How to Moisturize Your Body

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Your skin is your body's largest organ, so treat it as well as you would any other organ.

Step 1: Take short showers
Limit your showers or baths to between 5 and 10 minutes, and use water that's just warm, not hot. Staying in hot water, although it may feel luxurious, actually strips your skin's natural oils.

Step 2: Use moisturizing cleanser
Use a moisturizing cleanser or one formulated for dry skin when you bathe. Regular soaps can be too harsh and will dehydrate skin.

Tip
When taking a bath, try adding two cups of whole milk to the water at the beginning of the bath to provide a little extra moisture for dry skin.

Step 3: Pat dry
Don't dry off completely after bathing. Blot yourself gently with a towel rather than rubbing so your skin is still damp.

Tip
If you are using a topical prescription cream, always apply it between cleansing and moisturizing.

Step 4: Apply moisturizer
Apply a moisturizer to your whole body immediately after bathing and before your skin has completely dried. This helps lock the water into your skin.

Step 5: Moisturize a second time
Moisturize again so you've slathered yourself twice each day--once in the morning and once before bed.

Tip
For really dry skin, try moisturizing with Vaseline and wear soft cotton socks, pajamas, and even gloves to bed. This will help retain the product so it softens your skin while you sleep.

Step 6: Raise the humidity
A humidifier or even a shallow pan of water near a heat source will help banish dry, dehydrating air, especially during the winter.

Did You Know?
The average person's skin flakes off 30,000 to 40,000 dead cells every minute.