Day 19: Moisturise your body
A while back I made the commitment to moisturise my entire body every morning. Not just lower legs once a week and not just when my elbows felt dry. Every morning, the whole body. Even if I was running late, even if I couldn’t be bothered.
I told myself it would become a habit, and it has now. If I miss a day (maybe once a month when I’m really late) I notice it. It would be like not brushing my hair or teeth before leaving the house.
After my shower and moisturising my face, I apply sunscreen to the décolletage area (summer and winter), then start on body lotion – arms and shoulders, lower legs, feet and knees, thighs and even bum cheeks. Sometimes I do my stomach, but mostly not. It seems to be the extremities (arms and legs) rather than the torso that lose moisture the most.
I feel très French and chic doing this self-care routine every day, and all the massage must be doing something. My skin will be smooth and my blood will be flowing around delivering goodness to every cell.
At first it may feel like it takes forever, you’re wasting valuable time, you’re late... but persevere and do it every day, and your skin and your serenity will thank you. Maybe you’ll get quicker at it or maybe you’ll just get used to the time it takes. Like hair washing and shaving your legs, it will become part of your personal care regime.
I've been in the practice of doing the same thing. While still in the shower, after shaking off excess water, I apply 100% Almond Oil (found in health food store) all over my body. It's not suppose to clog pores because of being all natural. I use to get little red bumps on the backs of my arms, couldn't get rid of them no matter what (exfoliating, lotions) but now they are gone. I love that it doesn't have a scent so it doesn't interfere with perfume should I choose to wear it. And I love, love having soft skin. But I do need to remember to add SPF to my chest and neck--good reminder.
ReplyDeleteSince your hand cream post I've been doing that every day. I normally do my legs too, but I'm not consistent. However, I've seen real results from being consistent with my hands that I'm going to give this a try. Goodness knows I have enough bottles of moisturizer laying around to keep me in stock for a while.
ReplyDeleteDear Fiona,
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed, throughly I might add, your series of 30 chic days :)
It has been a wonderful way to stimulate the inner person isn't it?
Most of your advice has been excellent and things that we keep taken for granted.
Like the one for today...it is something that is really so important for your skin. Moisturizing is a way of creating a barrier for the cold not to penetrate...I live in the mountains of PA in the States and the wind here can really do a number on your skin.
I use body oil instead of cream...it leaves a wonderful scent that lingers throughout the day and my skin feels absolutely soft...
Thanks!
M.
I just got out of the shower and have applied a light layer of Dr. Hauschka rose oil on my arms and legs!
ReplyDeleteand then to come here and read this... :)
moisturizing is another one of my go-to methods for procrastination when i need to take a break from the books haha ;p
ReplyDeletedo you have a recommended moisturizer Fiona?
I've been doing this for years and it definitely is a part of my routine that I can't do without — even in summer (though I do switch to a lighter moisturizer.) The last couple of winters my pick has been Kiehl's Creme de Corps. Though I am a bit of a body moisturizer junkie (love to try different ones and get bored using the same one year-round), I always seem to go back to my Kiehl's. Love it!—Hope
ReplyDeleteQuestion for all of you using body oil: You don't find that it leaves a film? It doesn't rub off on your clothes when you dress?—Hope
ReplyDeleteHope,
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any "filmy" issues. Maybe because my skin is still pretty damp when I apply and then I might blot dry with my towel after application. A little bit goes a long way and if I feel any areas that seem too "tacky or oiley" after toweling off, I massage it in really well. Plus, Almond Oil is just that--nothing else is added to it. I love it!
I could not agree more. Totally moisturizing is a luxury for my skin that I never neglect. And my skin thanks me every day for it!
ReplyDeleteI've been a lot better about my legs recently.
ReplyDeleteI always have kind of wondered if you actually do need to mosturize your entire body...because the one or two times that I did my stomach...it seemed sort of weird/unnecessary, I don't know...I guess you're right...it's mostly your arms and legs that need help retaining moisture. Thanks!
I especially feel chic if I have the same bodylotion as my eau de toilette.
ReplyDeleteInky