Knubbly tweed, snakeskin, cracked leather — if you think these words describe the condition of your skin more than the composition of a favorite handbag, then you might need to start moisturizing. Even if your skin type tends to be normal to oily, using a high-quality moisturizer on a regular basis can be the key to improving the way your skin looks and feels.

Moisturisers contain substances called humectants which help to attract and conserve water in the skin. When your skin lacks moisture it can become dry. By using a moisturiser you are helping to normalise cell turnover, as when your skin is dry, cells are shed too fast, leading to your skin become flaky. Emollients are also commonly added to moisturisers and these help to smooth the appearance of flaky skin.

To get the most out of your moisturizer, first prime your skin. While in the shower, use a loofah or an exfoliating body scrub a few times a week to exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells before adding a moisturizing lotion or cream may help your skin absorb the product and increase hydration. Then, within three minutes of getting out of the bath or shower, apply lotion to trap the moisture on your skin. By adding this step to your regular routine, you can ditch dry, itchy skin for good.

What Moisturizer to Use – Regularly using lotion and moisturizer should be a part of any good skin care regimen, but some are better than others. Choose a lotion with plenty of vitamins (see below) with an SPF of 15 to protect your skin during the day. Also use lotions that are oil free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), allergy and dermatologist tested.

• Vitamin A and Vitamin B5 increase firmness and build moisture levels.
• Anti-Oxidant Vitamins C and E help protect new skin and fight skin damage.
• PABA-Free SPF 15 sunscreens help prevent premature lines and wrinkles.

So what does a moisturizer do for your skin?

• • Repair– they are so many factors that will take the moisture out of your skin. Pollution, poor diets, cold weather, dry furnaces and stressful lifestyles can all dehydrate the skin, that is why we need to give our skin some added help. While these elements are draining moisture away, the only method to hydrate and provide a bit of nourishment back in is by applying a moisturizer every day.

• • Protect– Moisturizers also help to protect your skin from sun damage. Moisturizers with SPF/sunscreen are available which can help protect your skin from the harsh damaging UV rays. This is something you should use all year long not just during the summer season; during the winters month’s the sun’s rays can be just as damaging.
  • Circulate– applying moisturizer stimulates the skin improving the circulation of blood to the body helping to boost collagen levels. The depletion of collagen increases the amount of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin on the body.
  • Primer– using a good moisturizer before applying your makeup will serve as a good primer. This will help give your makeup a good base to stick to.

• Helps Skin Stay Young –The skin on your face, ears, neck and chest are very sensitive and also shed cells more rapidly than other parts of the body and therefore need moisture to repair itself, which allows for younger skin cells to rise to the surface. Also, the massaging affect that is used when applying lotion helps stimulate blood circulation and new cell generation.
• Conceals Other Skin Blemishes—Using a daily moisturizer ensures that the skin’s blemishes are camouflaged. That is because moisturizing tends to make the skin have a slight sheen, and those with any tint or self-tanner even’s out different skin tones.