How to Apply Moisturizer Correctly & Choose the Right Product for Your Skin

PDF download Download Article
A guide to pick the perfect moisturizer and keep your skin hydrated
PDF download Download Article

Moisturizer keeps your skin healthy and hydrated, but the type of product you should use depends on your skin type. In this article, we’ll teach you how to choose the perfect moisturizer for your face and body, as well as how to apply it properly. We even talked to FAAD board certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, MD, for the best tips on how to lock in extra moisture.

Best Tips to Apply Moisturizer

Use a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer on your skin, rubbing it in an upward and outward direction. Apply moisturizer within 5 minutes of washing your face to help lock in moisture. If you have dry skin, opt for a thicker cream or ointment with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, and glycerin.

Section 1 of 6:

Applying Facial Moisturizer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash your face with lukewarm water to prepare the skin.
    Tareen says, “the best time to apply moisturizer is after showering or bathing.”[1] Use your fingers to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser onto your skin, then work it into a lather. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.[2]
    • Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or fragrance.[3]
    • Applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp helps it absorb better.[4]
    • Do not wash your face with hot water because it strips the skin of moisture and its natural oils.[5]
  2. Step 2 Use a dime- to nickel-sized amount of moisturizer for each application.
    The amount of moisturizer you need depends on your skin and product type. In general, you can apply a nickel-sized amount of a thinner, water-based moisturizer since the skin absorbs it quickly. If you’re using a thicker cream or ointment, a dime-sized dollop should do the trick. Talk to your dermatologist if you’re not sure how much product to apply.[6]
    • Apply a thicker cream or ointment if you have dry skin.[7]
    • Day creams are typically thinner, while night creams are thicker.[8]
    • Use a moisturizer with SPF 30 to protect your face and body during the day.[9]
    • You can find a rich moisturizer that works for both morning and night here.
    • You can also try using face cream with CBD for a calming effect. Popular brands include CBD American Shaman and Charlotte's Web.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Dot a small amount of the moisturizer on different areas of your face.
    Use clean fingertips to apply small dabs of the moisturizer on dry areas like your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.[10] This helps distribute the product evenly all over your face.
    • Don't forget about your neck! This is especially important when you're applying a daytime moisturizer with SPF, which will help protect these areas from sun damage.[11]
  4. Step 4 Apply your moisturizer in an upward and outward direction.
    With your fingertips, smooth each dot of moisturizer upwards and outwards using circular motions for a subtle lifting effect. Gently massage your skin to help the moisturizer sink in, and be extra careful around your eye area since the skin is thinner.[12]
    • Allow the moisturizer to absorb completely before applying makeup or other products.
  5. Step 5 Tap eye cream around your eyes using your ring finger (optional).
    The skin around your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the skin anywhere else on your body, so many people like to apply a special cream to this area.[13] If you want to use eye cream, take your ring finger and dab a small amount of cream around the eye area. Continue tapping until it's completely absorbed into your skin.[14]
    • Avoid pulling or tugging the delicate skin around your eyes.
    • Give the cream about a minute to fully absorb before moving on to your regular moisturizer.
    • During the daytime, apply the same SPF moisturizer for your face around your eyes.[15]
    • Look for eye creams with ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants, niacinamide, and kojic acid.[16]
  6. Step 6 Apply lip balm to moisturize and protect your lips (optional).
    Use a non-irritating lip balm to keep your lips plump and hydrated. If you have chapped lips, look for products with castor seed oil, ceramides, dimethicone, hemp seed oil, mineral oil, petroleum, shea butter, or white petroleum jelly.[17] Carry your lip balm with you so you can reapply it throughout the day—you can even wear it under lipstick!
    • Before going outside, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher that has titanium oxide and/or zinc oxide.[18]
    • If your lips tingle, burn, or sting after applying lip balm, stop using it and switch to a different product.[19]
    7. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Go with a water-based moisturizer if you have normal skin.
    Normal skin is clear and not sensitive.[20] Stick with a light, water-based moisturizer to keep your skin looking fresh. If you’re 50 or older, your skin needs more moisture so opt for a cream-based moisturizer.[21]
    • Water-based moisturizers often contain lightweight oils or silicone-derived ingredients.
  2. Step 2 Select a heavier, oil-based moisturizer if you have dry skin.
    Dry skin is flaky, itchy, or rough to the touch.[22] Very dry skin may even crack and be painful. To restore hydration in your skin, go for a thicker cream or ointment.[23]
    • Tareen recommends using “ceramide-based moisturizer” to “help the skin hold onto moisture.”[24]
    • Look for hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, and shea butter.[25]
    • For very dry and irritated skin, opt for moisturizers that are high in oil, with ingredients like petroleum jelly or mineral oil. Apply these to your skin as often as necessary.[26]
  3. Step 3 Stick with a gel moisturizer if you have oily skin.
    Oily skin is shiny, greasy, and usually more susceptible to acne.[27] Too much moisturizer can clog your pores, so use a gel moisturizer that is labeled “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic.”[28]
    • If you're acne-prone, do not use heavy lotions and creams.[29] Avoid pore-clogging ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and cocoa butter.[30]
    • Even if you have oily skin, you need to apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin, especially if you’re using acne treatments that have benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin, or isotretinoin.[31]
  4. Step 4 Try two different moisturizers if you have combination skin.
    If you have combination skin, your skin is dry in some spots and oily in others.[32] Apply a thicker cream or lotion on dry areas, like your cheeks and neck, and a gel-based moisturizer in the oily areas, like your T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).[33]
  5. Step 5 Use a moisturizer with soothing ingredients if you have sensitive skin.
    Sensitive skin may sting or burn after applying products.[34] Opt for a barrier-boosting moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, petroleum, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.[35]
    • Look for products that say "hypoallergenic" and "fragrance-free" on the label.
  6. Step 6 Choose an anti-aging moisturizer if you have mature skin.
    As you age, your skin produces less oil, making it thinner and drier.[36] To keep your skin hydrated, pick an anti-aging moisturizer with ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, ceramides, and exfoliating acids (like glycolic and ascorbic acid).[37]
    • Sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-aging products you can buy. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the daytime and reapply every 2 hours.[38]
    7. Advertisement
Section 3 of 6:

