It should be understood that daily moisturizing is vital for healthy skin, yet some think of it as an aesthetically-inclined habit. The human skin is the body’s largest organ and requires regular attention to stay young, blemish-free and healthy.

Which Moisturizer Should You Use?

Regularly using lotion and moisturizer should be a part of any good skin care regimen, but some are better than others. Choose a cream that is appropriate for your skin type. Dry or mature skin has different needs than oily skin. Also use lotions that are oil-free, non-comedogenic and free from fragrance. One point should be clear - even those with oily skin need to moisturize! 

When Should You Moisturize?

The most important times to use moisturizer on your body are after a bath, shave or exfoliation. For some, this might be twice a day. Moisturizing after a shower is very important because hot water strips all the moisture and oils out of your skin, leaving it parched and dry. While hot water may be relaxing, it also wreaks havoc on your skin. Never skip the moisturizer. For facial moisturizing - this will vary from person to person and season to season. Typically, we need to increase the hydration level in winter while less is necessary for summer.

Moisturizing Helps Skin Stay Young

The skin on your face, ears, neck, and chest are very sensitive to environmental changes and are the most frequent areas of the body known to develop skin cancer. These areas of skin also shed cells more rapidly than other parts of the body and therefore need moisture to repair itself, which allows for younger skin cells to rise to the surface. Also, the massaging effect that is used when applying lotion helps stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation. Additionally, using moisturizer daily keeps your facial skin hydrated and helps prevent those annoying fine lines that can form. 

Moisturizing Reduces Common Skin Problems

Moisturizing every day can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes are harmful to skin and cause common skin conditions like acne.

Conceals Other Skin Blemishes

Using a daily moisturizer ensures that the skin’s blemishes are camouflaged. That is because moisturizing tends to make the skin have a slight sheen, and those with any tint or self-tanner even out different skin tones.

Now that we’ve covered why moisturizing is important for healthy skin, these quick tips will help retain your natural glow:

 

  • Watch the temperature of water – Hot showers and baths are not good for your skin.
  • Shower for a shorter amount of time and with warm water. You’ll see the difference in your skin.
  • Pat dry, don’t rub dry—After a shower gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing your skin dry. By patting dry your skin will retain more moisture you are going to seal in when you moisturize.
  • Drink more water – the moisture your skin receives also comes from your body. Drink at least 8 cups of water every day!
  • Use mild soaps and detergents—soaps and shampoos that contain alcohol strip natural oils from your skin.
  • Look for a soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser.
  • Use a humidifier – If needed, a humidifier can add much-needed moisture to the air.
  • Give extra attention to your hands—hands show the effects of a dry environment more than any other part of the body. Apply hand cream after each hand washing.
  • Wear sunscreen when outdoors – nothing will save your skin more than protecting it from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Wear a low, or high, SPF sunscreen depending on your outdoor activities.
  • Apply lip balm regularly—having lip balm ready and applying it frequently helps heal dry, cracked lips.
  • Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

 

If you suffer from dry skin and these tips do not bring relief, make an appointment to see a doctor. Very dry, scaly skin may require the attention of a medical professional. A dermatologist or skin care professional can examine the skin and explain what will help alleviate the dryness or irritation.