Here's Why You Need to Moisturize Your Body
Why You Need to Moisturize Your Body
If you’re a skincare girlie, you know the importance of moisturizing your face morning and night. But how often are you showing the same love to the skin on your body? Below we’re dishing all you need to know on the importance of moisturizing your body.
Skin Science: How Skin Holds Moisture
Our skin is made up of three layers:
- The epidermis (thin outer layer)
- The dermis (thick middle layer)
- The subcutaneous fatty layer
The epidermis, also known as the stratum corneum, is what the term “skin barrier” refers to. The stratum corneum is built of tightly bonded cells called corneocytes (picture them as bricks) glued together by fats such as cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids. Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defense against pollution, toxins, UV rays, and infection. But it also protects you from dehydration as it regulates water loss and helps the skin retain moisture.
Skin problems arise when the skin barrier is compromised by:
- Too humid or dry environment; hot or cold weather
- Allergens, irritants, pollutants
- UV radiation
- Over exfoliation or washing
- Harsh products or a poor skincare routine
- Stress
- Genetics
Signs of a damaged skin barrier:
- Dryness
- Itchiness
- Dullness
- Skin flaking and water loss
- Lack of elasticity
- Wrinkles
- Increased sensitivity
Why Your Skin Needs Moisture
The main goal of moisturizing the skin is to (of course) protect your skin barrier health. Keeping the skin moisturized ultimately helps protect your skin layers, prevent transepidermal water loss, and keep environmental pollutants and chemicals away from the body. Moisturizing also plays an aesthetic role in skincare, helping skin stay supple, softened, hydrated, and healing properly.
And don’t forget the mental and emotional benefits of moisturizing. Taking those extra moments to show yourself some self-love can go a long way. You don’t need an elaborate body care routine to practice self-care—even the simple act of moisturizing can do so much for the mind, body, and soul.
Moisturizing Tips for Hydrated Skin
- Don’t forget neglected places like the heels, ankles, elbows, chest, and bum.
- Don’t rub too hard when applying your moisturizer – the process should be enjoyable, not rough and irritating.
- Apply your moisturizing products to damp skin. Applying products like body butters after you get out of the shower while your skin is still warm and slightly wet will lock in the hydration on your skin.
- Use pH-friendly, skin-loving ingredients that nourish your skin from the inside out (think: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and emollients like shea butter and plant oils). For an ultra-nourishing blend, try our Whipped Body Butters. They’re packed with shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other plant-based ingredients that soften, hydrate, and lock in moisture.
- No matter the season, sunscreen is essential. Don’t forget to layer sunscreen over your moisturizer but give your moisturizer a few minutes to set first. Bonus: many modern sunscreen formulations also contain moisturizing ingredients.
- When you’re feeling extra dry or want to indulge in your body care routine, apply a body oil on top of your body butter. The oils will help nourish the skin and give you a radiant, lit-from-within glow.
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