I Finally Got Rid of the “Chicken Skin” (Keratosis Pilaris) on My Arms. Here’s How.
The Little Red Bumps That Bugged Me for Decades
I’ve had those pesky, rough little red bumps on the back of my arms—”chicken skin,” or Keratosis Pilaris—my whole life. I just assumed they were permanent. But a dermatologist told me they are caused by a buildup of keratin in the hair follicles. The solution? A two-step process of chemical exfoliation and intense hydration. I started using a body lotion with glycolic acid every other day to dissolve the buildup, and a thick, ceramide-rich cream on the off days. After two months of consistency, my arms were smoother than they had been since I was a child.
The “Forgotten Zone”: How to Treat Your Neck and Décolletage Like Your Face
My Face Stopped at My Jawline, and It Showed
For 20 years, my skincare routine stopped abruptly at my chin. At 45, I looked in the mirror and was horrified. My face looked pretty good, but my neck and chest—the “décolletage”—looked a decade older. They were covered in sunspots and fine lines. I realized I had neglected this “forgotten zone.” Now, I treat my neck and chest just like my face. Every product I use—my vitamin C serum, my retinol, my sunscreen—gets applied all the way down to my nipples. It’s a simple change that’s making a huge difference.
My “Grandma Hands” Makeover: How I Made My Hands Look 15 Years Younger
My Hands Were Betraying My Age
I was feeling pretty good about my appearance at 50, but then I looked down at my hands. They were dry, wrinkly, and covered in age spots. They looked like my grandmother’s hands. They were betraying my age more than my face was. I started a “hand makeover” routine. I began applying a retinol cream to my hands at night and, most importantly, I started applying sunscreen to the back of my hands every single morning. After six months, the difference was remarkable. The sunspots had faded, and my skin looked plumper and more even-toned.
The Best Body Lotions with Active Ingredients (Retinol, Glycolic Acid)
My Skincare Routine Doesn’t Stop at My Neck
I was spending a fortune on high-tech anti-aging serums for my face while slathering my body with a cheap, basic lotion. It didn’t make sense. I decided to upgrade my body care. I found affordable body lotions that contain the same powerful active ingredients as my facial skincare. I now use a body lotion with glycolic acid a few times a week to exfoliate and smooth my skin, and I’ve started using a dedicated “body retinol” to help with firmness and crepey skin on my arms and legs. It’s about treating my entire body with the same care as my face.
I Tried “Dry Brushing” Every Day for a Month. The Cellulite Results Were Surprising.
A 5-Minute Ritual for My Lymphatic System
I read about dry brushing—the practice of brushing your dry skin with a stiff-bristled brush before you shower. It’s said to exfoliate, boost circulation, and help with lymphatic drainage, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. I was skeptical, but I tried it for a month. The cellulite results were subtle, but the other benefits were not. My skin was incredibly soft and smooth, and the invigorating 5-minute ritual was a great way to wake up my body in the morning. For the exfoliation benefits alone, it’s a habit I’ve stuck with.
How to Get Rid of “Bacne” and Body Breakouts for Good
The Culprit Was My Hair Conditioner
I was getting annoying breakouts on my back and chest in my thirties and couldn’t figure out why. A dermatologist asked about my shower routine. I was washing my body first, and then conditioning my hair, letting the conditioner run down my back. She explained that the heavy oils and silicones in many conditioners can clog pores. Her solution was simple: wash and condition your hair first, clip it up on top of your head, and then wash your body. This ensures you rinse off any pore-clogging residue. This simple change completely cleared up my “bacne.”
The Ultimate Pedicure at Home for Ageless, Sandal-Ready Feet
My Feet Looked 20 Years Older Than Me
My feet were a mess—dry, cracked heels, and thick calluses. They looked old. I created an “ultimate” at-home pedicure routine that has transformed them. Once a week, I soak my feet in warm water with Epsom salts. Then, I use a chemical exfoliating foot peel (the kind that makes your feet shed like a snake—gross but effective!). On a daily basis, I use a foot file in the shower and then, at night, I slather my feet in a thick, urea-based foot cream and put on cotton socks. My feet now look sandal-ready all year round.
