Why Should You Use Moisturizer Every Day?

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. Yep, slathering on a moisturizer should be part of your daily skin care routine, when you wake up and before you hit the hay. In fact, it should be close to the top of the list as one of the most important parts of your skin care routine! After all, adequately moisturized skin looks so fresh and glow-y—and isn’t that something you want? Keep reading to find out why moisturizer is so important—no matter your skin type—plus find our best moisturizer product recommendations for every skin type. (Just remember to wash your face with a facial cleanser first!)

Why Should You Use Moisturizer Every Day?

You know that applying sunscreen before you go outside and taking off your makeup at night are two great ways to take care of your skin—and so is using moisturizer. There are a few reasons why that is. For starters, external factors like pollution, UV rays, and excessive cleansing can all damage your skin’s moisture barrier. Eek! 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.

What Are the DIFFERENT KINDS OF MOISTURIZER?

There are a number of different types of moisturizers available, ranging from lightweight gel-creams to heavier lotions and creams, so you can find one that’s best suited to your needs. No excuses!

HOW Do You USE MOISTURIZER?

When it comes to your skin care routine, it can 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 facial cleanser, toner, and serum. In the daytime, you should apply sunscreen over your moisturizer (or, you can pick a moisturizer with SPF to cut down on the number of steps in 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 lock in hydration.

How Do You Find the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type?

Now that we’ve convinced you of how important it is to use moisturizer on the regular, it’s time to pick the best moisturizer for your skin type and concerns. Here are a few great options worth considering.

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

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

Our best moisturizer for extra dry skin: 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.

Our best moisturizer for sensitive skin: L’Oréal Paris Ideal Moisture™ Sensitive Skin Day Lotion SPF 25. When you have sensitive skin, finding a skin care routine that works for you can often be difficult. This daytime moisturizer with SPF helps to hydrate and soothe skin without clogging pores.

Our best moisturizer for mature, dull skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Rosy Tone Moisturizer. 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 skin’s natural rosy tone. (Here's How to Restore Radiance to a Dull Skin Tone.)

Our best moisturizer for mature, very dry skin: L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition – Golden Balm Face, Neck & Chest. Your face isn’t the only area that needs pampering—your neck and chest do, too! This rich balm helps to nourish mature skin. Just rub the formula between your fingers before applying it.

Next up, here are 12 Moisturizer Hacks to Add to Your Skin Care Routine.