How to Apply Moisturizer

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Moisturizer protects your skin from the elements and keeps it hydrated so it looks and feels healthy. Typically, you need to apply different types of moisturizer for your face and body since the skin on your face is a lot more sensitive. It’s also important to apply moisturizers to clean skin in a particular order for the most hydrating benefits!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Facial Moisturizer

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    Wash your face with lukewarm water to prepare your skin. The best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is clean. [1] Work a gentle face cleanser into a lather and rinse it off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Gently pat your skin with a soft, clean towel to remove excess moisture. Don’t completely dry your skin, though! Leave it damp. [2]
    • Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps trap more water in your skin. Also, damp skin absorbs products better. [3]
    • Never wash your face with hot water because it strips skin of its moisture and natural oils. [4]
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    The amount of moisturizer to use varies by product. In general, thinner moisturizers can be applied more generously since your face absorbs them quickly. If you’re using a really thick moisturizer, a small dollop should do the trick. If you aren't sure where to start, go with an almond-sized amount of product. [5]
    • You might need a thick cream if you’re dealing with a skin condition like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea.
    • Day creams are typically thinner, while night creams are thicker.
    • You can find a rich moisturizer that works for both morning and night here .
    • You can also try using face cream with CBD for a calming effect. Popular brands include CBD American Shaman and Charlotte's Web .
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[6]

  1. 1
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    Use clean fingertips to apply small dabs of the moisturizer onto key dry areas like your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. This helps to distribute the product evenly all over your face. [8]
    • Don't forget to include your neck in both your washing and moisturizing routine. This is especially important when you're apply a daytime moisturizer with SPF, which will help protect these areas from sun damage.
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    Using your fingertips, smooth each dab of moisturizer upwards and outwards on your face using circular motions. You only need to apply gentle pressure to blend the moisturizer into your skin evenly. Be extra careful around the delicate eye area. [9]
    • Allow the moisturizer to absorb completely before applying makeup or other products.
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    The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the skin anywhere else on your body. Because of this, many people like to apply a special cream to this area. If you want to try eye cream, use your middle or ring finger to dab a small amount around the eye area. Continue tapping the cream into your skin until it's completely absorbed. [10]
    • Give the cream about a minute to fully absorb before moving on to your regular moisturizer.
    • For daytime, you can apply your usual SPF moisturizer around your eyes. [11]
    • Avoid pulling or tugging the delicate skin around your eyes.
    • Look for eye creams made with ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, neuropeptides, and vitamin E. [12]
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    Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need to maintain moisture in order to stay hydrated and look great. Use a moisturizing lip balm to keep your lips soft and plump. Carry it with you and reapply as needed throughout the day. You can even wear it under your lipstick. [13]
    • Consider using a lip balm that contains SPF if you plan on going outdoors.
    • If the lip balm makes your lips tingle or feels uncomfortable, you may want to try something else on the sensitive lip area.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

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    Normal skin is able to maintain a natural moisture balance. If you have normal skin, you rarely deal with issues like excessive oiliness or dry, flaky skin. You only need a light, water-based moisturizer to keep your skin looking fresh. [14]
    • Water-based moisturizers never feel greasy. They often contain lightweight oils or silicone-derived ingredients.
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    Dry skin is usually flaky, itchy, and rough to the touch. Very dry skin may even crack and be painful. You need something a little heavier to restore hydration to dry skin, so go with a thick, oil-based moisturizer. [15]
    • Moisturizers with a ceramide base are great at helping skin hold onto moisture. [16]
    • You can also look for hydrating ingredients like lactic acid and urea.
    • For very dry and cracked skin, consider ointments made with petroleum jelly. Apply these at night before bed since they tend to be greasy. [17]
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    If you have oily skin, you have shiny patches of oil in one or more places, normally on your face. Oily skin tends to be more susceptible to acne, so use a light, water-based moisturizer that won't clog your pores. Look for a product that say "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" on the label. [18]
    • Moisturizer is especially important if you're using an acne medication that contains drying ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. [19]
    • If you're acne-prone, avoid moisturizers that contain pore-clogging ingredients like petroleum jelly, cocoa butter, and coconut oil.
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    If your skin is susceptible to irritation, redness, itching, or rashes, go with a soothing moisturizer made with chamomile or aloe. Look for products that say "hypoallergenic" and "fragrance-free" on the label. [20]
    • Avoid products containing acids, which can irritate sensitive skin.
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    As skin ages, the oil-producing glands slow down and skin becomes thinner and drier. Go with an oil-based product made with petroleum jelly to lock in moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizers with antioxidants or alpha hydroxy acids can help prevent flaky skin. [21]
    • Moisturizers with retinoids and peptides can also be great for mature skin.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Moisturizing Your Body

