The skin is our largest organ, and new evidence suggests that its physical state can have serious implications for your general health and overall well being. In fact, a new theory on inflammation in the body posits that damaged, weathered, and diseased skin contributed to inflammation, “releasing a chemical cocktail that leads to yet further damage and inflammation” in the body.
But beyond that, who doesn’t love the idea of anti-aging? And though we proudly embrace the idea of aging gracefully and loving the body we are in, there is nothing wrong with engaging in a little self care that’ll help keep your skin looking young, healthy, and glowing for years to come.
The importance of Caring for the skin below your neck
We all know the importance of taking care of our skin, especially the skin on our face and neck. During the pandemic, millennials and Gen-Zers almost universally began caring for their skin and coveting sunscreen as an influx of skinfluencers and dermatologists took over the internet with novel advice about skincare. But so many of us neglect the skin on our body, ignoring it until the days get warmer and we approach bathing suit season.
But just like the skin on our face, it’s important to care for the skin below our neck. So below I’ve detailed the only anti-aging skincare routine for your body you’ll ever need.
What’s more: it’s affordable and approachable, with easy steps and accessible products.
As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission made from qualifying purchases, but my opinions remains my own.
1. Cleansing for Anti-Aging
You Might Not Need to Cleanse Everyday
Okay, so most of probably need to shower daily to rinse off and clean our armpits, feet, and nether regions. But if I’m being honest, you likely don’t need to use a body wash every single day, and you certainly don’t need to exfoliate daily.
The skin on your face and body has a moisture barrier that is made of fatty acids and ceramides that provide a protection to the deeper layers of your skin. This barrier keeps the good stuff in–moisture–and the bad stuff out–pollutants and other environmental irritants.
Just like it is important to protect the moisture barrier on your face, it is also important to protect the barrier on your body. And over cleansing is one of the easiest ways to strip your moisture barrier.
So before you wash off for the day, take a minute to assess whether cleansing your entire body is absolutely necessary. If you had a heavy workout or another reason to believe that your skin might be in need of a thorough clean, go ahead and suds up. But otherwise, it is okay to skip a day or two.
Use a Gentle Body Wash
Regardless of how often you clean, you should always use a gentle body wash. Even if you are using a body was with actives (more on that below), you should never be harsh with your skin.
The reason? Once again, your skin’s moisture barrier. Keeping that barrier in tact is the first step in an effective anti-aging skincare routine.
So your goal when you get out of the shower, shouldn’t be to feel squeaky clean, tight, or dry. Tightness isn’t a sign that you’ve thoroughly cleansed yourself. It’s a sign that you’ve stripped the natural oils off your skin (which help to keep your skin firm and reduce wrinkling and crepiness).
Instead, aim to feel moisturized and non-irritated.
Lay Off the Hot Showers and Baths
I know. I know. There are few things more relaxing after a long day than a hot shower or bath. And I admit, that I am guilty of occasionally indulging in a steamy bath.
But just like using harsh cleansers, hot water can irritate the skin and strip it of its natural oils. So forgo the long, hot shower. Instead, keep your showers as brief as possible and use warm–as opposed to hot–water.
Use a Body Wash with Actives
So we know we want our body wash to be gentle, but we also want it to contain actives. Is that possible? Absolutely. Skincare formulations have dramatically improved in the last five years or so. It is like a skincare revolution.
So what actives should we be on the lookout for? Here are the most important actives in an anti-aging skincare regime:
- Retinol: Retinol is the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging skincare. It is a form of Vitamin A that has been clinically proven to increase the rate of skin cell turnover and to build collagen. Collagen development and maintenance is vital because after the age of around 20, our bodies produce less collagen with each passing year. Reduced collagen means thinner skins, which causes wrinkling and loss of volume. In addition to increased collagen production, the increase in skin cell turnover that Retinol provides, can lead to a smoother, more even skin tone. Bonus: Retinols also help to reduce breakouts!
- Peptides: While retinol is the number one best active you can add to your skincare regime, Peptides are tied with Vitamin C at number 2. Like retinol, peptides have been scientifically proven to increase collagen production. But that’s not all. Peptides can also aid in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
- Vitamin C: Like Retinol and Peptides, Vitamin C has been shown to increase collagen production. Noticing a pattern here? In addition, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps aid in protection against the sun, and we all know that sun damage is the number one cause of premature again. Plus Vitamin C can help to brighten and create a more even skintone.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide is a powerhouse active. It helps to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation–creating a more even skin tone, while supporting the skin’s barrier and regulating oil production. Niacinamide is great for anyone who is suffering from a damaged skin barrier, has acne prone skin, and/or has uneven skin tone on their body. But it is still gentle, so, while ymmv, even those with the most sensitive skin types can usually benefits from niacamide.
Here is a list of a few of my favorite, gentle body washes with beneficial actives:
Step 2: Exfoliate
Chemical exfoliants are the gold standard for the skin on our face and neck, but the skin below the neck is a bit more resilient. So physical exfoliants are completely safe and effective for your body. That said, we recommend limiting exfoliating your body to no more than two times a week, but you can exfoliate your feet more often. And the exfoliating gloves work great for that!
Step 3: Moisturize
Moisturizing then skin on your body is a crucial step in a complete regimen that you do not want to skip. Moisturize within a few minutes of stepping out of the shower, ideally when the skin is still damp, to lock in moisture and achieve a healthy glow.
Step 4: Protect
It’s equally important to protect the skin on your body as it is to protect the skin on your face. Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature aging and skin disease, so it’s vital to find an effective sunscreen that you’ll actually use.
Bonus Step to your body skincare regimen
Though it’s not an absolutely necessary step–like cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, and protecting–a good cuticle oil can go a long way in your body care self care routine, and it will keep your hands and feet looking polished.
