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Skincare for The Body
Understanding Your Body Language
Your skincare shouldn't end at your neck. And by the way that is a place that I notice many women often overlook. Your face and neck go hand in hand. When you wash and moisturize one, don’t forget the other. Well that’s enough about that; today our focus is further south―skincare for the body. Even though I was a self-proclaimed girly-girl growing up, I could still get down and dirty with the boys. Fearing that I would end up with “raisin bran legs” or legs covered with dark spots and scars. My mother always emphasized that I take care of the skin on my legs and body. I very seldom wear revealing clothes, and I always kept my skin protected, so I never had the need to use anything outside of just plain lotion. But, it wasn’t until I got my first stretch mark the summer before college, that I discovered the wonders of cocoa butter. Because of my devotion to it, one my college girlfriends still keeps a tub of cocoa butter in the house at all times.
My relationship with cocoa butter changed during my first pregnancy. I was determined not to have anymore stretch marks, so I used my cocoa butter faithfully day and night. However, to my horror, one morning I found my body riddled with them. After all those years of loyalty, my beloved cocoa butter had betrayed me.
Having no other viable alternative, I continued to use cocoa butter for many years after the fact. However, a few years ago I learned about shea butter, which turned out to be the most amazing skin care product on earth. It has all the moisturizing benefits of cocoa butter, with additional ingredients that help nurture and protect the skin. Including a natural sun block! I was sold.
I prefer unrefined or raw shea over the refined, because many of the natural healing properties found in raw shea, get removed in the refinement process. The only drawback is the smell. Unlike refined shea, raw shea has a unique “smokey” smell that takes some getting used to. I usually blend it with a variety of oils and butters, including natural cocoa butter to enhance its consistency. I am always researching and experimenting with different products to blend with my shea to make it better. Since switching to shea, I have noticed that my skin has become softer and more radiant. It has also improved my skin’s elasticity and the natural protective properties of the butter have reduced the signs of aging all over my body. My son is now twelve and I have since had my daughter, but my stretch marks, even the older ones, are barely noticeable now.
Taking care of the skin on your body takes a true commitment, but your body will thank you, and so will everyone else. When it comes to proper skincare for the body, always remember to:- Moisturize immediately after bathing or showering, this way the moisturizing ingredients can be better absorbed by your skin
- Choose a moisturizer that absorbs quickly and is not too greasy. The last thing you want is to stain your bedding or clothing
- Avoid creams or lotions that contain petroleum or mineral oil. Not only are these products unnatural (petroleum is something you put in your car) they also clog pores and don’t provide any real moisture to the skin. Remember oil (or should I say grease) and water don’t mix
- Use a heavy moisturizer or butter cream like cocoa or shea on your feet, then cover them with cotton socks before going to bed at night. In the morning your feet will look and feel as if you just had a mini-pedicure
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