Glow beyond: Looking after your skin past the face

Fancy yourself as a skincare fan? Open your bathroom cabinet and you’ll find lotions and potions galore... but chances are they’re all for your face.

Bodycare is set to gain popularity, but it’s more than a trend – here's why it’s worth venturing past the neck...

Skip to: 

• What does our skin do? 
• Hands
• Arms & Legs
• Feet
• Scalp
• More tips for healthy skin

What does our skin do for us?

Our skin is our largest organ – we have about 22 square feet of it. ¹

Put simply, its job is to keep the right things in and out! Our skin has a barrier, called the epidermis, that’s our body’s first defence against the outside world. ²

And the skin has its own microbiome, a diverse community of “friendly bacteria” that perform the jobs needed to keep it healthy.

Where to take care of & why

We’re all on the lookout for shiny and supple skin – but the most important step you can take is ensuring your skin is protected in the long run.

Typing, lifting, driving, washing up... our hands stay busy all day. So it’s no wonder they’re prone to dryness and scrapes.

Find yourself getting blisters and calluses at the gym? Repetitive movements like lifting weights can take a toll on your skin; invest in a pair of gloves or alternate your equipment every few sets.

And while sanitising is important, try not to overdo it as alcohol gel can dry out your hands.

Thirsty skin is unhealthier skin, so regularly apply a moisturiser or hand lotion to help retain hydration.

2. Arms and legs

Maybe your arms and legs feel a little neglected, too – could they do with some love?

It can add a few extra minutes to your routine, but don’t forget to moisturise your body to help keep it as glowy as your face.

Exfoliating can also help you achieve smoother, softer arms and legs; it sloughs away dead skin to reveal a new, shinier layer.

You might also be familiar with “strawberry legs” - ever seen small, dark dots all over them? This happens when pores become clogged with dirt or dead skin.

Don’t worry: these spots aren’t dangerous (though you should speak to your doctor if they’re painful, swollen, or itchy). ⁴ Strawberry legs can be treated over time by following the steps above and giving your skin a break every so often, especially if it’s dry.

3. Feet

Foul feet might not be our favourite topic. But they work hard with every step we take and deserve to be looked after!

It can be easy to throw on your socks every day and not take a closer look – but it’s important to check your feet regularly to make sure they’re healthy:

Verrucas

Look for verrucas (round, wart-like bumps) on the soles of your feet and toes. They aren’t generally dangerous, but they can be painful.

Verrucas are contagious and can be passed on by things like walking around barefoot or sharing towels, so it’s best to treat them to avoid spreading them to other people.

Anything else?

It’s all about building small habits into your routine – usually while you’re washing. Try to make a few simple swaps like:

• Turning down the heat in your shower or bath, as very hot water can remove oil from your skin 
• Avoiding strong soaps; these might contain harsh fragrances or alcohol. Look for products specially formulated for sensitive skin. 
• Once you’re done, pat your skin dry; don’t rub, scrub, or drag it! 
• While a few gentle products can help nourish your skin, try not to overload it with too many. Check you’re not using multiple products that contain the same ingredients or do the same job!

Finally, maintaining a balanced diet helps you get all the vitamins and minerals you need. They can contribute to your skin (and its unique microbiome) more than you’d think!

Skincare superstar retinol is derived from vitamin A; get vitamin A through your diet in foods like oily fish, spinach, eggs, and liver. However, you shouldn’t consume too much vitamin A or use vitamin A skincare at all if you’re pregnant; speak to your GP for advice.

Our bodies can’t produce vitamin C, so we need to get it in our diet through foods like citrus fruits, green leafy veg, and potatoes. It plays a part in making collagen. ⁶.

And there’s a wealth of other vitamins that can all benefit our skin – check out the guide below.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water, too!

Last updated: 16 March 2023