Solve Your Body Skin Concerns With These Expert Tips

May 14 | 3 minute read

Words by Julia Lubitz

Your skin doesn’t stop at your face!

Face serum – tick. Sheet mask – tick. Acids, vitamins, retinols – tick, tick, tick! Your face is doing amazing, sweetie. Phew!

But have you checked in with your body skin lately? While we love to treat, tone and tighten the skin on our face, it’s easy to neglect the neck down. We don’t see it as much in a mirror or on Zoom calls, half the year it’s covered in clothes and well, aside from an annual skin check, we haven’t made it our number one beauty concern.

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However, all the common issues we face with our skin – breakouts, uneven texture, ageing, pigmentation, dehydration and sensitivity – can show up on our bodies, in varying degrees, in varying places. Whether you’re dealing with ‘bacne’ (aka back acne) or loss of elasticity due to tech neck (yes, that’s really a thing!), we should treat our body skin to the care it deserves.

Here, Lucy, MECCA’s education manager, gives us a lesson in targeted body care for softer, smoother skin all over.

Oh No, I Have Bacne and Bumps!

“Body breakouts can appear in different areas for a variety of reasons. If your skin tends to be oily, your T-zone can extend down to your chest, which might lead to blackheads and pimples on the chest and back,” says Lucy. “Another common condition is keratosis pilaris – tiny white bumps often found on the backs of arms and thighs – caused by a build-up of keratin (dead skin cells) and oil inside the hair follicle.” Other triggers for breakouts include hormones or residual sweat, bacteria and dirt, especially after a workout.

To treat, Lucy says to look for products with salicylic acid (to dissolve oil deep inside the follicle), glycolic acid (to exfoliate and encourage skin turnover), sulphur-based spot products (to dry out oil and combat bacteria) or lactic acid (to hydrate and smooth).

Try a multitasking serum, like Uni 24-Hour Body Serum, or for a more intensive exfoliating treatment, Youth To The People’s 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub.

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Help, I Can See the Signs of Ageing on My Body!

“Ageing on the body typically shows up as pigmentation or loss of firmness, most noticeable in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the chest and backs of hands,” says Lucy. “It’s important to care for the neck and chest just as you would your face. This includes gentle cleansing, hydrating and consistent daily SPF application, especially on areas like your hands if you spend time driving.” Retinol remains the gold standard to improve the appearance of ageing skin. Nécessaire The Body Retinol includes 0.1% pure retinol, 10% AHAs, peptides and glycerin – an impressive combination that exfoliates, smooths and visibly firms with continued use.

And if you didn’t already know, a hunched screen-time posture doesn’t just give you pain and stiffness – the constant motion and tech neck angle can contribute to loss of elasticity. Lucy suggests a targeted product, such as RéVive Fermitif Neck Renewal Serum Firming Treatment, to noticeably firm and smooth.

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My Body Feels Like Sandpaper!

“Dehydrated skin can feel tight, itchy and rough, and may appear dull,” says Lucy. “Start with a rich body cream, like Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum® Cream, packed with amino acids from Cupuaçu Butter to lock in moisture. Layer with a lightweight body oil for glow and deeper hydration, such as Uni Golden Microalgae Body Oil.”

Lucy’s pro tip: apply products to slightly damp skin post-shower to enhance absorption.

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Ouch, That Stings!

“Just like facial skin, body sensitivity can be triggered by over-exfoliation, sun exposure, hot water or incorrect product use,” explains Lucy. “It often shows up as redness, stinging or flakiness.” If that sounds familiar, the best way forward is to rebuild your skin barrier. “Start with a mild cleanser, like Frank Body Ceramide Barrier Body Wash, which contains ceramides to maintain moisture and barrier function. Follow with a nourishing moisturiser packed with ceramides and fatty acids.” Nécessaire The Body Lotion or Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Crème Corps are excellent choices.

Remember, avoid exfoliation if your skin barrier is compromised and limit exposure to harsh treatments or extreme water temperatures (like overly hot showers!).

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I Need Sun Protection, Too!

If you have pigmentation, the most effective treatment and prevention strategy is sun protection. “UV exposure not only worsens existing pigmentation but also activates melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells,” says Lucy. She recommends products with niacinamide to help inhibit melanin production and brighten the appearance of the skin. Try sans [ceuticals] CELLx 5 Body + Face Lotion, which you can use head to toe.

In terms of the essential broad-spectrum SPF protection, Lucy says the best sunscreen is the one you’ll use consistently! “Choose a texture you enjoy – be it cream, spray or serum – so applying it becomes a daily habit. Just make sure it’s broad-spectrum SPF50+, apply as directed before sun exposure, especially on areas like shoulders, neck and chest and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.”

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.