No Experience Required: A Beginner's Guide to Moisturizing

If you're new to the game, hydrating - the right way - can feel a little overwhelming. With so many different types of moisturizing lotions, creams, gels and oils available to choose from, how do you know if you're really choosing the right one for the season, or even more so for your skin type? When should I apply, how often should I apply? The questions are endless! No need to panic, below we have prepared for you a guide to moisturizing for beginners.

Cleans

When it comes to moisturizing, cleansing your skin — whether it's by washing your face or taking a steam shower — can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you should start with a clean surface when moisturizing, but on the other hand, if you don't apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing - or worse, forget everything together - you could end up with dry skin. It's because your skin retains the most moisture when it is wet, but as it dries, this moisture begins to evaporate. Moisturizing after cleansing can be one of the best times to hydrate, as it can help lock in hydration. 

EXHAUST 

Your skin is constantly shedding dead skin cells, but as you age, the natural process of shedding these dead skin cells slows down, which can lead to dry skin that can't be moisturized. The best way to get rid of those dead skin cells? Exfoliation. In addition to removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, exfoliation may give way to creams and lotions that do a better job. For best results, Apply a chemical or mechanical scrub to your skin once or twice a week and apply a moisturizer of your choice.

KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE

Knowing your skin type is important for a number of reasons, especially if your skin is acne prone or easily irritated. The sooner you know your skin type; the sooner you can find the moisturizer that best suits your skin's needs.

If you have oily skin: Look for a light body lotion and gel cream, such as Garnier's Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream, for face. This moisturizing gel cream can give the skin long-lasting hydration without leaving greasy residue on the surface of the skin.

If you have sensitive skin: Look for a fragrance-free body and face lotion or facial oil formulated specifically for sensitive skin, such as Decléor's Aromessence Rose D'Orient Soothing Oil Serum. Formulated with pure essential oils, this hydrating facial oil soothes and hydrates even sensitive skin.  

If you have dry skin: Look for a body and face lotion or cream that has an ultra-hydrating effect, such as: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Balm. Formulated with antarcticin and glycerin, this soothing hydrating balm helps dry skin retain and retain moisture while working to restore its natural barrier function to retain moisture.

If you have combination skin: Things can be a little tricky for you. Don't be afraid, you can mix and match moisturizers to better suit your skin concerns. Apply a thicker cream, for example, Emollient SkinCeuticals on dry areas of the face and a light moisturizer, for example, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream on oilier areas such as the T-zone on your face.

If you have mature skin: Look for an anti-aging cream that can address some of your top aging concerns—think bags under your eyes, fine lines, or loose skin. We recommend Biotherm's Blue Therapy Up-Lifting Instant Perfecting Cream, as it can soften and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, giving the face a more youthful appearance.  

If you have normal skin: Enjoy the fact that you have pretty much hit the skins jackpot. For the face, use a moisturizer that has been formulated for all skin types. On the body side, indulge in a rich, gorgeously scented body butter, like one of The Body Shop's favorite oils. Body oils. With so many flavors to choose from - mango, coconut, British rose, etc. - the only thing you have to worry about is picking just one.

TURN IT ON

As the seasons change, so should your creams and lotions. There are certain skincare needs in cold, dry winter climates that simply aren't there in the spring or summer. So pay attention to how your skin changes throughout the year, and apply thicker or lighter moisturizers to your body as needed.

DO NOT PROTECT

When it comes to moisturizing your skin, one of the easiest mistakes you can make is neglecting to moisturize certain parts of your body like your neck, arms, and legs. The best way to combat this mistake is to be mindful and make it a habit to focus on these areas while moisturizing from head to toe. Think of it this way: every time you moisturize your face, moisturize your neck, and every time you moisturize your legs, moisturize your feet, and every time you wash your hands, apply hand cream.