It’s not about expensive spa treatments but rather taking good care of your skin every day. Here are three ways to moisturize your dry skin.
1. Wash
Soaps can be a major cause of Dry Skin. They dry out the skin. You can find soaps that are based on moisturizers.
2. Exfoliate
It is essential to remove dry, dead skin cells in order for newer, healthy skin thrive. You can purchase a plastic body sponge for under $5 to use daily skin exfoliation. Use a body scrub like Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Scrub to exfoliate the skin 2 or 3 times a week.
3. Protect
After you have removed the bad and revealed the good, it is time to moisturize your skin. Choose a moisturizer that will not clog pores. Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that can clog your pores. The Body Shop and Neutrogena’s lightweight butters are great choices. They are also budget-friendly moisturizers. Try these light moisturizers, which are perfect for summer and spring.
Try brands such as LUSH or Crabtree & Evelyn. (C&E’s new citrus products are fantastic).
Even in winter, it is important to protect your skin by using sunblock. Constant sun exposure can cause skin cells to break down, which, among other things, will dry your skin.
You can use a body lotion with at least SPF 15 or mix a bit of sunscreen into your moisturizer.
4. Maintain
Water (at least eight glasses per day) is the best thing you can do to keep your skin moisturized.
Vaseline or not Vaseline?
Vaseline is the secret to beautiful skin. It’s not a $150 bottle La Mer. Before you start sending me angry emails about Lamer and clogged skin pores, please listen to me.
For generations, African-American women have used Vaseline as their secret beauty weapon. It is a make-up removal, skin softener, hair gel and sunburn soother. You can use it to enhance your smile (rub some underneath your upper lips).
Vaseline is the moisturizer of choice for ageless beauties such as Beverly Johnson and Lena Horne. Both could afford to spend a lot on expensive moisturizers but chose to use Vaseline instead to moisturize their skin. You can bet that Oprah has a few bottles in her luxurious homes.
If you are still unsure about Vaseline’s powers, then try these other alternatives available in your local drugstores, Target and Wal-Mart. (Except for the Mango Body Butter).
Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel
This light moisturizing gel leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. After a relaxing bath, try the chamiolle-scented version.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Oil with Vitamin E
This oil is easier to apply than the ultra-thick solid versions. Use it immediately after getting out of the bath.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Aquaphor is an excellent alternative to Vaseline for people with very dry skin that has chapped. It provides the same moisturizing properties as Vaseline without the super thick consistency.