THE EXPERT’S TAKE: WHY EVERY INCH OF YOUR SKIN DESERVES FACE-LEVEL CARE
Great skin isn’t confined to your complexion. From the scalp that governs hair health to the soles that endure daily impact, skin thrives when it’s supported with the same rigour, intention and intelligence — wherever it lives. Barrier strength, microbiome balance and cellular turnover don’t stop at the jawline, and neither should your routine.
To uncover what full-body skin health really looks like, we spoke to leading experts across hair, body and internal wellness to uncover the hero formulas and science-backed routines to know now — designed to deliver healthier skin from head to toe.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- THE ROOT OF IT ALL: SCALPCARE THAT TREATS SKIN FIRST
- THE DRY ZONES: BARRIER CARE FOR HANDS, ELBOWS AND KNEES
- EAT YOUR SKINCARE: THE CASE FOR COLLAGEN
- FOOTCARE THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO
THE ROOT OF IT ALL: SCALPCARE THAT TREATS SKIN FIRST
Healthy hair begins with healthy skin — and that starts at the scalp. Governed by the same principles as facial skin, the scalp relies on barrier integrity, microbiome balance and cellular renewal to support strong, healthy hair growth. Yet it remains one of the most neglected areas of the routine, often only addressed only once discomfort starts to arise.
From excess oil and build-up to dryness and flakes, scalp concerns vary widely depending on skin type, hair texture and lifestyle. To bring clarity to scalp-first care, we spoke to Helen Reavey, board-certified trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, whose skin-led approach places scalp health at the foundation of healthy hair. Her hero formula — the Act+Acre Scalp Detox Treatment — is designed to reset, rebalance and restore before cleansing begins.
“The scalp plays a central role in regulating sebum and supporting follicle function, and when that balance is disrupted, it often shows up as itch, flakes, inflammation or weaker, slower hair growth. Adding to this urgency, the scalp ages up to six times faster than facial skin — making regular care essential rather than optional.
“The Scalp Detox is a 20-minute, pre-wash oil treatment designed to gently break down build-up while restoring hydration. Much like an oil cleanser for the face, it dissolves excess sebum, sweat and product residue that water alone can’t fully remove, helping reset the scalp before cleansing.
“A healthy scalp relies on two things: a balanced microbiome and a strong moisture barrier. When either is compromised, the scalp can become dry, oily, reactive or inflamed — all of which disrupt the hair growth cycle.
“The Scalp Detox Oil works by clearing excess oil and build-up while supporting the scalp’s moisture barrier. Ingredients like baobab oil help soothe sensitivity, restore hydration and support a healthy microbiome, creating a calmer, more stable environment where follicles can function at their best throughout the hair growth cycle.
“Hair texture doesn’t change the need for scalpcare, but it does influence how often you should treat. Scalp type often mirrors facial skin — oily skin tends to mean an oilier scalp, while dry or sensitive skin often comes with scalp dryness or reactivity.
“Fine hair typically needs lighter application, while curly, coily and chemically treated hair often benefits from more consistent hydration and weekly detoxing due to heavier product use and reduced natural oil distribution. One rule applies across the board — treatments belong on the scalp, not on the lengths.
“A weekly pre-wash treatment is ideal, alongside daily use of a scalp serum. Tightness, itchiness, flakes, sensitivity, excess oil or discomfort between washes are all signs the scalp is out of balance — and signal that it’s time to intervene.
“Treat the scalp like skin — cleanse, then treat. Use one pre-wash treatment per wash day, either a detox oil or a chemical exfoliant, and follow with a leave-in scalp serum post-wash. Consistency is what delivers results.”
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THE DRY ZONES: BARRIER CARE FOR HANDS, ELBOWS AND KNEES
Some areas work harder than others. Hands, elbows and knees are subject to constant exposure, frequent cleansing and repeated friction — a perfect recipe for barrier breakdown and chronic dryness. Here, skin health depends on formulas that reinforce the barrier, limit moisture loss and strengthen resilience over time.