I Used a “Body Peel” to Get Rid of Sun Damage on My Chest.
Like a Chemical Peel, But for Your Décolletage
After decades of V-neck shirts and inadequate sun protection, the skin on my chest was a mess of sunspots and fine lines. My dermatologist recommended an at-home “body peel.” I used a powerful peeling lotion containing glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) on my chest every night for a week. My skin got red and then started to flake and peel, revealing fresh, new skin underneath. The process was a bit intense, but the results were amazing. It significantly faded my sun damage and made my skin look smoother and more even.
The Surprising Reason Your Elbows and Knees Are So Dark (And How to Fix It)
It’s Not Dirt, It’s Dead Skin
I was always self-conscious about my dark, rough elbows and knees. I thought they were just permanently stained. I learned that the skin on our elbows and knees is naturally thicker and has fewer oil glands, which makes it prone to dryness and a buildup of dead skin cells. The fix is a one-two punch. First, you need to exfoliate regularly with a scrub or a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid. Second, you need to moisturize religiously with a thick, heavy-duty cream containing an ingredient like urea or lactic acid to soften the skin.
How I Faded the Stretch Marks on My Stomach with a Simple Routine
They Didn’t Disappear, But They Did Fade
After two pregnancies, I had significant stretch marks on my stomach. I knew I couldn’t make them disappear completely, but I wanted to see if I could make them less noticeable. I started a simple, consistent routine. Every night, I would use a dermaroller (a tool with tiny needles) on the area to stimulate collagen, and then I would immediately apply a prescription-strength retinoid cream. After about six months of consistency, the results were impressive. The color had faded, and the texture was much smoother. They were still there, but they were a much fainter version of their former selves.
The Art of the “Self-Tan”: How to Get a Youthful Glow Without the Sun Damage
A Tan from a Bottle Is the Only Safe Tan
I love the look of a tan, but as a 45-year-old, I am terrified of sun damage. I have perfected the art of the at-home self-tan. The secret is in the prep. The day before I tan, I exfoliate my entire body and moisturize my dry spots, like my knees and elbows. I use a tanning “mitt” for a streak-free application. And I use a gradual tanning lotion on my face. It gives me a healthy, youthful glow that looks completely natural, without any of the wrinkles, sunspots, and cancer risk of a real tan.
I Tried a “Booty-Firming” Cream for 60 Days. Did It Actually Lift Anything?
The Most Effective Ingredient Was Caffeine (And Hope)
I was influenced and bought a popular, expensive “booty-firming” cream that promised to lift and tighten my 40-something backside. I used it religiously for 60 days. The verdict? It didn’t “lift” anything. However, the high concentration of caffeine in the cream did temporarily dehydrate the fat cells and tighten the skin, which made my cellulite look slightly less noticeable for a few hours. So, while it’s a nice temporary smoother before a day at the beach, it is not a “butt lift in a jar.” The best butt-firmer is still squats.
The Best Sunscreens for Your Body That Don’t Feel Like a Sticky, Greasy Mess
My Sunscreen Revolution: The Clear Gel
I hate the feeling of thick, greasy body sunscreen. It was my main excuse for not wearing it every day. Then I discovered the new generation of sunscreen gels. They are completely clear, they absorb instantly, and they feel like nothing on the skin. They are not cheap—a bottle can cost around $30—but the amazing texture means that I actually want to put them on. The best sunscreen is the one you will wear consistently, and for me, these lightweight gels were a complete game-changer.
