How often should I apply Eucerin cream?

Is twice a day enough?

Morning and evening fit Eucerin's dry facial skin routine. For very dry skin, general moisturizer guidance supports more frequent use rather than waiting until bedtime with tight, uncomfortable skin. Apply again after washing your hands or bathing, and add applications during the day when dryness returns. Hands and faces need particular attention because they are exposed to the weather.134

An emollient is simply a moisturizer: it forms a protective layer that traps moisture and helps relieve dryness and itching. Moisturizers trap moisture in the skin, which is a more useful job than making the bathroom shelf look busy. If you use an emollient for a skin condition, continue after the condition clears when your doctor or nurse has advised you to.2

How should I apply the cream?

1. 1Wash your hands before applying the moisturizer. If the cream comes in a tub, remove it with a clean spoon rather than your fingers to avoid contaminating the contents.
2. 2After a bath or shower, gently pat your skin dry and apply the cream immediately while your skin is still slightly damp. Use warm rather than hot water when bathing.
3. 3Apply generously to dry areas and smooth the cream gently in the direction of hair growth. Do not scrub or rub it in.
4. 4Leave the moisturizer on to soak in. General emollient guidance suggests allowing about 10 minutes for a thin surface layer to absorb; you do not need to wash it off.

What if mine is a night cream or sunscreen?

Eucerin tells you to apply its US Immersive Hydration Night Cream before bed to hydrate skin through the night. For a dry facial skin routine, cleanse before applying creams and put sunscreen last in the morning. The morning moisturizer and bedtime cream do not have to be the same product.1

If your Eucerin cream is a sunscreen, follow its sun protection directions rather than the moisturizer schedule. Eucerin's UK sunscreen guidance says to apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, towelling off or heavy sweating. Count from the first application, not from when you step outdoors. A higher SPF does not extend the reapplication interval.5

What if my skin still feels dry?

More frequent applications are one option; a different texture is another. An ointment can suit very dry or thickened skin, especially overnight. A pharmacist can help you choose an alternative if your current moisturizer no longer helps or starts irritating your skin.234

Can I use it with a prescription skin treatment?

Keep moisturizer and topical steroid applications about 30 minutes apart, and ask your prescriber which to apply first. Separating them avoids diluting the medicine or spreading it onto skin that does not need treatment. The moisturizer schedule is not the medicine's schedule.23

When should I stop or get help?

Stop using the cream if your skin reacts, and speak to a pharmacist about an alternative. Get medical advice for persistent burning, stinging, inflamed hair follicles or a worsening facial rash. Severe dryness needs medical assessment rather than repeated applications alone. Keep emollients away from flames and cigarettes: cream residue on clothing and bedding increases fire risk, including with products without paraffin.34