Do you use the same products on your face that you do on the rest of your body? If so, you are probably not aware of the problems it might be causing. Different areas of your skin should be treated differently, as each area has unique characteristics that require special attention.

Most parts of our skin are made up of three layers: the epidermis (the outer-most layer), the dermis (the middle layer) and sebaceous glands (where sebum, or the production of oils, occur). The two exceptions – soles of feet and palms of hands – lack sebaceous glands and should therefore be treated differently than all other areas of our body. And just as our hands and feet require a special regimen, our facial skin must be cared for differently than our body skin.

Several factors contribute to the differences each area of skin requires:

The Environment:
What area of our skin is constantly being exposed to sunlight, air pollutants, and let’s not forget…our hands? If you answered, “Face,” you’re right! Lucky for our arms, legs, feet, stomachs and backs, they get protection most days out of the year. Our face on the other hand, does not have this luxury and is therefore, the first to succumb to these harmful environmental effects. Other environmental factors such as smoking, excessive drinking and those that hasten fatigue and stress, can also contribute heavily to skin conditions such as premature aging and acne.

Epidermal Thickness:
The thicker the epidermis, the heavier and harsher a treatment it can endure. Our palms and soles are the thickest area of our skin, followed by our body and finally, our face. Our facial epidermis is approximately 0.48 mm thinner than our body epidermis. In comparison to our body skin regimen, our facial cleansers and moisturizers should be much lighter and gentler products.

Sebaceous Activity:
I’m willing to bet that most everyone has probably heard of (and likely detests), the “T-zone.” Why is this such a problem area for so many? Sebaceous glands sit just below the dermis and produce oil through our pores. Our sebaceous glands play an important role in keeping the skin hydrated, but when overactive, an excess amount of sebum may clog pores and contribute to acne. Our face, especially our T-zone, is crowded with sebaceous glands, making it susceptible to excessive oil production. This is why it is important to use facial products that are light and do not clog pores.

While it is relatively normal to have drier body skin (especially during the winter months), each person’s face is different — some are more oily, others more dry; some are sensitive and others, a little bit of it all. The point is that each part of the body’s skin is different and should be cared for with products made specifically for that area.

Welcome to a new series here at Vintage Body Spa, Facial Friday! Each Friday we’ll post on different aspects of facial care.

We’re gearing up to launch our new facial care line in the next few weeks. The products provide a great and easy way to care for your delicate facial skin. The products use botanical extracts and luxurious oils to fight the signs of aging while protecting and moisturizing. Here’s a brief overview of the products that will soon be available:

CLEANSERS
Coconut Milk Cleanser – deep cleans to remove oil, dirt and makeup. Has a wonderful light, natural coconut scent.

Rejuvenating Facial Cleanser – gently cleans all skin types, but is especially beneficial for mature, aging skin.

TONER
Cucumber and Aloe Toner – gently removes residue while balancing skin’s pH level. Hydrates skin with cooling organic cucumber and soothing organic aloe.

MOISTURIZERS
Botanical Facial Lotion – light, natural daily moisturizer to hydrate and nourish skin.

Oil-Free Moisturizer – herbal, oil-free moisturizer that provides excellent hydration for oily skin. Non greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and shine-free.

SERUM
Antioxidant Serum - oil free serum provides a boost of antioxidant (age-fighting) power to your skin care routine. Helps to improve skin texture, tone and radiance.

NIGHT CREME
Hydrating Night Creme – deeply nourishing nighttime moisturizer to hydrate and replenish skin.

Restorative Night Creme – power packed nighttime moisturizer evens out skin tone and helps restore skin’s youthful appearance while you sleep.

TREATMENTS
Microdermabrasion Creme – gently slough off dull, dry and damaged skin cells with the same tiny microdermabrasion crystals that the high-end spas use

MASQUES
Detoxifying Masque – deep clean pores and control excess oil production.

Moisturizing Masque – gently cleanse pores without stripping away precious moisture.

Refining Masque – removes impurities, evens out skin tone and revitalizes skin while fighting the signs of aging.