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    Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin. Apply the cleanser to your body with a light touch to avoid damaging your skin. Lather it up and rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water. Use a soft towel to gently pat the excess moisture off your skin but leave the skin damp. [22]
    • To prevent stripping natural oils and moisture from your skin, limit your showers to 5 or 10 minutes and avoid using hot water. [23]
    • Avoid loofahs and pumice stones if you have dry or sensitive skin. [24]
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    Rub the moisturizer between both palms for several seconds to spread the product evenly and warm it up a little. It’s best to start with a quarter-sized amount and continue to get more moisturizer, as needed. [25]
    • You can find moisturizing body butter online.
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    Use short but firm strokes with your hands to spread the moisturizer over your body and smooth it into your skin. Be sure to apply moisturizer in the direction of the hair follicle and don’t rub too hard to avoid skin irritation. [26]
    • Pay specific attention to the driest parts of your body like your elbows, knees, and feet.
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    Every time you wash your hands, you remove the moisturizer you previously applied along with the natural oils and moisture in your skin. Get into the habit of applying hand cream every time after you wash your hands in order to keep them soft. [27]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why should I apply face moisturizer?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    When you apply a moisturizer to your face, it keeps your skin hydrated, supple, and elastic.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizer?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Moisturizers that have a ceramide base help water stay deeper in the skin barrier. Shea butter is also fantastic, but it's a nut derivative, so be careful using it if you're allergic. Glycerine is also great, as well as petrolatum. Dimethicone-based moisturizers are also good to use.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How do you apply moisturizer on an oily face after washing?
    Jennifer Boidy, RN
    Registered Nurse
    Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
    Jennifer Boidy, RN
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Oily skin still needs moisture just like other types of skin, especially after washing. Using a lighter moisturizer, such as a lotion rather than a cream, is better for oily skin. Also be sure to choose a water-based lotion that is labeled non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. After washing, pat your skin dry, and gently spread the lotion onto your face using your fingertips.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
      3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000751.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/the-importance-of-moisturizing/
      5. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/dry-skin-self-care
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/day-or-night-what-to-look-for-in-a-facial-cream/
      7. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      8. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/dry-skin-self-care
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/meaning-lost-and-found/202111/beauty-routine-those-who-are-depressed
      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hello-bright-eyes-how-to-pick-the-eye-cream-thats-right-for-you/
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hello-bright-eyes-how-to-pick-the-eye-cream-thats-right-for-you/
      3. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/medication-safety/Pages/How-to-Give-Eye-Drops-and-Eye-Ointment.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips
      5. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/vitamin-a-retinol
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-control-oily-skin
      7. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      8. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-control-oily-skin
      10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
      11. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/aloe
      12. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/23-foods-good-skin/
      13. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin
      14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care
      15. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/bathing/
      16. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/skin/Pages/How-to-Treat-and-Control-Eczema-Rashes-in-Children.aspx
      17. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/
      18. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips
      19. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips
      20. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs

      About This Article

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      Before applying moisturizer, wash your face or body to not only clean your skin but also to allow it to properly absorb the cream. Then, dab the moisturizer on key dry areas, such as your nose, chin, elbows, knees, and feet. However, if any of these areas are oily, avoid putting moisturizer on them. Finally, if you spend time outdoors and want to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, pick a moisturizer that also contains sun protection through SPF content. For tips from our Medical reviewer on how to select the right moisturizer, keep reading!

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