by Miss Janis (originally posted on her blog Showing Some Skin)

I'm a skin products junkie.

We all have our little addictions, and mine is pouring over the skin care products at pharmacies and department stores. I pay close attention to new products and I read up on the ingredients to make sure I know exactly what I'm smearing all over myself.

Obsessive? Perhaps, but I live for those moments when my boyfriend tells me how soft my face feels and strangers think I'm 25 when I'm over 30 (just between you and me).

I believe in growing old gracefully, and I expect the wrinkles will be upon me soon enough. But it's not agelessness I'm really seeking, although it's an excellent perk. The skin is the largest organ of the body, taking care of it is just part of a balanced, healthy life. Discovering that every inch of you can be soft, healthy and touchable is vital for every woman!

Coupled with regular exercise (skin LOVES this) and a healthy diet (skin loves this even more), you can look - and more importantly feel - like a million bucks. Who doesn't want that?

Moisturizer picks: The ones that work

Sorry ladies. Moisturizing your face is NOT negotiable.

And as a person with combination skin, I feel EVERYONE'S pain. Parts of me are oily, parts of me are dry. And it's tough to find a moisturizer that doesn't make me break out to the point of not wanting to leave the house. But through much trial and error I've stumbled on a some great products.

1. Estee Lauder's Clear Difference Oil-Control Hydrator
This stuff is AWESOME. Perfect for combination or oily skin. I've always had some acne (at a certain time of the month) but this product is the first moisturizer I've ever used that doesnt leave me overly greasy and prevents pesky zits. But at $35 a bottle it can be a little spendy. That brings us to options 2 and 3.

2. Olay Complete Moisture Lotion
For years I've been a big Olay girl and this is great for combo/oily skin with a mattifying agent, 15 spf and it's oil free. And at roughly $5 a bottle, you can't go wrong.

3. Neutragena Oil-Free Moisturizer
I'm a big proponant of Neutragena because they have products comperable to designer products at drug store prices. This is a good solid moisturizer for folks with normal or combination skin. This usually runs for under $10.

For those of you with dry or sensitive skin, (not products I typically try) you can trust products from Neutragena, Cetaphil and Eucerin. Make sure you are using an oil-free lotion marked for your skin type that is going to moisturize but not make you break out.