Image credit: Getty/brizmaker
A wise person once said that children aren't very good at taking advice from their parents but never fail to end up imitating them.
I refused to take any advice from my mother when I was growing up. Despite the fact that some of it - "Darling, never wear a T-shirt over a shirt, you'll look like an MP helping out at a jumble sale" - ended up being oddly helpful.
Although I'm still not quite clear on why I should avoid anyone "who holds their knife like a pen and their fork like a dagger".
I have also, in later life, absolutely delivered on imitating her. Most notably by becoming that middle-aged woman who attempts to strike up friendships with call centre employees ("Wayne? What a delightful name!") in the vain hope of receiving superior service.
There is one particular area, though, in which I'm proudly continuing my mother's legacy - and that's my daily commitment to body moisturising.
Most of us stick to a daily regime when it comes to our faces, but it's easy to forget that the skin on our bodies also needs TLC. Sun exposure, central heating in the winter and ageing all contribute to dryness, age spots and, in my case, annoying wrinkles.
The good news? It's never too late to start showing your body some love, so if you're keen to tone, firm and smooth your limbs, step this way - I have a cunning plan.
RRP: £34.00
If you're after a fragrance-free body cream so your perfume isn't competing for attention, then get involved with Paula's Choice Skin Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment.
It had me at retinol, the ultimate wonder ingredient for improving overall skin quality, along with evening primrose oil, which helps smooth and soften.
Best applied at night (retinol can react with sunlight and cause sensitivity), it has a super-light texture and absorbs easily.
Paula, you are truly doing the Lord's work.
RRP: £7.99
Good old Dove has really delivered for us over-50s with this powerhouse of a body butter. Specifically formulated for mature skin.
Dove Pro Age Body Butter Nourishing Care is packed with olive oil and vitamin B3 to leave skin revitalised, supple and radiant for up to 24 hours.
The consistency is thick and creamy without being greasy and it also does the business at removing age spots.
RRP: £12.99
Nivea first launched its cream in 1911, so unsurprisingly the German firm knows a thing or two about skincare.
Nivea Q10 60 Firming Body Lotion with Argan Oil is up there with the best for all-over body hydration.
Formulated with argan oil and vitamin C to help improve elasticity for over-60s skin, this one certainly worked wonders on my knees and elbows.
RRP: £21.95
Weleda's legendary Skin Food face cream is loved by everyone from Victoria Beckham to Adele, so I was intrigued to try Weleda Skin Food Body Butter.
Like all body butters, it's a lot richer than a lotion-it goes on like whipped, velvet heaven.
Packed with botanical extracts like wild pansy and chamomile to soften, and shea butter to hydrate, this left my body glowing like new.
Bonus points for the divine citrus scent.
RRP: £25.00
Sometimes I leave the best till last and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP-M Moisturiser for Dry Skin really is in a class of its own.
Gentle enough to use as a face cream, it's also suitable for eczema and those undergoing cancer treatment. It delivers an intense moisture boost too.
Formulated with niacinamide and glycerin to tackle discolouration, redness and dryness, it's officially my new best friend.
Enjoy pampering your body and treating it like the temple it is and that's one bit of advice you can trust me on.
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