We all know the importance of keeping our skin hydrated daily … on our face. But what about our bodies?

When speaking with a group of women the other day, I was shocked to find out how a simple step is neglected by most, every single day. How can this be? Caring for our skin includes our body. Just as you cleanse and moisturize the skin on your face, so, too, should you cleanse and moisture the skin on your body — daily.

Dry skin is indicative of poor skin health. It means your dermis lacks the vitamins and minerals that keep skin tissues strong and supple. You need to keep your skin hydrated if you want to prevent the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines — this goes for the body, as well.

Applying body lotion or cream will help maintain your skin’s natural moisture, as moisturizers work as a protective sealant against the harsh elements in the environment. Applying body lotion or cream immediately after showering will help lock in moisture into your skin. Getting into a good routine now is critical, as our skin continues to change with age. Most folks over forty have some degree of skin dryness. Skin dryness tends to be particularly severe in women near, during or after menopause (which could be due to a low level of estrogens).

Keeping your skin hydrated can prolong its youthful structure. If the skin tissues lack the moisture they need, they can get dry and brittle, which makes them susceptible to damages caused by toxins and UV rays.

There are several things you can do to keep your skin hydrated. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily, for starters. Fluid is distributed to the different vital organs of your body, including your skin — the largest organ. Apples, watermelon, grapefruit, orange and pineapple are some of the fruits that are rich in water, as well as fibers, that can help flush out toxins. In addition, keeping your skin hydrated by applying a moisturizer every day, all over, is essential to good skin health.

While there are a lot of great lotions and potions on the market today, you’ll want to look for ingredients that help promote skin cell turnover by exfoliating dead skin cells (such as lactic acid) and also restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier (such as lanolin). And stay away from artificial colors or fragrances, as that can often irritate the skin.