Moisturizing Your Body

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Wash your body with gentle, moisturizing soap and warm water.
    Use a fragrance-free cleanser with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin. Lather the cleanser in your hands before washing your body, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use a soft, clean towel to pat your skin dry.[39]
    • To prevent stripping your skin of moisture, limit your shower to 5 minutes and avoid using hot water.[40]
    • Avoid scrubbing your skin with a loofah or washcloth if you have dry or sensitive skin.[41]
  2. Step 2 Apply a cream-based moisturizer within 5 minutes of showering.
    According to Tareen, “you should moisturize with a cream-based moisturizer right after you bathe.” Apply moisturizer as soon as you step out of the shower, while your skin is still damp.[42] Start with a quarter-sized amount of product and use more as needed.
    • Pay extra attention to the driest parts of your body, like your elbows, knees, and feet.
    • Use short, firm strokes to apply the moisturizer all over your body. Rub along the direction of the hair follicle to avoid irritation.[43]
    • If you have dry skin, use a heavier cream during the winter months and a lighter lotion in the summer.[44]
  3. Step 3 Reapply moisturizer to your hands each time after washing them.
    Every time you wash your hands, you remove the moisturizer you previously applied along with the natural oils and moisture in your skin. Get into the habit of applying hand cream every time after you wash your hands to keep them moisturized.[45]
    • During the winter, wear gloves to protect your hands from the wind and cold.[46]
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

When should you apply moisturizer?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Moisturize every time you bathe, shave, or exfoliate.
    For most people, this means moisturizing twice a day, usually after washing their face in the morning and evening. Applying moisturizer to damp skin is especially important to retain moisture and prevent water loss.[47]
Section 5 of 6:

Why is it important to moisturize?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Moisturizer improves skin hydration and protects your skin barrier.
    The skin barrier is the outer layer of skin that protects your body from the environment.[48] Moisturizing regularly allows your skin barrier to repair itself, retain moisture, and stay young and healthy. It can also improve the texture of your skin and conceal the appearance of blemishes. Other benefits of moisturizer include:[49]
    • New cell generation
    • Increased skin elasticity
    • A more even complexion
    • A reduction in acne, fine lines, and age spots
    • Protection from developing extreme dryness or oiliness
    • Relief from dryness, flakiness, rough patches, and skin sensitivity
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Facial Moisturizer vs Body Lotion

PDF download Download Article
  1. Facial moisturizer is formulated for the facial skin, unlike body lotion.
    Because of this, it’s generally not recommended to use body lotion on your face. Body lotion does hydrate the skin, but your face has thinner skin and more oil glands, making it more sensitive and prone to breakouts. Applying a body product to your face can exacerbate skin issues, so be sure to read the product label and instructions before using a new moisturizer.[50]
    • Some body moisturizers are suitable for use on both the face and body. Before applying a multipurpose product on your face, check that it’s labeled “non-comedogenic.”