How to Heal Cracked Heels and Dry, Flaky Feet Overnight
The “Slugging” Technique for Your Feet
My feet were dry and my heels were cracked. I learned the “slugging” technique from a podiatrist. Before bed, I would apply a thick layer of a lotion containing a chemical exfoliant like lactic acid to my feet. Then, I would apply a very thick layer of a simple occlusive ointment, like Aquaphor or Vaseline, over the top. Then, I’d put on a pair of cotton socks and go to sleep. The lotion exfoliates while the ointment traps the moisture in. After just one night, my feet were dramatically softer and smoother.
The “Bathing Ritual” That Soothes My Muscles and My Mind
I Upgraded My Bath From a Chore to a Sanctuary
I used to think of baths as something for kids. Now, my weekly bathing ritual is a non-negotiable part of my self-care. I’ve upgraded the experience. I add two cups of Epsom salts to soothe my sore muscles. I add a few drops of lavender essential oil for relaxation. I light a candle and I listen to a calming podcast. It’s a 30-minute ritual that forces me to disconnect from my phone and be present. It’s not just about getting clean; it’s about soothing my nervous system.
I Started Using a Body Oil Instead of a Lotion. My Skin Has Never Been Softer.
The Secret Is to Apply It to Damp Skin
My body skin was always dry, even with daily lotion. A beauty editor friend told me to try a body oil instead. The key, she said, is to apply it to damp skin, right after you get out of the shower, before you towel off. The oil helps to trap the water on your skin, providing a much deeper and more lasting hydration than a lotion on its own. I made the switch, and my perpetually dry, flaky skin has never been softer or more supple.
How to Prevent and Treat “Crepey” Skin on Your Arms and Legs
The Thin, Crinkly Skin Needed More Than Just a Moisturizer
In my early fifties, I started to notice “crepey” skin on my forearms—that thin, crinkly texture like crepe paper. My regular body lotion wasn’t cutting it. A dermatologist told me the two-step solution. First, you need a product with a chemical exfoliant, like glycolic or lactic acid, to help improve cell turnover and smooth the texture. Second, you need a moisturizer with ingredients that support collagen production, like retinol or peptides. It’s a skincare routine for your body that’s just as sophisticated as the one for your face.
The Best Deodorants That Are Aluminum-Free and Actually Work
I Had to Go Through a “Detox” Period
I wanted to switch to an aluminum-free, natural deodorant, but the first few I tried were a disaster. I learned there is often a one- to two-week “detox” period where your armpits, used to being plugged up by antiperspirant, can overcompensate. I powered through it. I’ve now found that the most effective natural deodorants are the ones that contain acids (like mandelic or lactic acid) which lower the pH of your skin, making it harder for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. They don’t stop the sweat, but they do stop the smell.
I Tried Sclerotherapy for My Spider Veins. Here’s What Happened.
The Tiny Injections That Erased My Leg Veins
I had developed a network of small, unsightly spider veins on my legs that made me self-conscious about wearing shorts. I went to a dermatologist for sclerotherapy. The procedure involves injecting a special solution into the veins, which causes them to collapse and fade away. It felt like a series of tiny pinpricks. I had to wear compression stockings for a week afterwards, and there was some bruising. But after a few weeks, the veins were completely gone. For me, the a few hundred dollars and the temporary discomfort were completely worth it.
The Most Neglected Body Part in Anti-Aging (And How to Care for It)
Your Hands Show Your Age First
We spend so much time and money on the skin on our faces, but the most neglected body part in anti-aging is our hands. The skin on the back of our hands is very thin and gets a huge amount of sun exposure, so it’s one of the first places to show age spots and wrinkling. The solution is simple: treat your hands like your face. This means applying a hand cream with SPF every single morning. It’s the single most effective thing you can do to keep your hands looking youthful.
How to Give Yourself a Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Your Whole Body
A Gentle Massage to De-Puff and Detox
I learned how to do a simple lymphatic drainage massage from an esthetician. It’s not a deep-tissue massage; it’s a very light, gentle stroking motion. The goal is to encourage the movement of lymph fluid, which can help to reduce bloating and puffiness. Using a body oil, I use light, upward strokes on my legs and arms, always moving toward the center of my body where the major lymph nodes are. It’s a relaxing 5-minute ritual after my shower that helps me feel less swollen and more energized.
