'Tis the Season to be Moisturized

It's not that women don't think about some aspect of their appearance all year round.  It's just that Springtime usually elicits a more concentrated look at how the dry air and cold temperatures have reeked havoc on our hair and skin. My annual quest for the best body moisturizer picks up pace when the birds start to chirp and the flower blooms come out of hibernation. With its vital role as protector from damage to our internal well-being, skin deserves supreme pampering.

Brightly colored bottles and jars of lotions, creams and body oils line my bathroom shelves.  As a confessed beauty junkie, I make it a point to try as many products as possible in search of the one potion that will keep dryness at bay and bring back the soft, suppleness of my younger days.  I've been known to fall for the hype on any number of outrageously expensive miracle serums but I've also seen tremendous value in some really effective drugstore brands.  I'm an equal opportunity beauty consumer but I'm keenly aware that no amount of pretty packaging or glitzy commercials featuring high maintenance Hollywood actresses or supermodels will substitute for quality, true-to-its-claims products.

So while I doubt that my quest for that one perfect body moisturizer will ever be over, here are 3 current favorites that have earned front row status on my bathroom shelf:

1. Not really a moisturizer, Dove's Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash (above right) is so creamy rich that you may find that you have absolutely no need to apply lotion after your shower.  The secret: an all natural moisturizer formula. All that and a budget friendly price. $8.99 at drugstore.com.

2. I'm normally not a fan of body butters in warmer weather due to their thick consistency but the
Sea Marine Triple Butter Body Cream by H2O+ (left) is an exception.  Don't let the texture fool you - it virtually disappears on the skin, hydrates like crazy and has a pleasant, fresh scent.  Available at h2oplus.com for $25.00.

3. The Big Kahuna.  The Piece De Resistance.  The Creme De la Creme.  All of these cliches apply to the absolute best moisturizer I've ever had the pleasure of dipping my fingers into. Fresh's Creme Ancienne fixes all that ails ya.  I saw increased firmness in my skin after using it for almost 14 days.  Blotchiness has gone and smoothness has reappeared.  I think it even healed a slightly above minor cut on my hand so completely that no scar was left.  (That's big for me since jewelry making can often be hazardous i.e. sharp pliers, metal wire) This moisturizer seems to do it all.  Here's the catch....wait for it....a 1 oz. jar costs $135 at Sephora.  Worth it?  You decide.  Me?  I have a little left in my jar.  I'm guarding it with my life and using it sparingly.

Bottom line: No matter how much money you can spend, you can afford to treat your skin with tender loving care.  Along with a few healthy habits like good nutrition and exercise,  our largest body organ will glisten, glow and remain up to its very important protective tasks.


Images Courtesy of Drugstore.com and H2Oplus.com 

Note: Product reviews are the opinions of the author and were not solicited in any manner.