Keep Skin Moist After Showering

Not drying off with a towel after your shower or bath can save your skin from aging, drying out and help to absorb the lotion better. I have old terry cloth robes that I put on when getting out of a shower. Look at your thrift store, sometimes you can get lucky. I did with a brand new one, now that is old. Some people have the towels from their weddings so as long as terry works, all is well.

In summer, our skin get drier and ages more so, of course, always use SPF even if you can't see the sun. I know how damaging those rays are! My doctor is the one who told me that using towels and rubbing hard on our skin is damaging. It tugs, pulls and removes more moisture then you really want to. He recommends "air dry" but for some of us, that is impossible. We can wrap the towel around us or, like me, put on a terry cloth robe while there is still water on your skin.

The weather, no matter where you live, is hurting your skin, either by air conditioning, the difference between outdoor or indoor humidity, sun drying, or heavy fog in the air (most of the West Coast). It is something that I noticed a difference in immediately. Within a week, there was a huge change in my skin.

While you are still moist, put lotion on then. It goes further into your skin and lasts longer. I was told "no" on any perfumed lotion. One with cucumbers, berries, Shea butter or cocoa butter is the best. Anything in the lotion that isn't a natural item means your body is absorbing it. My way is if I don't know what it is or how to pronounce it, I don't use it. There are great lotions that fit my budget without perfume added. If you can't find one, try coconut oil. It comes in a hard form which is perfect for using on your body. Mine was 99 cents, works great.

Perfumed lotion on your wrists or with cologne is alright. It helps you extend the great smell and you are using less of it. Having it in your soap or lotion is what hurts your skin by making it dry, helping aging faster.

Don't forget Vaseline is your best friend for those elbows and feet If you are in chlorine, it is the same as being in bleach. We all know what that does to our bodies. Try sleeping in some socks after putting Vaseline on your feet.

My doctor and I also talked about people who twisted their hair, either in a towel or just after you wash it. Most people have done that for years. If I hadn't been told, I probably still would be doing it. Wet long hair is easily broken, Going easy on twisting it too hard or putting a comb or brush through it roughly. It breaks it faster then bleaching or over processing it. Gently use a comb right after you condition your hair. It will break less and be as healthy as your skin is going be.

Have a great summer. Enjoy it for years to come. I love my doctor, he knows I hate all the aging thing. Laughing he told me "Enjoy it and smile. You're as young as you look"! He is a dermatologist with his heart in the right place.

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA