How to Moisturize Skin After Washing It

Apply the right moisturizer for your skin type.

Applying lotions to the skin on your body and face helps keep moisture locked inside. Your skin needs moisture to enhance the texture and tone, and it creates a protective barrier, according to the Mayo Clinic. Differing skin types require certain lotions that correspond with your skin texture and provide the most benefit. Moisturize your skin correctly after washing to keep it well hydrated.

Things You'll Need

• Baby oil
• Body lotion
• Petroleum jelly
• Cotton socks
• Facial moisturizer

Instructions

1. Wash your skin thoroughly with an appropriate soap and water. After leaving the bath or shower, apply 2 to 3 tbsp. baby oil to your wet skin, avoiding the face.

2. Pat the skin with a towel, removing excess liquid, but leaving your skin damp. Your skin absorbs the light film of water when you apply the moisturizer.

3. Apply an oil-based lotion to your body. Apply extra lotion to the knees, elbows and other rough patches on your skin.

4. Rub petroleum jelly onto your heels and bottoms of feet to keep them from cracking. Place cotton socks on your feet after applying the petroleum jelly.

5. Apply a moisturizer to your face and neck that corresponds to your skin type. Dry facial skin requires an oil-based lotion while oily skin needs a water-based lotion. Gently apply the facial moisturizer with circular motions and use your ring finger around the eye area.

Tips & Warnings

• For aging skin, use a facial moisturizer containing alpha hydroxy acids to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Dry Skin

Resources

• WebMD: What's Causing Your Dry Skin Problem?