How Often Should You Moisturize Your Face?

Whether you’re rushing to get ready in the morning—or you’re exhausted after a long day and just want to fall into bed—you might forget one very important thing you need to do: moisturize your face. Yep, using a daily moisturizer should be part of your skin care routine when you wake up and before you hit the hay. After all, adequately hydrated skin looks so fresh and it glows—and who doesn’t want that? Keep reading to find out how often you should moisturizer your face and why this skin care step is so important—no matter your skin type.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU MOISTURIZE YOUR FACE?

We’ve given you a little hint about how often you need to moisturize by talking about the importance of daily moisturizer. Yep, you should moisturize every day. Every. Single. Day. In fact, once a day won’t cut it. Just as you should cleanse your skin twice a day, your face is calling out for moisture at least two times a day—in the morning and at night. You want to moisturize after every time you cleanse. This way, you can lock in moisture and keep skin from drying out.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO USE DAILY MOISTURIZER?

You know that applying sunscreen before you go outside and taking off your makeup at night are great ways to take care of your skin, and the same holds true for using a daily moisturizer. For starters, external factors like pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can damage your skin’s moisture barrier. This can even happen to oily skin types. What’s more, as you age, your skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases. (And you thought wrinkles were the only change you had to look forward to!) That’s why using a daily moisturizer is so important—regardless of your skin type or age.

HOW TO MOISTURIZE EVERY DAY

Now that you know you need to moisturize, let’s make sure you know how to do it the right way. When it comes to your skin care routine, it can sometimes be overwhelming to figure out what order to apply your skin care products. We’re here to help: You should swipe on moisturizer after using your facial cleanser, toner, and serum. In the daytime, you should apply sunscreen over your moisturizer (or, you can pick a moisturizer with SPF to pare down your skin care routine).

At night, moisturizer should be the last step in your skin care routine. As far as application goes, you should put your moisturizer on damp skin after cleansing to help trap moisture on your skin.

HOW TO FIND THE BEST DAILY MOISTURIZER FOR YOUR SKIN

Realizing your vanity isn’t stocked with a daily moisturizer—or your current one could use an upgrade? In that case, we can help. We’re naming daily moisturizers for six skin types so you can find your match and start smoothing it on every day.

For oily skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin. Formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid, this water-based moisturizer removes excess sebum (aka, oil) from the surface of your skin for a fresh feel and matte look.

For dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin. This lightweight, oil-free water-based moisturizer envelops skin with moisture and helps to improve radiance. Go on, get your glow on!

For extra dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Extra Dry Skin. Extra dry skin can feel super-uncomfortable. This moisturizer helps to soothe skin, making it feel soft and plumped with hydration.

For sensitive skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Cicacream Face Moisturizer Pro-Retinol & Centella Asiatica. When you have sensitive skin, finding a skin care routine that works for you can often be difficult. This daily moisturizer is formulated to fight against wrinkles and strengthen and repair the skin barrier for lasting moisture.

For mature, dull skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone Moisturizer for Mature, Dull Skin. You know how your skin loses moisture as you age? Well, its ability to renew surface cells also slows down as it matures—and this can cause a buildup of dead cells that dull the appearance of your complexion. This moisturizer gently exfoliates dull skin and helps to revive the skin’s natural rosy tone. (Here’s How to Restore Radiance to a Dull Skin Tone.)

For mature, very dry skin…try the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm – Face, Neck, Chest and Hands. Your face isn’t the only area that needs pampering—your neck and chest do, too! This rich balm helps nourish and wrap skin in soothing moisture all over.

Next: 12 Moisturizer Hacks to Add to Your Skin Care Routine.