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Why should I apply face moisturizer?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    When you apply a moisturizer to your face, it keeps your skin hydrated, supple, and elastic.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
  • Question
    What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizer?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Moisturizers that have a ceramide base help water stay deeper in the skin barrier. Shea butter is also fantastic, but it's a nut derivative, so be careful using it if you're allergic. Glycerine is also great, as well as petrolatum. Dimethicone-based moisturizers are also good to use.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How do you apply moisturizer on an oily face after washing?
    Jennifer Boidy, RN
    Jennifer Boidy, RN
    Registered Nurse
    Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse based in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her nursing career, she also works as a Healthcare Content Strategist & Writer, helping businesses and non-profits market their products and services to healthcare provider organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare services vendors. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include pharmaceuticals & life sciences, health technology, medical devices & diagnostics, health insurance & managed care, and healthcare services & facilities. Her certification as a Registered Nurse was issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Marketing and Finance. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012.
    Jennifer Boidy, RN
    Jennifer Boidy, RN
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Oily skin still needs moisture just like other types of skin, especially after washing. Using a lighter moisturizer, such as a lotion rather than a cream, is better for oily skin. Also be sure to choose a water-based lotion that is labeled non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. After washing, pat your skin dry, and gently spread the lotion onto your face using your fingertips.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to
Make Moisturizer
How to
Use Tinted Moisturizer
Moisturize Before Makeup
How to
Moisturize Before Makeup
Choose Moisturizer for Oily Skin
How to
Choose Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101
  3. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000751.htm
  4. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
  5. ↑ https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/the-importance-of-moisturizing/
  6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care
  7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
  8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/day-or-night-what-to-look-for-in-a-facial-cream
  9. ↑ https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/what-you-should-know-about-sunscreen-spf-and-protecting-your-family/2022/06
  1. ↑ https://www.vogue.in/beauty/content/how-to-apply-skincare-products-correctly-read-this-to-check
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen
  3. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care
  4. ↑ https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/types-of-eczema/eczema-around-the-eyes/
  5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hello-bright-eyes-how-to-pick-the-eye-cream-thats-right-for-you/
  6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hello-bright-eyes-how-to-pick-the-eye-cream-thats-right-for-you/
  7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hello-bright-eyes-how-to-pick-the-eye-cream-thats-right-for-you/
  8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
  9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
  10. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
  11. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
  12. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
  13. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
  14. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
  15. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
  16. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
  17. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/
  18. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
  19. ↑ https://www.aad.org/news/how-to-control-oily-skin
  20. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12233-acne
  21. ↑ https://www.childrensskincenter.com/2022/12/02/10-ingredients-that-cause-acne-and-how-to-get-rid-of-it/
  22. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/moisturizer
  23. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
  24. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
  25. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-tips-dermatologists-use
  26. ↑ https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/beauty/best-moisturizers-for-sensitive-skin#
  27. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004014.htm
  28. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/anti-aging-skin-care
  29. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/selecting-anti-aging-products
  30. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
  31. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin
  32. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin
  33. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-ways-to-banish-dry-skin
  34. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/
  35. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21533-skin-care-basics-and-tips
  36. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips
  37. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips
  38. ↑ https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/blog-post/importance-moisturizing
  39. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/skin-barrier
  40. ↑ https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/blog-post/importance-moisturizing
  41. ↑ https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skincare-tips-advice/can-you-use-body-lotion-on-your-face
  42. ↑ https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips
  43. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs

About This Article

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Co-authored by:
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Bailey Cho. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 490,764 times.
4 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: December 12, 2024
Views: 490,764
Categories: Skin Moisturizer
Article SummaryX

Before applying moisturizer, wash your face or body to not only clean your skin but also to allow it to properly absorb the cream. Then, dab the moisturizer on key dry areas, such as your nose, chin, elbows, knees, and feet. However, if any of these areas are oily, avoid putting moisturizer on them. Finally, if you spend time outdoors and want to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, pick a moisturizer that also contains sun protection through SPF content. For tips from our Medical reviewer on how to select the right moisturizer, keep reading!

Did this summary help you?

In other languages
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 490,764 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Leon Kennedy

    Leon Kennedy

    May 11, 2016

    "I'm new to reading your tips, but this helped to learn something important about how to take care of yourself..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories
Share your story
If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement