Body Mapping

What is Body Mapping?

Body Mapping has been developed by the International Dermal Institute exclusively for Dermalogica.  At Escape we assess the skin and tissue changes across the 14 different zones while dry body brushing.  This procedure provides an objective overview of your skin type and condition.  This not only enhances the effectiveness of every body treatment we offer at Escape but also enables me to provide the correct advice and prescription of home care products in order for you to follow a regime at home based on your actual needs and not just from sheer guess work that may happen on some occasions if and when you have received over the counter advice.

Here is a diagram and description of all the different zones, outlining what we am looking for in each area:

Zones 1 and 2 – back of right and left leg
This is a common area for circulatory problems, fluid retention and atopic dermatitis to occur.

Varicose veins and capillary damage is usually due to long periods of standing up, hereditary factors and sitting crossed legged for many years. Toxic/fluid accumulation due to lack of exercise and poor diet will contribute to increasing the chances of getting cellulite or making the condition worse.

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition which can develop behind the knee and is red and itchy.

Zone 3 – lower back and buttocks.

This is a common area for many problems/conditions such as, sciatica, muscular stress in the lower back, stretch marks, fluid retention around the sacrum, breakouts on the buttocks and toxic accumulation.

Sciatica and muscular stress in the lower back can be caused by spinal alignment problems. Stretch marks are normally the result of weight fluctuations and pregnancy and pre-menstrual ladies may develop fluid retention around the sacrum area causing sensitivity to pressure and lower back pain.

Zone 4 – upper back and shoulders.

This is a common area for poor spinal and postural alignment and is particularly common for you to experience muscular tension. Some people may develop acne/breakouts on the back and this may be due to stress levels or the result of friction from synthetic or tight clothing. Pigmentation maybe present as a result of sun damage. Always ensure a minimum of an SPF15 is applied to the back area and always ask someone to check your moles for any changes.

Zones 5 and 6 – back of right and left arm.

This zone is a very common area for skin disorders such as, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris (red bumps on back of arms) and atopic dermatitis to appear. Muscle tone may also be poor in the area.

Zones 7 and 9 – right and left foot.

Conditions such as hard skin, colour and tissue changes, viral/fungal infections and fluid retention are generally common on the foot.

In reflexology the feet represent the whole of the body. By analysing the foot, you can tell a lot about a person’s health.

Zones 8 and 10 – front of right and left leg.

This zone is a common area for dry skin, ingrown hairs, dehydration, toxin accumulation (cellulite) and circulation changes (varicose veins and spider veins).

Incorrect product use may leave the skin irritated and dry, lack of water consumption will cause the skin to become dehydrated and waxing can result in ingrown hairs, therefore, exfoliation and moisturisation is necessary to help combat the problem. Keratosis Pilaris (red bumps) may manifest on the upper thighs if the skin is dry.

Zone 11 – abdominal area below waistline.

Poor muscle tone, stretch marks and bloating are very common in this area. One of the main causes of bloating and abdominal discomfort is an intolerance to a certain food or foods that you eat. Stress can also cause abdominal discomfort such as cramps, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome and acid indigestion. Poor muscle tone can be due to lack of exercise and weight gain through poor diet or pregnancy. As a result, stretch marks may also become visible.

Zone 12 – chest area.

The chest area can see many changes to the skin. Sun damage and pigmentation, loss of elasticity, sensitivity, increased hair growth, acne, skin tags, stretch marks and fluid retention around the breast area and postural changes.

This zone is the first area to show signs of aging because the skin is very delicate and exposed to the sun. A minimum SPF15 should be applied to the area daily to protect the skin and to prevent aging and pigmentation in the area. This area can also be affected by prickly heat when on holiday and pigmentation may appear due to using a perfumed fragrance in the area for many years.

Stress and hormonal changes can result in acne breakouts, or unusual hair growth.

Weight fluctuations and pregnancy may cause stretch marks and fluid retention in the breast area.

Zones 13 and 14 – front of right and left arm.
See zones 5 and 6.