The Surprising Benefits of an Epsom Salt Bath for Muscle Recovery and Detox
The Old-School Remedy That Actually Works
After a tough workout, my muscles would be sore for days. My trainer told me to try an Epsom salt bath. It sounds like an old wives’ tale, but it works. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. When you soak in it, your body can absorb the magnesium through the skin. Magnesium is crucial for muscle relaxation and can help to ease soreness and stiffness. A 20-minute soak in a warm bath with two cups of Epsom salts is now a non-negotiable part of my post-workout recovery routine.
I Used a “Body Retinol” for 3 Months. Here Are the Before and Afters.
Like a Time Machine for My Skin
I started using a dedicated “body retinol” lotion, specifically on my arms and chest where I had some sun damage and crepey skin. I used it every other night to avoid irritation. The first month, I didn’t see much difference. But after three months, the results were undeniable. The skin texture was much smoother and firmer, some of the fine lines had softened, and my skin tone looked more even. It’s a long-term commitment, but retinol is one of the few ingredients that can truly create a visible change in the quality of your skin.
How to Exfoliate Your Entire Body for the Smoothest Skin of Your Life
Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation
To get truly smooth skin, you need to exfoliate your body regularly. There are two main types. Physical exfoliation is using a scrub or a dry brush to manually slough off dead skin cells. This is great for an immediate smoothing effect. Chemical exfoliation is using a body wash or lotion with an acid, like glycolic or salicylic acid, to dissolve the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. I alternate between the two: I use a scrub in the shower twice a week, and a lotion with glycolic acid on the other nights.
The Best Hand Creams with SPF to Prevent Age Spots
Sunscreen Is Not Just for Your Face
My dad, a golfer, had hands that looked 20 years older than his face. They were covered in brown “age spots,” which are really just sunspots. He finally started using a hand cream that contained a broad-spectrum SPF 30 every single day. He keeps a tube in his car and reapplies after he washes his hands. It’s a simple habit, but it’s the only way to prevent new spots from forming. It’s much easier to prevent the damage than it is to treat it after the fact.
I Tried a “Bum Bum” Cream Dupe from Amazon. How Did It Compare?
The Smell Was the Same, But Were the Results?
I was obsessed with the famous, expensive “Bum Bum” firming cream, but I couldn’t justify the $48 price tag. I found a popular “dupe” on Amazon for $15 that had similar ingredients, including caffeine and guarana extract. How did it compare? The scent was almost identical. The texture was also rich and moisturizing. And just like the original, it gave my skin a temporary, subtle tightening effect. For a third of the price, I found the dupe to be a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative for my daily body moisturizing routine.
The Secret to Shaving Your Legs Without Getting Strawberry Skin or Razor Bumps
It’s All About the Prep and the Aftercare
I used to get terrible razor bumps and “strawberry skin” (those little dark dots) on my legs after shaving. A dermatologist taught me the secret. First, exfoliate before you shave to get rid of the dead skin that can clog the razor. Second, use a sharp, new razor blade and a moisturizing shaving cream, not soap. And third, the most important step, is aftercare. Immediately after you get out of the shower, apply a simple, fragrance-free lotion to soothe the skin and prevent irritation.
How to Care for Your Skin After Hair Removal (Waxing, Shaving, Laser)
Your Skin Is Traumatized. Be Nice to It.
Whether you wax, shave, or get laser hair removal, your skin is traumatized afterwards. The key to aftercare is to be gentle and to focus on reducing inflammation. For the first 24 hours, avoid hot showers, tight clothing, and heavy lotions. A simple, soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer is your best friend. After a day or two, you can start to gently exfoliate with a chemical exfoliant (like a salicylic acid pad) to prevent ingrown hairs. The goal is to soothe first, and then exfoliate.
