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Every time someone asks me why my skin is so soft, I’m tempted to come up with a sophisticated answer [well, first I think, why would you expect otherwise?]

Then I thought, well, rough, dry, skin is a common problem for us women, especially in the cooler months of fall and winter.  And since we’re well into the fall season, what better time to share our simple and affordable secrets to keeping your skin as soft as a baby’s (or close enough) no matter your age.  Okay, so maybe I’m overshooting a little (baby’s skin is pretty darn soft) but hey, no harm in aspiring to achieve it.

1. Moisturize, moisterize, moisterize

Would you ever bathe a baby and apply moisturizer only to their face? Same applies to you. Moisturize your entire body (yes, every little inch of it when you jump out of the shower or take a relaxing bath) every day. You don’t have to use some expensive products either. Pick one up that suits your skin type from your local drug store like Walgreens® or grocery store.

I use Lubriderm®. Since I use it everyday, I save money by purchasing the bundle pack from Costco. It has two 24 ounce bottles and one small 1-6 ounce travel size bottle. It lasts at least two and a half to three months despite our whole household of four sharing it.

Invest in Shea body butter and use it to moisturizer the areas on your body that tend to dry out more like elbows and knees, plus those that are prone to stretch marks like your tummy and bottom. I do it every day but if you think that’s overkill, no worries, you can opt for every other day or two days. You’ll still reap the same benefits of softer, lubricated, and smoother skin.

Oh, and you don’t have to break the bank either. Just head over to The Body Shop or a Bath & Bodyworks store to get your Shea butter. Both offer multiple flavors and fragrances and cost between $15 and $25.  Because you’re only using a small amount of butter on specific parts of your body, it will last you a long time (at least 2 1/2 to 3 months), which makes the price justifiable.

2. Exfoliate your full body

Once a year, typically the Mother’s Day weekend, my sister and I splurge on a spa experience and pamper ourselves with a day filled with relaxation, great food, and good company.

I’ll usually opt for a massage and facial while my sister goes for the full body scrub. Every time she does it, she swears that it’s the best thing ever (insert some dramatics here)! 😃 And truth be told, her skin is not only flawless but oh so soft, especially after the treatment.

So this year I couldn’t take it any longer. I had to have a similar experience. I decided to substitute my facial (yikes) with a full body scrub and it was well worth it! Not only did my skin feel so soft and smooth, but it was also a most rejuvenating feeling to have someone exfoliate your entire body for you. I was sold! Now I just have to figure out how to fit in a facial the next time around! Better start saving!

Oh, and full means full. Often times, we forget to take care of the one thing that gets the hardest beating, our feet. They need to be exfoliated and moisturized just as much as the rest of our body.

Aside from the occasional pedicure, which can be expensive, there are simple affordable products that you can use to keep them looking soft and smooth. Hop on over to your neighborhood health store or The Body Shop® and pick up a foot scrub and a pumice stone to exfoliate your feet.

I use the pumice stone daily and the scrub at least once a week. Apply a foot cream, such as True Blue Spa from Bath & Bodyworks®.

Occasionally, use a stronger foot cream, especially after a straneous exercise. I use The Body Shop’s Peppermint Cooling Foot Rescue Treatment after my African dance class since we dance bare feet and it’s brutal to the feet.

3. Limit your exposure to the sun

Would you expose your baby to too much sun or let him or her out without sunscreen?  It’s no secret that too much sun exposure is damaging to your skin. Protect it with sun screen, wear a hat if you think you’ll be in it for a while, and limit the amount of time you bask in it.

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Would you allow your baby to go without water for an entire day? We get it! It’s hard to drink the recommended 8 glasses a day but we’re convinced you can get there with baby steps (no pun intended.) Start by investing in a water bottle that holds at least 4 glasses of water and carry it with you wherever you go. Ensure that the bottle is always visible to you. Take a sip whenever you remember to do it. Before you know it, you’ll be through the 4 glasses halfway through your day and going for a refill.

As I get older, I’m coming to terms with the subtle reminders that I’m changing. From the grey strand of hair that suddenly showed up, the wrinkles around my eyes when I smile, to the less defined cheekbones and occasional aches and pains that were non existent a few years back, it’s difficult to ignore the signs of aging. And, it doesn’t help that I hang out with my sister all the time who happens to be way younger than me and a constant reminder of my youthful self!

While I have no desire to look as young as my sister and accept that I cannot reverse the aging process, I know that we can control how we age by taking better care of ourselves. So go ahead, give your body the tender loving care it deserves with these simple tips. You’ll not only look good, but also feel good about yourself.

Have any tips of your own? Please share here with our fellow gapmusers! We’d love to hear them.

Be inspired.