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Moisturizing cream offers numerous remarkable benefits for your skin, not only protecting it from harmful elements but also hydrating and promoting smooth, healthy skin. However, different areas of the body require specific moisturizers. Face moisturizers are designed to help your skin combat harsh conditions it faces daily, while eye creams are formulated for the more delicate and softer skin around the eyes. Both face and eye moisturizers typically have a water-based formula, which helps avoid clogged pores. On the other hand, some body lotions may have an oil base, ideal for areas that undergo more physical activity, such as hands and feet.
Steps
Applying Moisturizer to the Face
Understand the benefits of using a face moisturizer. Generally, moisturizing creams provide many advantages for your skin. When applied to the face, a moisturizer helps plump the skin, reduce wrinkles, and protect against various environmental factors such as wind and extreme temperatures. Most importantly, it hydrates, preventing the skin from becoming dry and cracked.
- Some moisturizers also offer sun protection with SPF. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the product's ability to block UV rays. Based on the SPF value, you can gauge how long the product will protect your skin from the sun.
- If you use both a day and night moisturizer, the day moisturizer often contains SPF. Both SPF and non-SPF moisturizers have similar usage instructions.
- You should use a face moisturizer with SPF year-round, as your skin may be exposed to the sun during any season (regardless of whether it's sunny or not). Over time, such exposure can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Clean your face before applying moisturizer. To take proper care of your skin, it is recommended to wash your face regularly, twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening (before bed). After washing your face, use a towel to gently pat dry, then apply the moisturizer before your skin fully dries.
- Apply other skincare products before moisturizing to allow them to absorb better into the skin.
- Use lukewarm or warm water to wash your face, as hot water can dry out your skin.
Dispense a suitable amount of moisturizer onto your hands. Each type of moisturizer comes with specific instructions regarding the amount to use per application. Liquid moisturizers tend to absorb into the skin quickly, requiring a slightly larger amount, while thicker creams (or balm-type moisturizers) can cover more skin area with just a small amount.
- Moisturizers come in various packaging styles. For those in bottles with pumps, simply press the pump to dispense the right amount. For jars, you will need to use your finger to scoop out the product.
- If you feel the suggested amount is too much or too little, you can adjust it to suit your needs. The dosage guideline is merely a suggestion, not a strict rule.
Dab the moisturizer onto certain areas of your face. Using your dominant hand’s two fingers, dab moisturizer onto areas that are prone to dryness, such as your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck.
- Avoid applying moisturizer to areas that tend to be oily.
- Don’t forget to cleanse and moisturize your neck area. If you wear low-neck tops, also apply moisturizer to your chest area, especially when using a daytime moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from sun exposure.
Gently spread the moisturizer across your face. Use your index and middle fingers on both hands to evenly spread the dabs of moisturizer across your face, moving from the bottom upwards and from the inside out. Apply in circular motions to ensure the moisturizer absorbs thoroughly into your skin. It’s usually easiest to start from your neck and work your way up to your forehead.
Wait for the moisturizer to absorb before applying makeup. After evenly applying the moisturizer to your face, allow 1-2 minutes for it to fully absorb before proceeding with the next steps in your skincare routine. After this waiting time, you can apply other skincare products, including makeup.
- If using sunscreen separately, apply it after moisturizing. Be sure to choose a sunscreen formulated for the face to avoid clogging pores.
Using Body Lotion
Exfoliate at least once a week. While showering, use a loofah, washcloth, or bath sponge to exfoliate your skin at least once a week. Exfoliation helps remove dead, dry skin cells from the surface. If left on the skin, this layer can block moisture from penetrating deeply into the skin.
Use moisturizing soap or shower gel. Check the ingredients to determine if your soap or shower gel contains moisturizing ingredients.
- You can also use bath oil, but make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. Bath oils are excellent for moisturizing, but you must ensure you remove excess oil to avoid staining your clothes or feeling sticky on your skin.
Avoid using hot water when bathing. Whether you're showering or washing your hands, always use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Hot water accelerates aging and dries out the skin more quickly.
- If you've ever gone swimming or taken a hot bath, you’ll notice your skin feels dry afterward. This is due to the chemicals in the water (since it's reused multiple times). Tap water in many cities also contains small amounts of disinfectants. Prolonged exposure to chemically treated water can still dry out your skin, so it's best not to stay in hot water too long.
Apply moisturizer after showering. Generally, it’s best to apply body lotion after showering while your skin is still damp. If you want to moisturize your entire body, shower first, then gently pat your skin dry with a towel and apply lotion before your skin is completely dry.
- However, you can also apply moisturizer without showering. It will be more effective when used on damp skin.
- When moisturizing your body, apply the lotion using short strokes with moderate pressure.
- Be sure to pay extra attention to the driest areas of your body, such as your hands, elbows, knees, and feet.
- If you apply lotion to your feet after showering, be cautious when walking barefoot, and avoid walking on tiled or wooden floors without socks or slippers.
