Substitutes for Lotion

Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated is important, but lotion isn't the only way to pull that off. If you're looking for a lotion alternative you may be surprised to find that there are plenty of other ways to keep your skin soft and supple.

Olive oil isn't just for cooking food. You can also use it to hydrate your body. Not only is olive oil hydrating, but it's also chock full of moisturizing vitamin E, which forms a barrier on the skin that protects it from free radicals. The vitamin E in olive oil also promotes collagen production to keep skin looking young and can help to reduce the appearance of scars. Olive oil can be kind of greasy, so you may want to apply it before your shower. If you don't want to apply too thick of a coat, pour some olive oil into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your skin.

Coconut oil is an affordable natural moisturizer. It's good for all skin types especially dry or aging skin. The oil moisturizes, strengthens and removes the dead skin cells from skin. Plus, the fat from the coconut oil helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Almond oil is another great option. It contains vitamins A, D and E. It absorbs quickly without clogging your pores. A few drops may be applied under your eyes to reduce puffiness or massaged onto skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Both coconut and almond oils are concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Shea butter is made with oils from the nuts of karite nut trees. Shea butter is non-toxic, so if you're looking to go green, this is a fantastic option. It's also been known to promote cell regeneration. Additionally, it contains vitamin E which helps to protect the skin from UV rays.

Not only does cocoa butter smell great, it's also highly moisturizing. It absorbs into your skin quickly and leaves it super soft. Cocoa butter is also fantastic for the areas of the body that get dryer like the elbows and heels of the feet. Try it during the winter months to keep your skin soft and touchable.

Many body washes come in hydrating formulas and can be used to moisturize the skin. To get more of an effect, apply your body wash to dry skin and let it soak in for a few minutes. Then, hop in the shower and let it rinse off. The same concept applies to hair conditioner. Just as conditioners hydrate your locks, they'll also hydrate your skin. Apply about the same amount of conditioner to your body that you would to your hair. No need to rinse this out. Just apply and you're all set. Body scrubs also work well in a pinch. They'll remove dead skin cells which will leave you with fresh, soft new skin and no dry flakes.