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Everyone knows you’re supposed to moisturize your skin but what does moisturizer do? We know and are happy to share!

While it’s super important to moisturize if you have naturally dry skin (or as temps drop), everyone can benefit from the extra hydration. Consider this is your 101 Guide on how to moisturize skin – we’ll share the top 5 reasons to use a moisturizer and answer all your questions.

What is the role of a moisturizer?

It’s probably exactly what you’re thinking – its basic job is to add moisture to dry skin and help keep it from drying out again. Beyond that, there are a ton of things moisturizers can do, which we’ll get into shortly.

We know, applying moisturizer can feel like an annoying extra step in your skincare routine but trust us, it’s super important. So don’t even think about skipping it!

Why is it important to use a moisturizer?

Let’s break it down by the top 5 benefits of moisturizing:

1. Prevent Dryness
Cold weather or hot weather, air conditioning or indoor heat; did you know that all of these environmental factors can suck the moisture right out of your skin? Not to mention those hot showers and baths that feels amazing but can dry out skin. That’s where a good moisturizer comes in. It not only replaces moisture that’s already been lost but helps prevent future loss.

2. Slow The Signs of Aging
Fact: Hydrated skin is younger-looking skin. You’re thinking, “why do I need to think about that now?”. Because it’s never too early to start preventing future fine lines and wrinkles. And that plump, firm feeling you get after giving your face a dose of hydration is actually helping to slow down the process. You can thank us later!

3. Help Fight Acne
It might seem strange to add more moisture to already oily-prone skin, but it actually makes sense. Think of it like this: When your skin gets dry, it sends a message to your glands to produce more oil that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. So, if skin is properly hydrated, it can actually help stop it from producing more oil than it needs.

4. Protection From The Sun
We can’t tell you enough how important it is to use a product with SPF, even in colder months. Since dermatologists recommend using SPF every day, why not go for a 2-in-1 moisturizer that contains sun protection?

5. Soothe Sensitive Skin
Got red, irritated skin? Have dry, itchy patches? Sensitive skin needs extra special care. Look for a moisturizer that has soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, oatmeal, and honey, just to name a few.

When should you use a moisturizer?

That depends. When it comes to your body, the best time is directly after getting out the shower since it traps water on the surface of your skin. If you don’t shower every day, don’t worry. It’s actually better for your skin’s moisture levels.

How often should you moisturize your face? That’s a different story. Since you wash your face morning and night, it’s a good idea to moisturize right after. In the a.m., opt for a light moisturizer. In the p.m., go for something more heavy duty like St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Moisturizer. Inspired by collagen and elastin proteins, this rich lotion helps renew skin’s glow with 100% safflower oil for soft, smooth skin.

You know you need to put moisturizer on every day, twice a day, but is it good to put moisturizer on before bed? Yes, but here’s a tip – make sure to wait at least 30 minutes to give it time to soak into your skin, and not rub off on your pillow!

How to moisturize your skin

We mentioned that you should moisturize after you wash your face, so here are the details:
1. After washing your face, pat it dry before applying your favorite moisturizer.
2. Make sure you apply moisturizer gently, using upward strokes. Never press or pull on your skin.
3. If you’re going to put on makeup, apply moisturizer before foundation or any other makeup.

And, that’s it! Build into your daily routine and thirsty skin will thank you.