My introduction to Dr. Pimple Popper (real name: Sandra Lee) was an exploding cyst video I’m still trying to scrub from my memory. Most of us associate the skincare expert with her can’t-look-away skin extractions. You may also be familiar with her equally addictive TLC TV series. But one thing we tend to forget–at least I tend to forget–is that her expertise covers the gamut of obscure, acne-zapping facts to the most basic, everyday tips. So when I recently had the chance to sit down with her, we didn’t talk gross skin extractions. Instead, we talked basic skin moisture; specifically, the best moisturizers for eczema or dry skin.

As someone who lives with eczema, Dr. Lee is passionate about making sure that those like her are doing more harm than good this time of year. But instead of sacrificing a long list of everyday habits, like say a hot shower, the dermatologist prefers making small adjustments. For instance, while most experts recommend taking lukewarm or even cold showers to avoid excess dryness, Dr. Lee says to simply “minimize the length” of them.

“Most important for those of us with eczema is you want to minimize your showers,” she says. “For me, there’s no way I can take a cold shower. So I just take a very short, hot shower because the heat actually takes moisture from your skin.” Her other small, but effective game-changer? Keep moisturizer inside the shower.

Source: Instagram

“That’s key. It will change your life. Because what we do is when we take a shower is we get out and dry ourselves off. When you’re still damp…that’s when you want to put the moisturizer in,” she says. “Because it will bind that water to you. If you go out of the water and you’re still a little damp, it evaporates and pulls water from you. That’s why when you take a shower, you sometimes feel itchy after.”

When it comes to face cleansing specifically, it doesn’t matter whether you wash in or out of the shower. It really boils down to frequency. If you’re dealing with flaking, simply wash your face less. “Obviously, make sure it’s clean,” she says, “But do it when you feel like you need to–it can be just once a day. It can be just before you go to sleep.” Washing less can be especially effective for those with atopic dermatitis or eczema, but again, everyone’s cleansing routine is singular and should be approved by an expert if possible.

So what kind of moisturizer should you keep in the shower? In general, but especially for dryer skin types, Dr. Lee says to rely on creams instead of water-based lotions. “Creams are oil-based. Those of us who are dryer can tolerate heavy creams because they’re just more moisturizing. Even an ointment like Vaseline–we can tolerate that,” she says. Also, you don’t need to get fancy with your body moisturizers. In fact, Dr. Lee actually recommends a slew of drugstore staples if your eczema is flaring up. “Over the counters like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Dove, Eucerin; they all make really, good thick creams,” she says.

SLMD.

For extra-scaly patches, she says applying a stronger  AHA-infused formula like her very own SLMD Glycolic Acid Body Lotion ($35) will lift the dead, dull skin from those infected areas. And overall, avoiding fragrance is ideal since it wicks even more moisture away from the skin. Ah, if only I had this advice at the start of winter instead of the end. Nonetheless, it’s good to know that I don’t have to spend money on something that’s more than $20 in Sephora. Instead, grab any of these drugstore staples and stick it next to your body wash. Thank us later.

Bioderma.

Bioderma Atoderm Cream

This sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer includes an exclusive Skin Protect Complex that helps bind water to the skin.

Buy: Atoderm Cream $17.90

Gold Bond.

Gold Bond Ultimate Eczema Relief

A potent skin soother made with seven different types of moisturizers and multiple vitamins.

Buy: Ultimate Eczema Relief $14.28

Skinfix.

Skinfix Extra Strength Body Cream

A rich all-over body moisturizer made with calming colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil.

Aquation.

Aquation Daily Moisturizing Lotion

A fragrance-free, non-comedogenic lotion that is just as effective as a cream, thanks to the addition of ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the no-frills formula.

Buy: Daily Moisturizing Lotion $11.95

Aveeno.

Aveeno Skin Relief 24 Hr. Moisturizing Lotion

Fast-absorbing and fragrance-free, but made with ultra-hydrating shea butter, this sensitive skin-friendly lotion promises to keep skin moisturized for a full 24 hours.

Avene.

Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cream

Formulated specifically for atopic dermatitis can eczema, this clinical formula was made to protect skin from the drying effects of water, especially during flare-ups.

Buy: XeraCalm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cream $33

CeraVe.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Our personal favorite includes three different types of ceramides plus hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture.

Cetaphil.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

Another intense moisturizer made with a handful of emollients and humectants to bind water to the skin and prevent moisture loss.

Dove.

Dove Expert Balm

Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, this dermatologically-tested balm was made to repair scaly patches and hydrate dry patches.

Buy: Expert Balm $12.87

First Aid Beauty.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Made without 23 harmful ingredients including fragrance, this top-seller is worthy of a higher price. Its formula includes colloidal oatmeal for calming inflammation, shea butter, and ceramides for hydration and a custom antioxidant booster for protection against future damage.

Eucerin.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream

Gentle enough for every member of the family, even babies, this eczema-specific formula is also made with ceramides for strengthening the skin’s barrier and natural oatmeal for calming irritation.

Buy: Eczema Relief Cream $9.49

La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream

The National Eczema Association recommends this heavy cream, infused with lipids, for relieving itchiness and other symptoms of eczema.

Buy: Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream $14.99

Vaseline.

Vaseline Extremely Dry Skin Rescue

The newest product from this iconic brand is a next-level lotion that might as well be a cream. It’s made with a “barrier repair complex” that combines Vaseline jelly, glycerin and pro-lipids to not only provide moisture, but strengthen the skin’s barrier too.

Amazon.

Vanicream

This best-selling Amazon staple is a straight-forward, uncomplicated solution for red, irritated or itchy skin. Plus it’s been officially approved by the National Eczema Association and contains zero fragrances.

Buy: Vanicream $12.17

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Danielle Staub’s Season 10 Reunion Dress

Season 10 Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion Fashion

If there was one thing more dramatic than Danielle Staub’s shimmering metallic dress at the RHONJ Season 10 reunion it was definitely Danielle Staub herself; according the preview for this week’s part two episode the OG housewife pulls a Vicki Gunvalson has a fit backstage saying “I’ve asked that I be seated with Andy. It’s not a plea. It’s a demand.” And although — spoiler alert — her demand may not have exactly been met since she was seated on a chair at least a good football field away from AC (see pic below), at least she can take solace in the fact that she definitely had the perfect lewk going on to give everyone the cold shoulder. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Talbot Runhof Gown

Photo #1: BravoTV.com

Photo #2: @HousewivesAddicted

Originally posted at: Danielle Staub’s Season 10 Reunion Dress

In today’s video, Margaret Manning of Sixty and Me talks with style expert Jodie Filogmo, of Jodie’s Touch of Style, about fashion for mature women and one of this season’s biggest trends – leopard spots and other animal prints.

Jodie has a passion for teaching mature women to express their personal style by making the most of what they already have.

Enjoy the Classics

Animal prints, leopard spots included, have never really gone out of style, so, they are often to be found at your local thrift stores. This is great news because following this trend doesn’t have to break the bank.

These bold patterns can definitely help you put a little adventure in your wardrobe. Safari anyone?

While, traditionally, animal prints have been worn by celebrities and the fashion forward, Jodie assures us you don’t have to be famous to be fabulous in this look. Because of their neutral colors, these prints go well with almost any skin tone and clothing color, making them great for women who are searching to expand own unique brand of fashion over 60.

Pair them with black or brown for a sophisticated style – with hot pink or lime green for look that really stands out in the crowd.

Don’t Like Spots? Maybe Stripes Are More Your Style

While leopard spots are definitely a classic, don’t overlook other animal prints such as zebra or tiger stripes. You can even find these dashing prints in colors you would never find in nature, such as pink or green.

Don’t care to hunt through your local thrift store for your animal prints? Popular stores such as H&M or Zara are carrying plenty of great animal prints as well. In fact, your favorite store likely has them too.

Still Nervous About Taking the Plunge? Test the Waters with Accessories

Feeling a little uncertain about whether you want to “walk on the wild side” with your wardrobe? You don’t have to walk around dressed in head to toe leopard.

