BEAUTY
Ever wondered if your body can keep up with your facelift? It's a valid question and one that we all should probably find an answer to (unless we want to look like a prune on the bottom and a grape on the top). There's a million face products, face treatments, face aesthetics but the body scrapes by with some glycolic body wash and the occasional back facial. Hardly the respect and love it deserves and yes it's covered by clothes most of the time but shit, it's time to look as good naked.
Whilst body skin is thicker and more resilient than facial skin and it ages slower because it's usually protected by clothing and doesn't deal with the constant muscle movement your face does, it still needs some tlc as we age. Texture changes, elasticity decreases, sun damage accumulates and don't even get us started on the marks that pregnancy can leave. Eventually this all accumulates and some steps need to be taken if we want to stay looking fresh, smooth and youthful.
The actives you're using on your face - retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, niacinamide - work just as well on your body, winner. Neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, bum, wherever you want to improve texture, tone, or address aging. Body skin responds to the same treatments, it can just get a little pricy depending on what products you are using. We like to use face products on our body, choosing ones that have a ton of actives but don't have the crazy pricing, perfect for when you are going through multiple bottles per month. Just check your ingredients (we use AI) and you're good to go.
Here's how to build a body skincare routine that actually works.
Neck and Décolletage
Our neck and chest show aging fast because the skin is thin, constantly exposed to UV and pollution, and most people stop their skincare at the jawline. Hairline to nipples is a good way to think about the skincare area.
Daily routine:
Extend your face routine down to your nipples and across your chest with the same quantity and products.
Morning: Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, SPF 30+. Protect from UV and environmental damage every day.
Evening: Retinol or peptide serum, followed by moisturiser or night cream.
Apply in upward strokes on your neck (don't pull down). On your chest, smooth from collarbones outward.
Actives that we love:
Retinol stimulates collagen, improves texture, fades pigmentation. Start 3-4 nights a week with 0.25-0.5%, work up as your skin tolerates it. Neck and chest can be more reactive than facial skin.
Vitamin C protects, brightens sun spots, supports collagen. Use every morning under SPF.
Peptides are gentler than retinol and maintain firmness and elasticity.
Niacinamide strengthens barrier, reduces inflammation, fades hyperpigmentation.
AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) exfoliate, improve texture, brighten. Use 2-3 times weekly, alternate with retinol if needed.
Neck creams: Most are just overpriced face creams although the one from Tosowoong is good. A good retinol or peptide serum works fine. If you do want to buy dedicated neck products, look for actual actives (retinol, peptides, growth factors), not just a thick moisturiser with a token amount of actives.
Professional treatments:
Laser resurfacing (fractional CO2, erbium) for texture, tightening, pigmentation, IPL for sun spots and redness and BBL laser for all of the above. Radiofrequency or ultrasound (Sofwave, Thermage, Ultherapy) for tightening without downtime, Morpheus8 if you can handle a few days of redness and chemical peels for sun damage.
Injectables like Sculptra or Radiesse stimulate collagen production and add volume - particularly effective for crepey chest skin or neck laxity. Salmon DNA treatments improve skin quality, hydration, and texture and regular microneedling is gold.
If you're getting professional facial treatments, add neck and chest to the same session - it's usually a minimal cost difference but has a huge impact.
Hands
Our hands are in an age competition with our neck and both of them age faster than anywhere else. Our hands have to deal with constant sun exposure, repeated washing, harsh chemicals, UV lights, and they are rarely protected or treated until we have crepey skin, prominent veins, age spots, rough texture. So instead of waiting until you need dermal fillers in your hands, do this.
Daily routine:
Throughout the day: SPF hand cream after every hand wash. UV damage causes age spots, pigmentation, skin thinning. Keep SPF hand cream at every sink, every bag and in your car.
Evening: Use whatever leftover skincare is on your palms to rub into the back of your hands, follow with a rich hand cream or use one that has the actives already in - AHAs, retinol, or niacinamide.
Weekly: Exfoliate with gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant. Follow with intensive moisturizer.
Actives for hands:
AHAs (5-10% glycolic or lactic acid) exfoliate, improve texture, fade age spots.
Retinol builds collagen, thickens skin, fades pigmentation.
Niacinamide strengthens barrier, helps with pigmentation, gentle for daily use.
Vitamin C brightens and protects from further damage.
Professional treatments:
Laser or IPL for age spots and pigmentation. Chemical peels (TCA) for texture. Dermal fillers (Radiesse, Sculptra) add volume to thin, veiny hands - results last 12-18 months. Radiofrequency for crepey texture.
Stomach, Thighs, and Bum
From kids, losing weight and general life toll to the constant pressure to look like none of these things happened, these areas are where most women want to see improvement - firming, smoothing, reducing cellulite and stretch marks.
Cellulite:
Cellulite is fat deposits pushing through connective tissue. Creams are the industries biggest joke and can't/don't eliminate it, but massage techniques, radiofrequency treatments, and consistent body care can improve appearance.
Fascia rolling and cellulite massage (with cups or massage tools) improve circulation, smooth texture, reduce fluid retention. Do this 3-4 times weekly with a body oil for slip.
