While most of us focus on our facial skin, our body skin barrier is equally as important.
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it serves as a protective barrier against environmental stressors, bacteria, and moisture loss. The body’s skin barrier helps maintain skin health and functionality, and protecting it is essential for preventing various skin issues.
Before we dive into body skin barrier protection lets first look at the difference between the skin on our face and the skin on our bodies.
Facial skin and body skin share some basic characteristics but also have notable differences in structure, function, and care needs. These differences influence how we should approach skincare for each area.
Facial Skin Verse Body Skin
Facial skin requires gentler, more targeted care with products designed to protect from sun damage and sensitivities. Body skin, on the other hand, needs more hydration and protection from dryness, friction, and environmental exposure. Understanding these differences helps you provide proper care to both areas, keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
Thickness and Structure
- Facial Skin: The skin on your face is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your body. This makes it more prone to irritation, redness and more susceptible to environmental damage like pollution and sun exposure.
- Body Skin: The skin on the body, especially on areas like the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, is thicker and more resilient. It has a more robust structure that helps it better withstand external pressures and friction.
Oil Gland Density
- Facial Skin: Contains more sebaceous glands, particularly in the T-zone, making it oilier and more prone to breakouts.
- Body Skin: Has fewer sebaceous glands and produces less oil, which is why body skin is typically drier, especially on the arms and legs.
Sensitivity
- Facial Skin: The face has more nerve endings, making it more sensitive to temperature changes, and products. It can react more visibly to certain ingredients like retinol or acids.
- Body Skin: The body is more resilient to certain environmental factors, but it can still experience irritation, particularly in areas where skin rubs against clothing or other skin (like the inner thighs or armpits).
Moisture Loss and Hydration
- Facial Skin: Tends to lose moisture more quickly due to its thinner structure and constant exposure to environmental elements such as wind, pollution, and UV rays. It is essential to use hydrating products that are designed to address this, such as lightweight moisturisers and serums.
- Body Skin: The skin on the body, while less prone to dehydration, can still become dry, especially in colder weather.
Sun Exposure
- Facial Skin: Because of its thinner structure and high sensitivity, facial skin shows signs of aging quicker than body skin as it is constantly exposed to the sun. This makes it more vulnerable to sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Body Skin: While parts of the body may also be exposed to the sun, like your chest, much of the body is typically covered by clothing, offering some protection.
Common Skin Concerns
- Facial Skin: Prone to acne, rosacea, pigmentation, signs of aging and sensitivity.
- Body Skin: Prone to dryness, stretch marks, ingrown hairs, and body acne. Body skin may need more moisturising products and treatments for rough skin or irritation.
Product Absorption
- Facial Skin: Because it is thinner and more sensitive, facial skin absorbs products more quickly. Specialized products like serums, oils, and lightweight moisturisers are often used for the face.
- Body Skin: Absorbs products more slowly, especially thicker creams or lotions. The body may require more product to maintain hydration and skin health.
Why Protecting Your Body’s Skin Barrier is Important
Protecting the body’s skin barrier helps preserve moisture, defend against environmental stressors, prevent irritation and infection, and support overall skin health. By using the right products and adopting a protective skincare routine, you can ensure your skin remains strong, hydrated, and resilient.
Prevents Water Loss and Maintains Elasticity
When the barrier is compromised, the skin becomes dry, rough, and flaky. Regular use of moisturising products that support the skin barrier—like deeply nourishing body lotions, helps keep the skin hydrated and smooth, preventing the discomfort associated with dryness.
Environmental Aggressors
The body’s skin barrier shields against harmful environmental factors, such as pollution, UV rays and weather conditions. By maintaining a healthy skin barrier, you create a defence against these harmful elements and reduce the risk of irritation and long-term damage.
Prevents Skin Infections and Supports Skin Healing
A compromised barrier can lead to an increase in skin infections or inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. When the skin barrier is strong and healthy, it helps prevent the entry of pathogens and allergens, reducing the likelihood of these issues.
A strong barrier also promotes quicker recovery from skin damage, reducing the risk of scarring or infections.
How to Protect the Body’s Skin Barrier
- Moisturise Regularly: Use a rich, nourishing moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and support the barrier function. Look for ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliation: While exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the barrier.
- Use Gentle, Hydrating Body Washes: Choose a soap-free, hydrating body wash to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Opt for products that contain moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, honey, or shea butter.
- Avoid Hot Water: Hot showers and baths can strip the skin of its natural oils. Use lukewarm water instead and limit the time spent in the water.
- Apply Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the body to protect the skin barrier from UV damage, which can weaken the skin over time.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Hydration from within is equally important. Drinking water and consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can help support the skin's natural barrier and promote healthy skin.
Why AMPERNA® formulate Body Care different to Facial Skincare
Different formulas for body care are required to account for the significant differences between the skin on our face and the skin on our body. The face’s thinner, more sensitive skin requires more specialized, lightweight, soothing, and often gentler formulas.
The body’s thicker, more resilient skin benefits from heavier moisturisers formulated with more robust ingredients that focus on hydration, nourishment and addressing issues such as rough texture and dryness.
By tailoring formulas to each area helps optimize skin health and address the specific needs of both the face and body.