Accessories are the perfect way to take advantage of this trend without going overboard. Handbags, earrings, scarves, shoes, and bracelets are all a great way of easing your way into this style. As Margaret says, accessories allow you to “growl gently.”

What if you bought that great leopard handbag but you just aren’t ready to join the pack? The beauty of fashion for older women is that it is always changing, just like you. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting it away for next year.

Since animal prints are such a classic look, they never go out of style. You just may feel like roaring at your next birthday party and take that bag with you.

Take the Tiger by the Tail! Give Yourself a Chance to Get Used to a New Look

We all tend to get used to looking a certain way. That’s why a radically different haircut can be such a terrible shock to the system. Even small, more temporary, changes such as a brighter lipstick or darker eye shadow can feel strange at first.

How do you know you’re stuck in a fashion rut? Easy – if you’re never even slightly uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, you’re probably not changing your style at all. It’s important for women over 60 to reevaluate their wardrobe often to keep from looking drab or dated.

You Can Be Beautiful at Any Age

Do you feel that fashion over 60 just shouldn’t be that important to you? Perhaps you’re on a fixed income so there isn’t a lot of money for a new wardrobe. It’s time to see the light.

We all feel better when we know we look our best. Our eyes sparkle, we get a spring in our step, and the whole world looks so much brighter. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy these benefits. Thrift stores are a great place to find amazing deals on both used and new clothes.

Choosing classic clothing that can be worn many ways will give you a solid wardrobe foundation. Add some great animal print accessories and you will truly get the most bang for your buck.

Are you happy with your wardrobe? Ready to try “walking on the wild side” with this (or any) season’s animal print trends? Do you already have a favorite animal print piece? Please join the conversation!

With the coronavirus disease officially deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization, now’s the time to up your hand washing game (at least 20 seconds people!). That’s why we rounded up the best moisturizing hand wash to help keep you healthy but also your hands from feeling like sandpaper. According to the CDC, one of the best ways to keep you and your family sick at any time of the year is to wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when you can’t get to soap and water. This removes both germs and the natural oils on your hands so they might not be feeling so great right now.

That doesn’t mean you get to get to skip washing your hands. Instead, switch to one of these washes that contain hydrators such as Murumuru butter, honey, coconut milk and essential oils. They smell great, too. We’re talking yummy scents like mint and rose that will have you looking forward to washing your hands for the 100th time today.

The best part about these hand wash picks? They aren’t sold out—just yet. Pick up a bottle or two for each bathroom in your home to make sure you’re covered in case the shelves get any more empty. It’ll keep you from grabbing any old soap that will work to kill 99 percent of germs but won’t smell or feel so great. It’s most important that we all stay healthy but in the meantime, keep your hands feeling soft and comfortable, as well. Shop some of our favorite moisturizing hand washes, below.

Jergens.

Jergens Extra Moisturizing Hand Wash

With the classic cherry almond scent, this mild cleanser removes dirt and germs while being gentle on skin.

Softsoap.

Softsoap Milk & Honey Liquid Hand Soap

This affordable soap contains milk protein and honey extracts.

Tom’s of Maine.

Tom’s of Maine Prebiotic Hand Soap

This apple-scented soap helps support a healthy skin barrier with its microbiome-friendly pH.

Buy: Prebiotic Hand Soap $5.99

Love Beauty and Planet.

Love Beauty & Planet Hand Wash Soap

This vegan wash contains Murumuru butter and notes of Bulgarian rose.

Bath & Body Works.

Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Mint Creamy Luxe Hand Soap

Soap up with fresh mint, eucalyptus and clary sage.

Live Clean.

Live Clean Coconut Milk Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap

Coconut milk and apricot oil cleanses and hydrates skin.

Buy: Coconut Milk Moisturizing Liquid Hand Soap $3.82

Dove.

Dove Beauty Cream Caring Hand Wash

Dove’s “1/4 moisturizers” keep hands from feeling chapped.

