Hi everyone. I don't know much about body lotion moisturizers but from what I can tell is that many of them say the effects last a number of hours, most often 24. A lot of them have natural extracts such as aloe, cucumber and other fruits. These are all good for the body but my question is, do these lotions have long term positive effects on the skin or do the effects only last the time that they say? Its not the effect that I am interested in but rather if using the lotions over time will actually make skin healthier? I am currently looking at aloe and cucumber body lotions and both of those plants are very good for the skin. Will it do anything more than a few hours of moisture if I continue to use them?

Depending on your age, absolutely yes.

I would say, that vaseline petro jelly is probably the best thing you can use. I will also suggest 'Vaseline Lotion' that comes in the pale yellow bottle which contains vitamins A and E. Use 'Dove' bar soap (the white). Most IMPORTANTLY, drink WATER every day.

Almost all my life, I have used/done the above.

I do not suggest much anything else.

I will say, I do like some of the 'Aveeno' products, they are very good.

I'll also strongly suggest 'Dove' bar soap (the regular white dove soap).

At least a few times a month, rub vaseline petro all over you. Leave it on a few minutes (yes you'll be greasy to say the least), whilst you run a very warm bath water. Take a normal bath, using soap (I suggest dove). The vaseline will sink into your skin due to the water moisture and heat of the bath water. Dry off as normal. You'll feel like a babies butt.

I am 56 years old and get complimented on my skin, all the time, even from doctors and nurses. I even get ask what I do. And the above IS exactly what I do and have done for 30+ years.

Nice, Valerie

I use vaseline and Dove soap as well. Occasionally I'd swap the vaseline and give myself a massage with dry salt while in the bath. It works as a good exfoliator and boosts circulation as well. Twice a week I'd make a face mask just with a banana. You only need a little bit of the banana, massage over face, leave for 10 minutes then rinse off. My skin feels lovely and smooth afterwards. Sometimes, though, I do gobble the banana down and forget to leave a bit for the facial. I'm 55, people think I'm much younger and there's not a wrinkle in sight, yet. Incidentally, the inside skin of a banana makes a great shoe polish!

Basically, though, your skin does change as you age - it's only natural. Lifestyle and diet plays a part, as well. Some things we have no control over, but what we can control we can try to change. I often tell my partner to swap the booze for water, but his remarks suggests I have no control over him. Oh well. So as Valerie says, drink water.

Here's a test you can do to see how good your skin is compared to your biological age.

1. Pinch the skin on the back of your hand and hold for five seconds.

2. Release, and count how long it takes for the skin to flatten out.

How to score:

Time (seconds)

1-2 (under 30)

3-4 (30-44)

5-9 (45-50)

10-15 (60)

35-55 (70)

So, if you are under 30, and the test tells you that you are 70, then, er, changes will need to be made!

I am pleased to announce that I am in the 30-44 range. I must be doing something right!

Thank you both for the replies.