How often should you moisturize your face?

How should you apply face moisturizer?

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser. Limit face washing to twice a day and after sweating to avoid irritation.
2. 2Pat your face dry, leaving the skin slightly damp. Apply moisturizer while that moisture is still there.
3. 3Smooth moisturizer gently over your skin. Leave it on rather than washing it off.
4. 4Include sun protection in your daytime routine. If your moisturizer contains sunscreen, choose broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Moisturizer traps water in the skin, which is a more useful job than giving the bathroom shelf another occupant. Damp skin gives moisturizer water to hold onto; you do not need to wash your face again just because you need another application.14

Should you moisturize if your face is oily?

Yes. Oily skin still benefits from moisturizing. Choose a product intended for your skin type and look for "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" on the label. An effective moisturizer does not have to be expensive, even if the packaging would like a more ambitious budget.1

How often should you moisturize dry skin?

For dry skin, apply moisturizer two to three times a day, or as often as needed. More intensive moisturizing for a dry skin condition can mean two to four applications a day or more. Apply after washing and whenever skin feels dry; cold winter weather can increase the need.23

If lotion is not enough, try a cream or ointment: both provide more moisture than lotion. Choose fragrance free products. "Unscented" products can contain ingredients that hide odors and irritate dry, sensitive skin. A cream is less greasy and easier to spread than an ointment; an ointment can suit very dry skin and nighttime use.24

How often should you moisturize your skin?

For the body, moisturize after bathing while skin is still damp, then reapply to dry areas as needed. For dry hands, apply after each hand wash. Keep showers warm rather than hot and limit them to five to ten minutes, since long, hot showers can worsen dryness.34

When is more moisturizer not the answer?

Stop using a moisturizer that makes your skin itchy or sore. Tell a dermatologist if products cause burning, stinging or irritation. Seek medical advice if dryness persists despite care, itching disrupts sleep, or scratching causes open sores. If you use a prescribed topical steroid, generally leave at least 30 minutes between the steroid and moisturizer.234

How often should you moisturize a new tattoo?

Use a simple moisturizer or recommended ointment twice a day during the first month, following your tattoo artist's bandage instructions. Wash gently and pat dry before moisturizing. Avoid petroleum jelly on a healing tattoo. See a doctor for fever, increasing pain, heat, odor, significant drainage or spreading redness.5

How often should you moisturize a sunburn?

There is no fixed application count for sunburn. Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel, then apply an unperfumed moisturizer or aftersun. Do not use petroleum jelly or ice, and keep the area out of direct sunlight until healed. Sunburn usually improves within seven days. Get urgent medical advice for blistering, swelling, fever, dizziness or feeling sick.6