Rachael Barrett goes in search of the lotions and creams celebs such as Island Stylee's Rachael Stuart, top models Naomi Campbell, Jaunel McKenzie and Grammy winner Sean Paul never leave home without...

Who says that dry flaky skin and ashy elbows and knees are problems only associated with cooler climates? Women the world over (as well as as smart men) struggle to achieve that elusive sheen usually reserved for cosmetic campaign models and softness akin to that of a pampered baby's bottom while magazines often tout the latest and greatest in the way of moisturisers from the bottom of the Red Sea, or elusive ingredient behind some pricey scented bottle. But really, time and time again trial and error proves that the best moisturisers are the old favourites found on pharmacy and supermarket shelves... names that you've heard for years and some natural favourites that don't get enough attention.

Olive Oil - extra virgin

A favourite tool of the ancient Greeks who believed the oil had anti-ageing properties, olive oil is heralded for its ability to give the skin and hair a particularly lustrous sheen without the use of any harmful chemicals. Extra virgin Olive Oil is the purest kind offered on the market. Drizzle a few drops into warm bathwater for a moisturising soak, use a handful as a deep conditioning hair treatment in a hot shower, or simply rub a few drops onto dry skin then cover with a warm towel to let the oil sink in properly. Use sparingly, as a little of the rich oil goes a long way.

Cocoa Butter cream

One of the best local moisturisers come from the multi-talented cocoa plant. While many imported brands offer cocoa butter enhanced products, all woman suggests you reach for the real deal cocoa butter cream, harvested locally.
Compared to the lotion, the cream offers the greatest concentration of the actual cocoa butter, softening skin easily after rubbing it in.

Lubriderm

Their well known advertisements with the rough alligator slinking away hint at the ultra moisturising powers behind this non greasy, scent free formula, and as cliché as this may seem, many dermotoloists do in fact recommend it for extra sensitive dry skin.

Vitamin E oil

A top seller in health food and natural vitamin stores, Vitmain E oil offers the best way to deliver a high concentration of the blemish reducing and skin building vitamin to the skin. The oil is very thick, so rub into small dry, cracked areas like cuticles and heels. If you have any unsightly marks from cuts or bruises applying the oil after showering will reduce any permanent scarring.

Jergens age defying multivitamin lotion

While the classic cherry almond scented formula dominated the early body lotion markets, today new technology has assured that Jergens still tops the market in offering quality skin softening at an affordable price. Their age defying multivitamin formula offers top skin enhancing nutrients that top cosmetic companies retail at three times the price!

Aloe Vera

Often used as a sunburn salve, Aloe Vera gel is a grease free way to add moisture to itchy dry skin common in eczema sufferers or those who have simply been neglecting their moisturising routine. Many lotions and gels advertise that they contain aloe extracts, but for best results reach for our own Jamaica Joe line, that contains 98% of pure gel from local aloe plants.

Vaseline

The dry skin remedy of your grandmother and probably also her mother before her, Vaseline petroleum jelly, while still the greasiest solution, is still one of the all time most economical and successful ways of softening extra tough dry skin. If you've missed a pedicure, slab on thick globs of the gel on your feet and then put on a pair of cotton socks before going to bed. In the morning you'll be amazed at how touchable and soft they've become!

All items courtesy of Monarch pharmacy at the Loshusan Centre in Barbican

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