The Most Luxurious Body Washes That Make Your Shower Feel Like a Spa
My 10-Minute Escape
My shower is my 10-minute daily escape. I decided to make it feel as luxurious as possible by investing in a high-quality body wash. I looked for one with a sophisticated, essential-oil-based scent, like eucalyptus or sandalwood, instead of a fake, fruity smell. I also chose a formula that was hydrating and didn’t strip my skin. That small, daily moment of lathering up with a beautiful, fragrant body wash makes my simple shower feel like a mini spa treatment and elevates my entire morning routine.
I Invested in a High-Quality Bathrobe. It Changed My Entire Evening Routine.
The Ultimate “Comfort” Signal to My Brain
For years, I just used an old, ratty towel after my shower. My wife bought me a high-quality, plush Turkish cotton bathrobe for my birthday. It was a game-changer. The act of putting on that soft, warm, luxurious robe after my evening shower has become a powerful “comfort signal” to my brain. It tells my body that the workday is over and that it’s time to relax and unwind. It’s a simple object, but it has completely transformed my evening routine and my ability to de-stress.
How to Make a DIY Body Scrub That’s Better Than Store-Bought
Sugar, Oil, and a Bit of Magic
I love a good body scrub, but the store-bought ones can be expensive. I started making my own, and it’s better than anything I can buy. The recipe is simple: one part sugar (a great, gentle exfoliant), one part a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil, and a few drops of my favorite essential oil for scent. I keep it in a jar in my shower. It exfoliates and moisturizes at the same time, it’s completely natural, and it costs pennies to make.
The Link Between Your Body Hydration and Skin Elasticity
I Drank My Way to Plumper Skin
My skin was feeling dry and less “bouncy” than it used to. My esthetician told me that before I invest in expensive creams, I should focus on my water intake. Dehydrated skin on the inside will always look dry and inelastic on the outside. Skin cells need water to function properly and to maintain their plumpness. I made a conscious effort to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. After a few weeks, I noticed a visible difference in the elasticity and overall “glow” of my skin.
I Tried a Body Contouring Treatment (Like Emsculpt). Was It Worth the Hype?
The Machine That Gave Me 20,000 Crunches in 30 Minutes
Curious about non-invasive body contouring, I tried a session of Emsculpt on my abdomen. The machine uses electromagnetic energy to induce powerful muscle contractions, the equivalent of doing 20,000 crunches in 30 minutes. The treatment itself felt incredibly strange, like an intense, involuntary muscle spasm. The cost for a package of four sessions was about $3,000. The result? My abdomen was noticeably more toned and firm. It was not a weight-loss tool, but as a muscle-strengthening and contouring treatment, it delivered on its promise.
The Best At-Home Treatments for Ingrown Hairs
Don’t Pick! Exfoliate.
I used to be plagued by painful ingrown hairs. My first instinct was to try to pick them out with tweezers, which just made them worse. A dermatologist taught me the correct approach. The key is chemical exfoliation. I started using a simple cotton pad soaked in salicylic acid (like a Stridex pad) on the area every day. The acid gently exfoliates the skin, allowing the trapped hair to come out on its own. It’s a much more effective and less damaging solution than picking.
How to Sleep to Avoid “Sleep Creases” on Your Chest
My Side-Sleeping Was Giving Me Permanent Wrinkles
I’m a side-sleeper, and I started to notice deep, vertical wrinkles forming on my chest, right between my breasts. These were “sleep creases” from my skin being folded and compressed for eight hours a night. The best solution, of course, is to sleep on your back, but that felt impossible for me. I found a great alternative: a special, contoured “chest pillow” that you wear at night. It keeps your breasts separated and prevents the skin from creasing. It looks a little silly, but it has completely gotten rid of my chest wrinkles.
