Skin care doesn't end at your knees

NEW YORK (AP) -- People spend a lot of time and money caring for the skin on their faces, decollete, hands and even feet, but the other body part that often is bared -- the lower leg -- is at best an afterthought.
"It's astounding to me that people forget they have a body below the knees," says Lydia Evans, a consulting dermatologist for L'Oreal's Body Expertise line.
The first step in caring for the lower leg is the removal of dead skin cells -- which is easy to do in the shower with an exfoliating wash, says Evans.
Next use a body moisturizer, which typically is a little richer in texture than a facial moisturizer.
By exfoliating first, Evans explains, the moisturizer will work better because dead skin cells often prevent penetration.
And if you're headed outside with bare legs, the final step in the routine should be application of sunscreen. According to Evans, one of the most common places for melanoma to occur on women is their lower legs.