Mind The Skincare Gap

If it’s the same skin on our body as on our face, why do we treat them so separately?

A recent study published by YouGov showed a worrying trend: 30% of people skip sunscreen on their body, even if they apply it to their face daily. Now. Obviously there are factors at play here. Our faces are naturally more exposed - take the height of winter, for example. Your body is (largely) covered-up, so it stands to reason that you’d skip the SPF. And kudos to everyone obeying the “even on a cloudy day” facial SPF adage for year-round protection. But this particular study gathered responses from adults in the USA. In May. When it’s hot…

So why are we protecting our faces and not our bodies? It’s all the same skin, right?

Perhaps it’s the formula. Facial SPF has come a long way from the near-impenetrable, thick-white stuff we wore as kids. Sure, there are still sun creams that are unmistakably sun creams (read: thick, white and sticky). But there are also day creams, foundations and highlighters with factor 30 or 50; lightweight sprays that refresh as much as they protect and won’t clog pores; invisible textures so velvety you’d think they were a make-up primer. Yet in the era of sun protection masquerading as anything but sun protection, somehow the circa 95% of our skin that isn’t on our face got forgotten. 

Until now. 

Because the recent beauty launches from brands budget to prestige have one thing in common: the skin on our body is finally getting the skinification treatment. And new-gen body SPFs are packed with multi-tasking benefits. Beauty of Joseon’s Hydra Shield Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ is a direct extension of its cult face product, right down to the Fermented Brown Rice™ and ceramides. CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen has MVE technology to lock in moisture and protect your natural skin barrier. And Shiseido’s latest addition - Expert Sun Protector Face & Body Lotion SPF 50+ - has cut out the middle-man entirely, accepting that what’s good enough for body should also be good enough for face. 

Pleasingly, it’s not just sun protection products that are bridging the gap between face and body. What was previously at worst forgotten and at best an after-thought (be honest - how often do you *actually* moisturise your body compared with your face?), is now an increasingly easy addition to our daily ritual. Here’s the products to add to your skincare routine.

Murad Retinal Resculpt Body Treatment

 Adding to their award-winning retinal eye cream and overnight serum, the newbie is a powerful combination of antioxidants and encapsulated retinol to stimulate collagen production and cell turnover. Which boils down to exactly what we want: lifted, firmer, softer skin. 

Takami Soft Peel Body Treatment 

The results of over 26 years of clinical expertise encased in one blue pot. And inside? A gentle yet super effective Japanese formula that delivers a brightening, resurfacing effect thanks to enzymatic extracts. Rough skin is smoothed while the skin’s barrier function is supported. And all with a serious hit of hydration. 

 Legology Lymphology® Complex

The OGs of bodycare, Legology’s Lymphology® Complex is a potent blend of caffeine, oils, and plant extracts that promote lymphatic drainage to flush trapped fluid. All clinically tested and deeply hydrating. I bet you already have some. 

Joonbyrd Daydreamer Firming Body Serum 

“A serum for body?” Why, yes. And a good one, too. A unique biomimetic peptide sapphire complex supports collagen and elastin production whilst boosting microcirculation. Aka - smoother, more refined looking skin.

This is your sign to start spreading the skincare love south of your chin - it’s bodycare’s time to shine.