Buy: Caring Hand Wash $9.76

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

When you’re a year or two away from retirement, or from your kids graduating and moving on with their lives, you start fantasizing about how wonderful it’s going to be to have lots of free time to do whatever you want to do.

It all seems perfect in your daydreams, but once the time comes, it can be challenging to figure out who you want to be now and in what direction you want to head.

You undoubtedly want open time to spend with your friends and family, or alone, but this is also your opportunity to do something entirely different, to reinvent yourself. Since getting started on this new road is often the most challenging step, it’s important to break it down into manageable actions that can help you determine who the “new you” will really be.

If you know you want to explore some fresh iterations of yourself, but you aren’t exactly sure what those might be, try these five steps.

Take a Step Back in Time

Look at some old photos of yourself, from when you were in college or first starting a family or even younger. Play some music from that time to set the mood. Open your journal and start writing anything that comes to your mind. Think about what you always dreamed of doing if earning a living weren’t a consideration.

Remember the activities that excited you, even if they aren’t that different from what you ended up doing. Who knows? Maybe you were a manager in a high-stress business but what you’d really like to do is join the Peace Corps and teach people good business practices. Use this exercise to reconnect with long-held dreams you’ve all but forgotten.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

If the answer to everything you fantasize about doing is, “Oh, I can’t do that because I’m too scared,” then you have to use this time to get braver.

You’ve no doubt done many things in your life that required courage and inner toughness. You can certainly try some new things at this end. When I first dragged my suitcase up the hill to live in the dorms for two weeks when I recently earned an MFA degree, I wanted so badly to turn around and get back into the Super Shuttle. But, I’m so glad I didn’t.

I got over my nervousness and opened myself to a whole new world of people and ideas and paths I want to follow. Rely on the strengths you know you have and you’ll find yourself feeling comfortable again in no time.

Develop Some Kind of Daily Practice

This is true if you’re rusty at the skill you’re ready pursue in this phase of life, but it’s also important just to help you establish confidence and discipline. Whether it’s a daily gratitude journal or a mindfulness meditation session, doing something every day – regardless of whatever else is going on – is great for focus, creativity, and building self-esteem.

Last year, I took a photograph out of doors every day of the year and I posted it on Instagram. I only have about 20 regular followers, but that’s not why I began “A Year Outside.” As a writer also interested in pursuing creativity in practically any form, it reminded me to really look at the world around me, to play with filters and angles, and to simply go outside.

The latter was important for me because being able to walk unencumbered out in the world was a big dream of mine while I was sitting at a desk during the last five or six years of work. Yet, I didn’t really do it every day until I took on this project. The sense of accomplishment when you set a daily goal and complete it does wonders for your sense of yourself.

Listen to Your Own Voice

Even though you may be free now from the ideas and opinions of your old boss and co-workers, or the judgment that came from the rolling eyes of your teenagers, there are still a lot of people in this act of life who want to tell you what you should do. Some will urge you to do absolutely nothing for the first year of freedom, while others will suggest 18 different places you can volunteer.

There may be merit in all suggestions, but what’s most essential is what you want to do with your time and energy. And remember that it may take some time to find your own voice amid the others. It may also be tough at first to give yourself permission to explore the world on your own terms at your own pace. But, one of the big truths of the third third of life is that you deserve to live this on your own terms, so do it and enjoy it.

Expect Mistakes in the Transition to Retirement

This may seem like ending on a negative, but it really isn’t. This is the first time in probably 35 years that you can set your pace, pursue your own interests, and involve yourself in the world as you see fit. You’re bound to find at least couple of interests that don’t pan out or weren’t what you thought they were. This is natural and part of the process.

We’ve been on the clock for so many years, being able to meander and choose what sounds good to us will seem foreign initially, and it will make you think you need to do the first thing that comes along. Give yourself time to make mistakes, to discover new – or old – things about yourself, and to see the world from a new angle.

This is the time of your life that you worked for. Enjoy every minute of finding your new path.

How are you reinventing yourself in the transition to retirement? How are you preparing to enjoy the third act of your life? What interests do you look forward to pursuing? Please join in the conversation.