To understand what effective barrier care really looks like beyond the face, we spoke to Liberty Angris-Hothi, Senior Product Manager at Grown Alchemist, about why their Skin Defence Barrier Primer has become a quiet essential for dryness-prone skin — wherever it lives.
“The Skin Defence Primer is a silicone-free, water-based gel that forms a light, breathable veil over the skin. Plant-derived polysaccharides act as humectants, drawing moisture into the epidermis, while the barrier layer helps lock it there. As a result, trans-epidermal water loss rates decline (the rate at which moisture is lost through the skin) and the skin barrier hydrates and strengthens.
“When skin is dry and cracked, it becomes more vulnerable to pollutants and external stressors, often leading to redness and irritation. Hydrated, intact skin is better able to perform its role as the body’s first line of defence — particularly on frequently exposed areas like the hands and elbows.
“Because the formula is purely water-based, it’s incredibly versatile. It can be used alone as a lightweight hydrator, layered with creams or oils for very dry skin, or applied at night as a treatment. It also sits comfortably as a final barrier step before makeup or heading outdoors.
“Apply it as the final step in your routine, after serums or moisturisers. The formula is clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier in just 12 hours. Signs of improvement include smoother texture, increased plumpness and hydration, and reduced redness and dullness.”
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EAT YOUR SKINCARE: THE CASE FOR COLLAGEN
Skin health isn’t just topical — it’s structural. As collagen production declines from our mid-twenties, supporting skin from within becomes increasingly relevant. To unpack the science behind supplementation and the brand’s collagen-rich Marine Collagen Sachets, we spoke to Lauren Dewsbury, the Senior Research Scientist at Vida Glow.
“Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, forming the framework that keeps it firm, hydrated and smooth. Supplementing with collagen peptides supports the skin’s extracellular matrix, with clinical studies consistently showing improvements in hydration, elasticity and the appearance of fine lines over 8–12 weeks. Benefits often extend to brittle nails and nail strength, too.
“Vida Glow uses hydrolysed marine collagen peptides, meaning the collagen is broken down into small peptides that are easily absorbed through the gut. Once in the bloodstream, they act as building blocks for new proteins and as signals that stimulate fibroblasts to support collagen production and matrix health.
“Supporting the extracellular matrix also improves hydration, elasticity and barrier function. When the skin can hold water more effectively and maintain resilience, it appears plumper, smoother and more elastic over time.
“There’s no single ‘best’ time to take collagen — consistency is what matters most. It’s suitable for all skin types, and while anyone over 25 may notice benefits, those with high sun exposure, stress or early signs of ageing often see the most visible changes.
“Collagen is a long-term investment. Most results appear around the 8–12 week mark, with continued improvements over time.”
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FOOTCARE THAT WORKS AS HARD AS YOU DO
Feet quietly do the most — and ask for the least. With thicker skin and fewer oil glands, dryness and roughness are almost inevitable without targeted care. We spoke to Millie Lloyd, Senior Education & Experience Manager at L’Occitane, about why their Shea Butter Foot Cream remains a cult classic.
“Foot skin produces very little oil, which is why dryness and cracking are so common. Shea butter helps replace what the skin lacks, supporting the barrier and restoring flexibility rather than simply masking dryness. L’Occitane’s formula contains 15% organic, fair-trade shea butter, delivering deep nourishment in a fast-absorbing texture.
“Glycerin draws moisture into the skin, while panthenol helps soothe stressed or compromised areas. Mexican Arnica supports tired, overworked feet, and camphor adds a gentle cooling–warming sensation that helps feet feel lighter and refreshed.
“Apply after a bath or shower, when skin is warm and more receptive. Massage thoroughly, focusing on heels and pressure points. For very dry feet, apply a thicker layer at night and wear cotton socks to enhance absorption.
“Avoid over-exfoliating — gentle exfoliation once or twice a week, paired with daily nourishment, delivers better long-term results. Sandal-ready feet aren’t a last-minute job; they’re built steadily, season by season.”
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