The Long Winter

My brother used to complain about a guy from Hawaii in his college dorm who was constantly "lotioning" - this was before metrosexuals made male grooming acceptable. Now I am amused to see how many of my male colleagues have lotion and lip balm on their desks and do not seem a bit self conscious about applying one or the other in public.

Despite many expensive options, an article in the New York Times points out that some of the best lotions are quite affordable:

Yet among the thousands of expensive moisturizers on the market, many skin care experts across the country recommend some half-dozen or so tried and true, inexpensive brands: Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair Body Crème ($8.99), Nivea Creme ($7.99) and Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion ($9.29).

“In this kind of weather, moisturizers that contain humectants and fats that help repair that outer layer of skin can be a good strong barrier against the elements,” Dr. Greenberg said. Petrolatum products — think Vaseline Petroleum Jelly or Aquaphor — can be ideal for specific spot treatments on the face, he said, including chapped lips or cheeks, and dry, cracked skin on hands and feet.

And one of my eye doctors recently prescribed something I had never heard of before - an eyelid wipe! "Use this instead of a regular lotion or cleanser near your eye!" she admonished.

With such elaborate skin care regimens, it is amazing one ever has time to go outside!