Getting the most out of your moisturizer

Develop a simple and consistent skin care routine with regular use of moisturizers:

• Be willing to experiment. Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft. You may need to try several brands with varying ingredients before you find one you like.

• Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen daily year-round. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

  You may choose a moisturizer or cosmetics that contain sunscreen. Apply any topical medication you’re using on your skin before applying moisturizer, sunscreen or cosmetics.

• Don't necessarily buy the most expensive brand. Just because a moisturizer is expensive doesn't mean it's more effective than a less expensive product. Many ingredients added to these more expensive brands are of questionable value and may include fragrances, dyes or other ingredients that do not help moisturize and protect the skin.
• Wash regularly and gently. Wash your face daily and after sweating. Use warm (not hot) water and a mild facial cleanser, or just water. When bathing, avoid the use of loofahs and pumice stones. Use fragrance-free bath oil and a mild soap or a shower gel with added moisturizer. Rinse thoroughly. Limit bathing to no more than once a day, and no longer than five to 10 minutes.
• Apply moisturizers while skin is still damp. After bathing, showering or shaving, pat your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains. Then apply a moisturizer to help trap water in your skin. Depending on your skin type, you may want to reapply moisturizer two to three times a day, or more often, as needed. Moisturize your hands every time you wash them. Although often ignored, your hands get more exposure to irritants than do any other part of your body.
• Use heavy creams and oils appropriately. Don't use heavy creams on your face unless you have excessive dryness. You can use baby oil or heavier lotions on your legs, hands and feet because those areas tend to be drier.
• Apply moisturizer after medicated creams. If you use medicated creams such as a corticosteroid or tacrolimus (Protopic), wait at least 30 minutes before applying a moisturizer. Check your medication packaging for specific instructions.

Not all moisturizers live up to their advertised claims or even contain all of their advertised ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate cosmetics — including moisturizers — as rigorously as it does drugs.

If regular moisturizing hasn't improved the condition of your skin or you notice new skin problems, see your doctor or dermatologist. Ask about creating a personalized skin care plan based on your skin type and any skin condition you may have.