The Simple Habit That Keeps My Nails Strong and My Cuticles Healthy
My Secret Weapon Is a Pen
My nails were always brittle, and my cuticles were a dry, ragged mess. A manicurist told me the most important thing I could do was to keep them hydrated. She recommended I buy a cuticle oil “pen.” It has a brush tip that makes it easy and clean to apply. I keep one on my desk and one on my nightstand. A few times a day, I just quickly swipe the oil over my cuticles and nails. This simple, two-second habit has made my nails stronger and my cuticles healthier than ever before.
I Used a Chemical Exfoliant on My Feet. The Peeling Was Gross but Glorious.
The “Baby Foot” Peel Is Not for the Faint of Heart
I tried one of those popular “foot peel” kits, like “Baby Foot.” You wear a pair of plastic booties filled with an acid gel for an hour. For the first few days, nothing happens. Then, around day four, your feet start to shed their entire outer layer of skin in giant, horrifying sheets. It is profoundly gross. But after about a week, the peeling is done, and you are left with the softest, smoothest, most baby-like feet you have had since you were an actual baby. The process is disgusting, but the result is glorious.
How to Create a “Scent Wardrobe” of Body Lotions and Perfumes
A Different Scent for Every Mood and Season
I used to wear the same perfume every single day. A fragrance expert suggested I create a “scent wardrobe” instead. Just like with clothes, you can have different scents for different moods and seasons. I now have a light, citrusy scent for hot summer days. I have a warm, spicy vanilla scent for cozy winter evenings. And I have a sophisticated, woody scent for when I want to feel powerful at work. Having a small wardrobe of fragrances allows me to use scent as another tool to express my mood and personality.
The Best Solutions for Underarm Sweat and Odor
Clinical Strength vs. Natural Alternatives
For years, I used a standard antiperspirant/deodorant. But in my forties, I started to experience more stress sweat. I upgraded to a “clinical strength” antiperspirant, which I apply at night, as it’s more effective when your sweat ducts are less active. On the natural side, for odor control, I’ve found that deodorants containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are incredibly effective. They lower the skin’s pH, which creates an inhospitable environment for odor-causing bacteria. I often use both, at different times, for a comprehensive solution.
I Applied My Facial Skincare Down to My Nipples for a Year. Here’s the Difference.
The Unofficial Skincare Demarcation Line
An esthetician gave me a simple rule: “Anything you put on your face, you should be taking down to your nipples.” This includes your cleanser, your serums, your moisturizer, and most importantly, your sunscreen. The skin on our neck and chest is thin and delicate and shows signs of aging just as quickly as our face. I took her advice. After a year of treating my neck and chest with the same care as my face, the difference in texture, tone, and firmness is remarkable.
How to Care for Your Breasts to Maintain Firmness and Skin Health
Beyond Just a Good Bra
As I’ve aged, I’ve started to think about proactive care for the skin on my breasts to maintain firmness and skin health. It’s not about miracle “lifting” creams. It’s about a few simple habits. I always apply sunscreen to my décolletage to prevent collagen breakdown. I use a firming body lotion with ingredients like peptides or retinol on the area. And I make sure to moisturize regularly, as hydrated skin is always plumper and more elastic than dry skin. It’s about treating this delicate skin with the same care as the skin on my face.
The Best Products for Soothing Sunburned Skin (That Aren’t Just Aloe)
When You’ve Made a Sunscreen Mistake
I made a mistake and got a bad sunburn on my back. While aloe vera is soothing, I learned there are more effective ways to help the skin heal. First, I took an anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, to reduce the redness and swelling from the inside. Second, I applied a cold compress soaked in milk. The fats and proteins in milk are very soothing to the skin. And third, instead of just aloe, I used a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer with ceramides to help repair my skin’s damaged moisture barrier.
I Tried a “Body Firming” Dry Oil. Did It Work?
The Temporary Glow-Up
I tried a popular “body firming” dry oil before a beach vacation. It promised to make my skin look tighter and more toned. The oil itself was lovely; it absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy. It gave my skin a beautiful, healthy-looking sheen. The “firming” effect, I believe, came mostly from the intense hydration and the light-reflecting properties of the oil, which made my skin appear smoother and more toned. While it didn’t magically get rid of cellulite, it was a great product for a temporary “glow-up” and a boost of confidence in a swimsuit.
