I am a person with very ugly skin. As if the scars on my legs (because of a very serious UTI when I was still young) weren't enough, my skin is quite dry, too, especially on my lower legs down to my feet. Now that it's the rainy season, weather is starting to get cooler, and slowly, my skin is becoming drier and drier.

When I was in college, a professor once shared that it is much better to use baby oil in moisturizing the skin. I personally use baby oil because of this suggestion, but in time I feel my skin wasn't really supple - it was just shiny.

So... which is better for dry skin then? Baby oil or Lotion?

Reading up, I found out that:

• Baby oil is thicker than lotion, hence it is not good in hydrating the skin.
• Baby oil makes one very greasy. Very impractical to use.
• Baby oil prevents water in your skin from evaporating.
• Lotion can be absorbed by the skin quickly, therefore one cannot get the silky shiny look that oils provide.

I have tried different lotions and baby oils, but my skin still looks old and dry; and having tanned skin also didn't help in making my skin look good. I still don't know which product I will use, but again, reading up, I found out that one can use either oil or lotion... it would all depend on the person. Along with that, I also gathered different tips on how to make the skin moisturized:

• Use the oil or lotion after showering, while the skin is still damp. Instead of rubbing the towel on your skin, just pat the towel on your skin.
• Don't take too long when showering and don't go for "hot" showers... stick to lukewarm water. {I guess this would also mean not to use very cold water, too?}
• Use mild soap.
• Change eating habits. {Ouch.}
• Drink lots of water.
• Get enough sleep.

For now, I guess I will just empty out this baby oil and will just change after that. How about you... which do you use? Any skin care tips you can share to me?

*** Jenn ***