Beyond My Face: Giving the Rest of My Skin a Little Love

At 47, I’m noticing changes in my skin that I didn’t think much about before. The lines on my hands. The veins that seem more noticeable. Skin that looks thinner than it used to. Even my eyelids have started looking a little different. When did this happen? I suddenly see changes that seemed to happen overnight. 

I spend plenty of time thinking about what goes on my face, but the rest of my skin deserves some attention, too. Lately, I’ve been making a few simple changes to my body care routine—and I’ve noticed a difference since I started moisturizing every day.

Nothing complicated. Just a little more care and consistency.

A Softer Start

One of the easiest changes I’ve made is switching to a soft washcloth. I love the microfiber cloths from Amazon.  I’m paying more attention to being gentle with my skin instead of scrubbing away without much thought.

I also like using moisturizing soaps. I have been using Dove Serum plus hydration body wash with hydrogen acid 6% hydration serum. There is a reason over 30K have sold in the past month! It leaves your skin feeling moisturized without stripping your skin. It’s also gentle enough for everyday use and you don’t need a lot of product, which is a plus. For me, bath or shower time is the beginning of my skin care routine, and I want that routine to feel comfortable from the start. 

Making Lotion an Everyday Habit

I’ve always enjoyed a good lotion, especially one that smells wonderful. But enjoying lotion and remembering to use it every day are two different things!

I like Bath & Body Works lotions, and a seasonal favorite has been Wild Blackberry Jam. A scent I enjoy makes that extra step feel like a little treat.

The biggest change, though, has been consistency. Since I started moisturizing daily, I’ve noticed an improvement in how my skin feels. It takes a little extra time, but it has become a step I’m glad I make time for. 

My Favorite Time to Moisturize

One habit I wish I had started sooner is putting on lotion while my skin is still slightly damp after a bath or shower.

I gently pat off the excess water instead of completely toweling dry, then apply my lotion. It’s an easy way to fit moisturizing into something I’m already doing.

If I put it off until later, it’s much easier to forget. Doing it right away helps me stay consistent.

Extra Attention for Rough Areas

At night, I’ve also been using a beef tallow lotion from local makers on rough areas. One I like on Amazon that works well too, is Richgrand Beef Tallow. 

It’s one of the products I’ve worked into my own routine, and I like giving those spots a little extra attention before bed. I’m sharing what I use personally—everyone has different preferences when it comes to textures, scents, and ingredients.

Don’t Forget Your Lips

My lips are another area I used to overlook.

Now, I make a point of applying lip balm generously, following the outline of my lips and getting the corners well. Since I’ve been consistent with that habit, my lips rarely feel dry. Nothing compares to Aquaphor lip balm in my opinion! I haven’t found anything comparable and I always have a back up in my bag. 

It’s such a small step, but it’s become one of my favorites. Sometimes the little things we skip are the ones we end up appreciating most.

Caring for the Skin I Have Now

Noticing changes in my hands, skin, and eyelids has made me more aware of how I care for myself. I don’t expect a body lotion to change every sign of aging. But I do appreciate the difference a regular routine makes in how my skin feels.

For me, that means a soft washcloth, moisturizing soap, lotion after bathing, extra attention to rough spots, and lip balm I actually remember to use.

My routine doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel worthwhile. A few extra minutes of care each day have been a welcome change.

What’s one body care habit you wish you had started sooner?