if you’re someone with skin across your body that is environmentally damaged, delicate (mature / ageing), sensitive, easily irritated or acne-prone - then you could benefit from a body skincare treatment that is formulated more carefully - something “face quality”.
Our skin acts as the interface between ourselves and the world. Its main functions include protecting the body, excreting waste, secreting substances, absorbing nutrients, regulating temperature, producing pigment, sensing touch, and supporting the immune system. (1)
It’s common understanding that you “need” different products for the face and body. - Why?
Each area of the body faces unique environmental challenges and has specialised cellular and molecular processes designed for its specific functions and protection. (2)
It’s true that the skin on the face and body has its share of differences. For example, the skin on the face needs to be thin and flexible to allow for facial expressions, while the skin on the heel is thick and tough to endure pressure and protect against the surfaces we walk on. (2)
Facial skin is generally more sensitive than the rest of the body. This is because the stratum corner (skin barrier) is also thinner, making it more delicate and easier to irritate.
Facial skin also has more hair follicles, experiences more water loss, and has a faster cell turnover rate.
The skin on the body also has a thicker layer of fat underneath.
It’s why for body products, if you have healthy or younger skin, you can typically get away with using more comedogenic (acne causing) ingredients like coconut oil, or harsher skincare products like physical scrubs.
However... if you’re someone with skin across your body that is environmentally damaged, delicate (mature / ageing), sensitive, easily irritated or acne-prone - then you could benefit from a body skincare treatment that is formulated more carefully - something “face quality”.
Here are 5 of our favourite face and body products -
5 - Best Pocket / Handbag Product for Areas of Dry Skin
Tuttofare Roman Blue Tallow Balm - this 50ml product hasn’t been advertised as a face and body product, but I use it as one. As a balm, it’s highly moisturising. It has only a few ingredients, featuring Tallow and Blue Chamomile. It has a consistency somewhere between honey and Vasoline, and in its 50ml environmentally friendly tin packaging, it’s great for carrying around in your bag. In the past I’ve used this throughout the day and applied it to areas of cracked, dry or irritated skin like face, lips, elbows and legs. It’s also been great to take on flights where the air con really dries out the skin fast. It’s so soothing, and really locks in moisture. As long as you’re comfortable with a non-vegan product, I’d recommend it as a simple and versatile skincare product, that is safe for sensitive and acne prone skin.
$49 each for 50ml.
4 - Best Budget Serum
3 - The Ordinary 5% Face and Body Emulsion - The Ordinary is a trending Australian brand for its affordable and down to earth formulations. Characteristically their formulations are simple and focus on 1-2 ingredients at a time. This 5% Niacinamide product provides B3, one of the most widely clinically researched skincare ingredients, in a safe and efficient dose for use on the face and body.
As a well established company, they’re able to clinically test most of their products, and for this product promise results in 1-3 weeks including improvements to dark spots, skin tone and hydration, for the face and body.
Overall we love them for jumping on board the face and body dual product use train.
$22.50 each for 100ml.
2 & 3 - Best Daily Use Bathroom Staple for All Skin Types
Sansceuticals Cellular Repair Body + Face Lotion and Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil
This New Zealand based brand is a favourite of mine with affordable and high quality multi-use products. They are free of harmful ingredients. They’re formulated with non comedogenic and high quality botanical oils like Baobob, Squalane and Kiwi, and they contain face and body friendly actives including; Niacinamide (B3), Panthenol (B5) and Vitamin A, focused on barrier repair and support, sun damage repair and skin protein support. From personal use, best results from applying the lotion with the oil over the top.
Now that the brand has been around for a while, they’ve been able to invest in clinical trials to provide proof of measurable results from their products.
Average $57 per 250ml product.
1- Best Comprehensive Skin Treatment for Mature or Very Damaged Skin
Radical Botanics Winter and Summer Everywhere Skin Treatment Range
Yes, these are our favourites by a mile, and we’re not shy about sharing why.
Created in New Zealand and sold in Australia, they’re the most comprehensive face and body skin treatments currently on the market - with each tube replacing 3 serums + a moisturiser.
Their products are aimed specifically at restoring very environmentally damaged, sensitive, stressed and weakened skin, and enhancing the skin’s own natural resilience in all climates.
- They are 98%+ naturally derived with a high organic content.
- They are vegan and come in 100% biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
- They use high percentage natural and clinically backed actives, that compliment each other to get maximum effect without sensitivity, and their ingredients provide noticeable results on the face and body within 14-28 days, with enhanced results with continued use.
You can use them as once or twice a year as full body 28 day restorative treatments, or you can pamper yourself and use them year round on your face and/or body. With a little going such a long way, they last for longer than anticipated.
Average $135 per 100ml product.
For a limited time, receive 20% off your first purchase with discount code RADICAL20.
Written by Ingrid van den Berg (Founder of Radical Botanics) and medically reviewed by Mairead McCorry, Masters Sc. in Acupuncture, Bachelor of Nursing, Post Grad. Dip. Education, Adv. Dip. Ayurveda Medicine.
References:
- Rodan, K., Fields, K., Majewski, G., & Falla, T. (2016) Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. Dec 14;4(12 Suppl Anatomy and Safety in Cosmetic Medicine: Cosmetic Bootcamp):e1152. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001152
- Cloons, C. (2022) Uncovering the skin’s secrets: Studies show how skin forms differently across the body. Date accessed 12 December 2024 from https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/uncovering-the-skins-secrets-studies-shows-how-skin-forms-differently-across-the-body/2022/09