Vitamin G: Your Body Care Is Just As Important As Your Face

When you search “skincare” on TikTok, you’re immediately recommended products and routines for your face. But skincare is so much more than your face—and we’re finally having that conversation. Skin is the largest organ, protecting almost every body part. The face and the neck only account for a fraction of your entire body. Therefore, prioritizing your body care, not just your face, is super important when discussing skin care. So how does one do that? Forensic scientist and Founder and CEO of SILKENN, Ericka Parker, shares her tips.

As a forensic scientist, Parker deeply understands biology and skincare on a molecular level. “The skin is the protective barrier for everything. Regular body care helps us maintain the skin’s integrity, keeping it healthy and hydrated.” Regular body care includes many things, but first and foremost, it’s a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition is paramount as vitamins and minerals replenish our skin cells. Recommendations you see about drinking more water and eating certain foods to get ‘glowing skin‘ don’t just benefit the skin on your face but your body as well. “That falls into a bigger conversation of hygiene and preventing skin issues, understanding that body care can prevent common skin problems,” says Parker. The journey to healthy skin (body and face) starts with our diet. Zillenials are embracing the realities of this as discussions about the microbiome, juicing and supplements take over. Social media is helping people connect the dots about wellness, which impacts every area of their lives, especially their skin.

The products we use complement our healthy habits, not vice versa. And not every product you use on your face should be used on your body. “Serums and moisturizers have very high concentrations of ingredients that are typically formulated for facial care. The skin on the body is a little bit different, a little bit more rigid, and not as sensitive as the skin on your face. So you may want something with a thicker application,” Parker explains. The skin on our face is also exposed to more — the sun, pollution, etc. — so we must take a different approach. The vaseline that our moms slapped across our face and body during the winter? Not the best idea. But now that we know better, we can do better. 

Scrolling through TikTok, finding a “morning routine” and “night routine” for our body care is rare. “I feel like we’re just getting to the point of seeing those more prevalent in body care, but it’s still very early,” says Parker. Conversations about it are trending upwards, but since it’s not as popular as face care you may not find recommendations that work best for you yet. Parker notes that at the fundamental level, a daily body care routine should consist of a wash and moisturizer. If your skin isn’t fragrant sensitive, you can layer that on along with glitz. Periodically, it’s also best to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. You want to make sure the instruments you use to clean are bacteria-free. That will help prevent breakouts. It’s recommended to change a loofah every three to four weeks, and some sources say to replace a washcloth daily.

Just like getting a facial resets your skin and you maintain the treatment through your daily skincare routine, Parker recommends lymphatic drainage when asked about body care treatments. “That’s a little insider that’s really, really new on the scene. I don’t feel like a lot of people are talking about,” she says, “I’ve seen a lot of progress in how my skin responds by getting lymphatic drainage massages. You’re getting all those toxins out of your body, and overall, your skin performs a lot better.” Rearrange your budgets now; a new IT girl treatment is taking over!

Taking care of your body affects your skin overall, so body care is critical. After eating well, practicing good hygiene habits, and indulging in treatments, we’re positive you’ll notice a difference in the skin on your body and face. Feel good about yourself from head to toe by finding a routine and products that work for you. “Listen to your body. Everyone’s body is different and everyone’s skin reacts to things differently. Don’t hop on every trend; make sure you’re listening to your body to see what works,” Parker concludes. Body care, just like face care, is individualistic. Parker also wanted to remind readers that “your body changes as seasons change. So, you may need to have new products in your rotation.” As we approach fall (aka pumpkin spice season), that’s something to remember.

About the Author: Shelby Denise Smith is a Social Media Editor and Freelance Writer. She’s passionate about lifestyle, wellness, travel, and culture. Smith enjoys packaging the insight she receives into stories that can positively impact the livelihood of others.