From Head to Toe: Skin Care Tips You Might Be Overlooking

When it comes to skincare, most people focus on their face — moisturizers, serums, sunscreen, and anti-aging products often take center stage. But your skin is your body’s largest organ, covering more than 20 square feet, and it deserves attention everywhere, not just from the neck up.

From scalp care to soles of your feet, healthy skin requires a full-body approach. This National Healthy Skin Month, our dermatology experts share the top overlooked areas that need care — and how to keep your skin glowing and comfortable from head to toe.

 Scalp Care: The Foundation of Skin Health

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Your scalp is an extension of your skin and can experience the same issues — dryness, oiliness, irritation, or buildup.

Common scalp concerns:

• Flaking or dandruff (often from seborrheic dermatitis)
• Itching and redness caused by psoriasis or eczema
• Excess oil production leading to clogged follicles and irritation

Dermatologist tips:

• Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo and avoid daily over washing, which strips natural oils.
• If you experience persistent flaking, redness, or itching, try a medicated shampoo with zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole — or ask your dermatologist about treatment options.
• Don’t ignore scalp sunscreen! If you have thinning hair or a visible part, apply SPF powder or spray to protect against sun damage.

Hands and Feet: The Most Overworked and Under-Moisturized

Frequent handwashing, sanitizer use, and cold weather can lead to dry, cracked hands. Your feet, meanwhile, carry you through each day and often get neglected until they hurt.

Tips for hand and foot care:

• Apply a fragrance-free, ceramide-rich moisturizer after every handwash.
• For extremely dry hands, apply an occlusive ointment (like petroleum jelly) before bed and wear cotton gloves overnight.
• Exfoliate feet weekly and follow with a thick foot cream — focusing on heels and callused areas.
• Always wear sunscreen on the tops of your hands; they’re one of the first areas to show signs of sun damage and aging.

Nail and Cuticle Care: A Window Into Your Health

Your nails are more than a cosmetic feature — they can reveal early signs of skin disease or systemic conditions.

What to watch for:

• Discoloration (yellow, brown, or white)
• Vertical ridges or pits (often linked to psoriasis or eczema)
• Thickening or separation from the nail bed

Dermatologist advice:

• Keep nails short, clean, and dry.
• Avoid harsh nail products and excessive gel manicures.
• Moisturize cuticles to prevent cracking or infection.
• See a dermatologist if you notice persistent changes — they can perform tests to rule out fungal infections or underlying health issues.

Lips: Protect Your Smile Year-Round

Lips are one of the most delicate areas of skin on your body — and because they lack oil glands, they’re prone to dryness and cracking.

Keep your lips healthy by:

• Using a lip balm with SPF 30+, even in winter.
• Avoiding products with menthol, camphor, or fragrance, which can irritate.
• Exfoliating gently once a week with a soft toothbrush or sugar scrub to remove dead skin.

Persistent lip dryness, scaling, or sores may indicate actinic cheilitis (sun damage) or another skin condition that needs professional care.

Body Folds, Underarms, and Hidden Areas

Areas like the underarms, groin, under the breasts, and between toes are warm and moisture-prone, making them ideal for irritation, rashes, and fungal infections.

Keep these areas healthy by:

• Gently washing daily with a fragrance-free cleanser.
• Thoroughly drying skin after showering — especially between folds.
• Using antifungal powder or barrier creams if you’re prone to irritation.
• Wearing breathable fabrics like cotton to reduce moisture buildup.

Don’t forget your back and chest, either — acne and folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) are common in these areas. Your dermatologist can recommend targeted washes or treatments to help.

The Bottom Line: Skin Health Is Whole-Body Health

Your skin deserves care from head to toe — and your dermatologist is your best partner in maintaining it. During National Healthy Skin Month, take time to check in with your skin. Schedule your annual skin exam, ask questions about problem areas, and make sure you’re protecting and nourishing your skin everywhere, not just your face.

Because every inch of your skin matters — and healthy skin means a healthier you.

When to See a Dermatologist

If you experience persistent dryness, rashes, flaking, or irritation on any part of your skin, schedule an appointment. Are team of Dermatologists providers can diagnose and treat underlying conditions, recommend personalized skincare, and help you prevent more serious issues down the road.