Use oil instead of moisturizer. Many other products—besides body lotions—can help hydrate your skin. For example, you can use coconut oil or olive oil, which provide similar or even better moisturizing effects than lotions.
- When using oils for moisturizing, be sure to wipe away any excess oil with a towel after applying it to your skin.
- Also, note that some oils may leave stains on clothes, so it’s advisable to apply them before bedtime when you're already dressed in sleepwear.
- You can also try using body butter, a natural oil-based moisturizer.
Massage hand cream before bed. Your hands endure a lot of wear and tear throughout the day. For instance, every time you wash your hands, the natural oils and any previously applied moisturizer are washed away.
- Before bed, apply a bit more hand cream than usual and massage both hands for a few minutes.
- It’s also a good habit to apply hand cream after each hand wash to maintain continuous hydration for your skin.
Use Eye Cream
Only apply eye cream to the skin around your eyes. The skin around your eyes is much thinner and more sensitive than other areas of your body, so it requires extra care. Eye cream is specially formulated for this delicate skin and should be the only product (aside from makeup) used on the eye area.
Use your finger to apply eye cream. You should use your middle or ring finger to apply eye cream, as these fingers are used the least and apply the gentlest pressure.
- If you're using eye cream in a pump bottle, simply dispense a small amount onto your finger and apply it to the eye area, adding more if necessary. If using a jar, use your finger to scoop the cream.
Apply eye cream under your eyes. Using your middle or ring finger, gently tap eye cream around the under-eye area, about 1 cm below the lower lash line. Start tapping near the bridge of your nose and move outward towards the outer corner of your eye.
Gently pat to blend the cream. Use your fingertip to gently blend the cream around the eye area until it is fully absorbed by the skin. Be careful not to apply or pat the cream too close to the lash line to avoid irritation in the eyes.
Apply eye cream to the upper eyelid. Using your middle or ring finger, take a small amount of eye cream and gently apply it along the upper eyelid, following the brow bone. Apply the cream to the skin just below the eyebrow and along the orbital bone for best results.
Allow the eye cream to dry before applying makeup. After evenly applying the eye cream, wait for about 1-2 minutes before proceeding with eye makeup. This is particularly important if you're using liquid makeup products, as they can slide off if the skin is still damp.
- Don’t forget to remove eye makeup at the end of the day before washing your face and heading to bed.
Select the right moisturizer for your skin.
Identify your skin type. Different moisturizers are suited for different skin types. Your skin can even vary by area on your body (for example, your face might be oily while your legs could be dry). It's essential to select moisturizers (for both face and body) based on the skin type of each area. Here are the basic skin types:
- Normal skin — Normal skin has a balanced moisture level. You only need a lightweight water-based moisturizer to keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.
- Dry skin — Dry skin can become very dry or even cracked in certain areas. It requires a thicker, oil-based moisturizer to ensure adequate hydration.
- Oily skin — Oily skin tends to produce excess oil in one or more areas, especially on the face, and is prone to acne. Despite this, oily skin still needs moisturizing, especially right after washing. Choose a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
- Sensitive skin — Sensitive skin is prone to irritation, redness, itching, or rashes from using the wrong products. It's best to opt for a gentle moisturizer to minimize irritation, and avoid products with strong scents or artificial colors.
- Ageing skin — As we age, oil production slows down, leading to drier skin. Ageing skin benefits from oil-based moisturizers with antioxidants or alpha hydroxy acids to help retain moisture and support skin health.
Consider other options. There are many types of moisturizers specifically designed to reduce wrinkles and fine lines for ageing skin. Some moisturizers also contain special ingredients aimed at addressing specific skin issues, such as acne treatment. Before choosing a moisturizer, it's important to consider the specific skin concerns you'd like to address.
- Skin type can change with the seasons (normal skin in the summer may become dry in winter) or due to health factors (e.g., pregnancy, menopause), so you may need to switch your moisturizer accordingly.
- The price of a moisturizer does NOT determine its quality.
- If a moisturizer doesn’t suit your skin, feel free to try others until you find the one that meets your skin’s needs.
Don't forget your lips. Your lips are also skin and need moisturizing to stay soft and plump. Keep a moisturizing lip balm on hand to apply as needed, or use it before applying lipstick.
- Since your lips can be affected by the sun, it's a good idea to use a lip balm with SPF protection.
Use a humidifier. Particularly during winter, the air can get so dry that it draws moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling parched. To prevent this, consider using a humidifier at home. You can install a humidifier in your heating system (if you have one) or buy a room-specific model for your space.
Apply moisturizer after washing your hands. Your hands endure most of your daily activities. When you wash your hands, not only do you wash away any previous moisturizer, but you also strip away the natural oils and moisture. Make it a habit to apply moisturizer after each wash to keep your hands soft and smooth.
Tips
- You should use a moisturizer with SPF for your face during the day, even in winter or when it's cloudy. Be sure to apply moisturizer to all exposed skin, including your neck and chest (if wearing a low-cut top) for full protection.
- Reapply SPF-containing moisturizer every two hours to ensure the best skin protection.
