Fact: Moisturiser should be applied immediately after a shower. Having a shower, especially a hot shower removes healthy oil and bacteria from our skin. Bathing too often could also cause dry, itchy and scaly skin. The key to happy skin is a consistent regime of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Moisturizing our skin is the basic and most important step of our skincare routine. Everyone needs to moisturize! Irrespective of the skin type, we all need a daily dose of hydration.  Therefore, it is essential to moisturise our skin after a shower to help restore the lost moisture content. 

Let’s find out more on this. 

What is a moisturiser and how is it beneficial for our skin?

A moisturizer is a cosmetic preparation used for protecting and lubricating the skin. Regularly using lotion and moisturizer should be a part of any good skin care regimen. A moisturiser with SPF can help protect your skin from the sun during the day. Vitamin A, C, E content in moisturiser makes your skin firm, increases moisture levels and helps in fighting against skin damage. Always remember it is very important to use moisturisers that are oil free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), non-allergic and dermatologist tested. 

When is the right time for moisturiser application? 

It is medically recommended to moistures within 2-3 mins after a shower. Using a body moisturizer within five minutes of your shower helps to lock in the skin's natural moisture. Immediately after a shower, partially pat your body dry and now is when our skin is damp and it will be most receptive to absorb the moisturiser. 

 Hence, it is important to take care of the skin by using the right moisturizer for the skin type such as :  

1. Oily Skin: look for lightweight non-greasy moisturizers. They are generally gel-based or water-based and non-comedogenic which means they will not clog the pores. 

2. Dry skin: one can opt for occlusive moisturizer which basically create a protective layer and seal the moisture of the skin.. In case the skin is sensitive; choose a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizer to reduce the chances of irritation on the skin. A gentle, creamy moisturizer that will lock the moisture and maintain the barrier will work the best. 

Take home message : When we cleanse the face & body, the exfoliating ingredients remove the good skin oils, often resulting in over-drying. Skin needs moisture and without it, the skin is more susceptible to dryness caused by the environment. Dry skin is less elastic and can lead to the early development of fine lines and wrinkles.

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