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Do You Moisturize?

Okay, confession time. Do you moisturize? Or do you skip that crucial step in your skincare routine because you feel too oily, or worse, too lazy? Don’t wait until it’s too late to start hydrating your skin!

Why moisturize?

There’s a reason why Mom sounds like a broken record trying to get you to work moisturizer into your daily routine. There’s a time limit to that young, supple skin, so you’ll want to keep wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin at bay with a daily dose of moisturizer. And don’t neglect the rest of your body! It can seem like such a hassle when you’re in a hurry, but a few indulgent moments of pampering can help hydrate parched skin, smoothen rough, scaly patches, and keep it looking young.

Find your moisturizer match

Turned off by body lotions that make you feel icky, sticky and, ugh, hot? The right lotion should be quickly absorbed, leaving your skin silky-smooth and velvety-soft. Check if you’re using the right product formulated for your skin type for both face and body.

Girls with an oily T-zone will benefit from a light, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate skin and maintain ph balance, while those with sensitive skin must stick to fragrance-free variants. Extra dry skin, especially on knees, elbows, cuticles, heels, and other problem areas will need an intensive care body lotion (look for powerful ingredients like hydrating shea butter cream and skin nourishing oil which deliver ultimate moisture!). You may also need a separate moisturizer just for your eye area (the skin around this area is especially delicate, so it’s best to apply with your ring finger, which applies the least pressure).

Also read: TLC for Your Morena Skin

Be conscious of your environment or season

Your normal skin may suddenly need extra hydration in extreme conditions (winter travel, moisture-sucking airline cabins, sub-zero office air-conditioning…), so it might be good to stock your skincare arsenal with different moisturizer/lotion variants to use as needed.

Layering moisturizer

Instead of making your lotion do all the work, find skincare products that also contain moisturizing properties, like a gentle, hydrating soap/cleanser, or softening toner to complement your lotion. To minimize products you layer on your face, choose a moisturizer infused with SPF so it does double duty.

Apply moisturizer religiously every morning and evening. Don’t forget this classic tip: after stepping out of the shower, lightly towel dry, and apply body lotion to seal in moisture. Instead of just mindlessly slapping it on, turn it into a delicious daily routine, applying it one section at a time, then gently massaging it into your skin in circular motions (some even recommend long strokes, smoothing it upwards or downwards, but always in the direction of your heart, to improve circulation).

If your feet are extra dry, try this trick: before bedtime, apply moisturizer generously on your feet, and massage it into skin. After lotion has dried, slip on clean socks to keep feet moist, and wear overnight. Your feet should feel softer and smoother in the morning, or repeat as needed.

Also read: Decode Breakout Areas