How frequently should I use moisturizer?

Regular use of a moisturizer can help you achieve soft, smooth skin, but determining the right frequency can be tricky. Your skin type plays a crucial role. For instance, individuals with dry skin may need to moisturize more frequently than those with normal or oily skin. Regardless of your skin type, there are specific moments when moisturizing becomes essential.

The optimal times to moisturize are after bathing, shaving, or exfoliating [source: Mann]. For many, this routine might be daily. Shaving and exfoliating eliminate dead skin cells and can deplete your skin's natural oils, making moisturizing vital to protect and restore your skin's balance.

If you shower daily, make moisturizing a part of your routine by applying it within minutes after bathing. Instead of vigorously drying yourself, gently pat your skin with a towel until it’s slightly damp. Then, apply moisturizer to lock in the remaining moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated longer [source: Mayo Clinic].

For your hands and body, moisturize as needed, particularly before heading outdoors in winter or after bathing and handwashing. Frequent handwashing, while essential for hygiene, can lead to dryness and cracking. During colder months, keep a small tube of hand lotion handy to maintain soft, hydrated skin throughout the day [source: Mayo Clinic].

Certain activities may require adjustments to your moisturizing routine. For instance, the low humidity in airplanes can rapidly dehydrate your skin. Applying a rich moisturizer the night before a long flight can help combat this. Similarly, swimming can strip your skin of natural moisture, so it’s important to dry off promptly after swimming, exfoliate, and then moisturize to restore lost hydration [source: Bouchez].