How to Make Your Perfume Last All Day
The Secret Is Hydration and Application
My perfume would disappear after a few hours. A fragrance expert gave me two tips that changed everything. First, apply perfume to hydrated skin. The oils in a moisturizer will give the fragrance molecules something to cling to. So, I apply an unscented body lotion first. Second, don’t just spray it in the air and walk through it. Apply it directly to your pulse points—your wrists, behind your ears, the crook of your elbow—where your body heat will help to gently diffuse the scent throughout the day.
The Importance of Moisturizing Your Body Within 3 Minutes of Showering
The “Golden Window” for Hydration
A dermatologist told me about the “three-minute rule.” After you shower, you have a three-minute “golden window” to apply your body lotion. When your skin is still slightly damp, your pores are open, and the lotion can penetrate more deeply and, most importantly, can trap the water on your skin, leading to much better hydration. If you wait until your skin is completely dry, you are just moisturizing a dry surface. This simple change in timing has made my body lotion infinitely more effective.
My Pre-Event Body Care Routine for Glowing From Head to Toe
The 24-Hour Prep for a Big Night Out
When I have a big event and want to look my best, I have a 24-hour body care routine. The day before, I do a full-body exfoliation with a scrub to get rid of any dry skin. That night, I apply a gradual self-tanner for a subtle, healthy glow. The day of the event, after my shower, I apply a rich body lotion, and then, right before I get dressed, I apply a “finishing” product—a body oil or a lotion with a subtle shimmer—to my arms, legs, and décolletage. It makes my skin look radiant.
The Best Affordable Body Care Products from the Drugstore
Luxury Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a luxurious body care routine. The drugstore is full of amazing, affordable gems. I’ve found that a simple Cetaphil or CeraVe moisturizing cream is just as effective, if not more so, than a $50 jar of a fancy body butter. A classic Neutrogena body oil gives the same results as a high-end version. And a simple sugar scrub from the grocery store aisle can exfoliate just as well as a designer brand. It’s about the ingredients, not the brand name.
How to Fake a “Post-Vacation” Glow Any Time of Year
My Secret Cocktail for Radiant Skin
To get that healthy, “post-vacation” glow without the vacation, I have a secret cocktail. First, I exfoliate my body to create a smooth canvas. Then, I mix a few drops of a liquid bronzer or a luminizer (like the kind you’d use on your face) into my regular body lotion. I apply this mixture to my arms, legs, and chest. It gives my skin a subtle, sun-kissed, radiant sheen that looks completely natural. It’s my secret weapon for faking a healthy glow in the middle of winter.
The Surprising Places You’re Forgetting to Apply Sunscreen
Your Lips, Your Eyelids, and Your Ears
We all know we should wear sunscreen on our faces. But there are a few key spots that most people miss. First, your ears. They are a very common place for skin cancer to develop. Second, your eyelids. The skin is incredibly thin and vulnerable. And third, your lips. Your lips have no melanin and can get burned easily. I now use a lip balm with SPF 30 every single day, and I make sure to swipe my facial sunscreen over my ears and my closed eyelids every morning.
My “Love Your Body” Routine: A Shift from Fixing Flaws to Celebrating Strength
I Started Thanking My Body Instead of Criticizing It
My body care routine used to be a battle. It was all about “fixing” my flaws—the cellulite, the stretch marks, the wrinkles. In my forties, I’ve shifted my perspective. My routine is now about celebration, not correction. When I’m applying my body lotion, instead of criticizing my “crepey” knees, I try to thank my legs for carrying me on a long walk. Instead of obsessing over the stretch marks on my stomach, I thank my body for having carried my children. It’s a small mental shift, but it has transformed my relationship with my own body.