largest organ, has many important functions. It regulates your body temperature and guards against issues like dehydration, damage from ultraviolet light and infection with potentially harmful microbes.
Any skin problem that can occur on your face — dryness, acne, sun damage, skin cancer — can crop up on the rest of your body, too, Dr. Ploch said.