How to Properly Moisturize Skin
Everyone wants supple, baby soft skin that is clear and well moisturized. However, what is the best way to achieve this? Below, I outline three simple steps to help achieve the skin of your dreams.
Exfoliate/Prepare Skin
The first step to achieve perfectly moisturized skin is to exfoliate. This step can be achieved with a loofah sponge, washcloth or even a scrub. The method of exfoliation is specific to your skin type. You may find that a salt or sugar scrub is too abrasive, or that a washcloth does not exfoliate your skin properly. You need to try multiple exfoliation methods until you find the process that best removes all of the excess dead skin for your skin type. Once you find the method that works best for you, implement this process in your moisturizing process.
Rehydrate
This is a step that nearly everyone skips. When I say rehydrate, I do not mean to grab a moisturizer or lotion. The best rehydration method is to use just plain old water. Yes you read that right, water. Good old water is the best moisturizer on the market.
However, all water is not made a like. If you have just undergone the process of removing excess dry skin via exfoliation, you need to realize that your skin is now more susceptible to irritation if that water contains harmful microorganisms. Therefore, I would suggest rehydrating the skin using either distilled water or water that had been heated to a rolling boil and cooled (please do not apply boiling hot water to skin!). This “clean” water should be devoid of microorganisms that can infect your skin. Keep in mind that I did not mention filtered or bottled water. Filtering water does not remove microorganisms. Also, spring water does not ensure that water is without bacteria.
Apply clean water liberally. Rehydrate the skin and let that water soak in.
Apply Emollient
After you have rehydrated your skin with clean water, dry lightly and apply an emollient to slightly damp skin. First, I need to clarify that an emollient and lotion are two different things. An emollient is a thick cream used to lock in moisture. There is usually little to no water listed as an ingredient in an emollient. Lotions, however, usually have water listed as a first ingredient and are lighter in consistency than an emollient. Apply the emollient to your skin liberally and watch as this regimen leads to unbelievably supple skin.
I would recommend trying this moisturizing routine at night. Emollients tend to have a bit more sheen than other moisturizers so they lend themselves to be better suited for a nighttime routine. Heavy exfoliation is not recommended for everyday, but if you can find a daily exfoliant and try out this routine frequently, you will see the best skin of your life.
Let me know if you have any additional moisturizing tips in the comments below.
