Pond's moisturizer cream: how to choose and use it

What should you look for in the cream?

A useful moisturizer combines ingredients that draw in water, reduce water loss, and soften rough skin. These groups are called humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Hyaluronic acid and urea are examples of humectants; petrolatum and dimethicone help limit moisture loss; mineral oil helps soften skin. These are ingredients to look for, not a description of any particular Pond's formula.1

For dry, sensitive skin or known allergies, prefer fragrance free products without botanical ingredients that trigger reactions. Fragrance free does not mean free of all allergens. For facial use, look for a noncomedogenic label, meaning the product is intended not to cause acne.1

Judge a moisturizer by its ingredients rather than its price, because a more expensive jar has not earned a promotion just by costing more.1

How do you apply moisturizer?

1. 1Wash with lukewarm rather than hot water.
2. 2Pat your skin dry, leaving a little moisture on the surface.
3. 3Apply moisturizer within three minutes of washing to help trap that water.
4. 4Smooth the cream gently over your skin rather than rubbing vigorously. Follow the direction of hair growth.
5. 5If the cream comes in a pot, remove it with a clean spoon or spatula to reduce contamination.

Should you use it morning or night?

General emollient care is not restricted to bedtime: apply after washing and whenever skin feels dry or tight. Creams are practical for daytime use because they are less greasy than ointments. For very dry skin, a thicker ointment at night is another option.2

For daytime facial care, look for sun protection rated SPF 30 or higher. Do not assume a moisturizer supplies sun protection without checking its SPF label.1

What should you expect, and how long does it take?

Dry skin develops when skin loses too much water. Creams and ointments generally retain more moisture than lotions, making them useful for pronounced dryness. Apply them regularly rather than waiting for skin to become extremely dry.3

When home care works, dry skin tends to improve within two weeks. That is a general dry skin timeframe, not a promised result from Pond's. Low humidity and indoor heating can contribute to dryness, so continued moisturizing can matter while those conditions persist.3

What if you use prescription skin treatments?

With a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between the treatment and an emollient. Ask your doctor which goes first. Separating them avoids diluting the treatment or spreading it onto skin that does not need it.2

When should you stop or get help?

Stop using a cream that causes persistent burning or stinging, a new rash, or inflamed hair follicles, and speak to a pharmacist or clinician. Emollients can cause these reactions, including facial rashes that aggravate acne.2

See a dermatologist if dryness persists despite regular care or gets worse. Dryness can have causes beyond dry air, including medication or an underlying condition, and changing moisturizer alone will not address every cause.3

Keep emollients and fabrics carrying their residue away from flames and cigarettes. Clothing and bedding can catch fire more easily, and washing does not completely remove the residue.2