Retinol and caffeine-based body treatments can temporarily tighten and improve texture but these results are likely minimal. Professional treatments like Morpheus8 Body, radiofrequency, or ultrasound give more dramatic, longer-lasting results.
Stretch marks:
Fresh stretch marks (red/purple) respond to treatment better than old (white/silver). Retinol, vitamin C, and peptides improve texture and fade appearance over time.
Keep skin hydrated and supple during pregnancy or weight changes to minimise new stretch marks - rich body oils and butters help maintain elasticity.
Professional treatments: laser (fractional CO2, microneedling with RF) improve texture and color of both old and new stretch marks.
Firming:
Retinol, peptides, and vitamin C improve firmness over time by stimulating collagen. Body oils with rosehip or argan nourish and support elasticity.
Professional radiofrequency or ultrasound treatments tighten skin on stomach, thighs, arms, the results will develop over several months as collagen builds. These are the treatments that will give you the best results.
Emsculpt can build muscle while reducing fat (good for abs, buttocks, thighs). It's not a weight loss solution but for refining areas when you're already near goal weight.
Body Exfoliation
Regular exfoliation removes dead skin, improves texture, helps products absorb better.
Physical exfoliation:
Dry brushing (2-3 times weekly) before showering - natural bristle brush, long strokes toward your heart, start at feet and work up. Boosts circulation, supports lymphatic drainage.
Body scrubs (sugar or salt) in shower on damp skin - focus on rough areas (elbows, knees, heels). Follow with body oil on damp skin.
Exfoliating gloves (Korean, Moroccan kessa gloves) with body wash - removes dead skin effectively.
Chemical exfoliation:
AHA body lotions (5-12% glycolic or lactic acid) exfoliate while moisturizing. Use 3-4 times weekly after showering. Brands: Ameliorate, CeraVe SA Lotion, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Body Lotion.
BHA body washes (salicylic acid) for body acne or back breakouts. Let sit on skin 1-2 minutes before rinsing.
Don't combine physical and chemical exfoliation same day - alternate to avoid irritation.
Body Actives
Retinol increases cell turnover, stimulates collagen, improves texture, fades pigmentation. Use on chest, arms, legs, anywhere showing sun damage or aging. Apply at night after showering 2-3 times weekly, work up to more frequent use. Always use SPF during day on treated areas.
Vitamin C brightens, evens tone, protects from environmental damage. Body oils or serums with stable vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate). Apply after showering on damp skin.
Niacinamide strengthens barrier, reduces inflammation, good for body acne or sensitive skin. Gentle enough for daily use.
Peptides signal collagen and elastin production. Good for firmness on upper arms, stomach, thighs.
Body oils (rosehip, argan, marula) provide hydration and nourishment. Apply to damp skin immediately after showering.
Advanced Body Techniques
Beyond actives, body skin can handle techniques too intense for facial skin.
Fascia rolling with foam rollers or massage balls releases tension, improves circulation, smooths texture. Roll slowly over areas of tightness or cellulite with moderate pressure.
Cellulite massage with cups or gua sha tools improves lymphatic drainage and temporarily smooths appearance. Use with body oil, work in upward strokes.
Dry brushing (covered in exfoliation) also supports lymphatic system and reduces water retention.
Do these 3-4 times weekly for visible results over time.
SPF for Your Body
If you're using retinol, vitamin C, or AHAs on your body, SPF is non-negotiable. Even without actives, protect exposed skin.
SPF 30+ on arms, legs, chest, neck, hands, feet. Apply generously - about 30ml (shot glass) for full body. Reapply every 2 hours if outside, sweating, or swimming.
Body sunscreens spread easily, come in larger bottles, lighter textures. Look for broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB), water-resistant if needed.
Brands: La Roche-Posay Anthelios, CeraVe Hydrating Body SPF, Eucerin, Nivea, Ultrasun.
Professional Body Treatments
Lasers: Fractional CO2/erbium for texture and tightening. Q-switched/picosecond for pigmentation. IPL for sun damage and redness.
Chemical peels: TCA for chest, back, arms, hands. Glycolic/lactic for texture and brightening.
Radiofrequency/ultrasound: Thermage, Ultherapy, Profound RF for tightening without downtime. Results develop over months, last 1-2 years.
Body contouring: CoolSculpting for fat reduction. Emsculpt for muscle building. Morpheus8 Body for tightening and fat reduction.
Back facials/body treatments: Exfoliation, extractions, masks for back acne or overall body skin improvement.
Regular treatments (every 6-8 weeks) plus consistent at-home care deliver best results.
The Products
Neck and chest: Vitamin C serum, retinol/peptide serum, moisturizer, SPF 30+
Hands: SPF hand cream (daytime), AHA/retinol hand cream (night), intensive overnight cream, cotton gloves
Body exfoliation: Dry brush, body scrub, exfoliating gloves, AHA/BHA body lotion
Body actives: Retinol lotion/serum, vitamin C oil/serum, niacinamide lotion, peptide cream, body oil (rosehip, argan, marula)
SPF: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ body sunscreen, water-resistant, lightweight texture
Start with basics - exfoliation, SPF, extending facial actives to neck and chest. Add body-specific products as needed.