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I like to consider it self-care.
Courtesy of brands/Laneen Wells
To find a moisturizer youll like, the first thing you want to think about is its consistency.
Certain body lotions and creams are also formulated to address specific skin concerns.
Some feature calming ingredientsto relieve itching, while others are more exfoliating to smooth texture.
No matter what your goal is, we found a bunch of options that can help.
Our top picks
FAQs
What should you look for in a body moisturizer?
Ingredients
All moisturizers are made with some combination of hydrating, nourishing ingredients.
Below are a few key players to watch out for, plus the benefits they offer.
Lotions often have more water in them than oil, which gives them a lighter, silkier consistency.
They absorb quickly and provide hydration without feeling heavy, Dr. Garshick says.
Creams contain more oil and have a thicker texture that really locks in moisture.
Theyre better for people with dry or sensitive skin types, whose moisture barrier tends to be compromised often.
How should you apply body moisturizer?
Aim to moisturize your skin at least once a daythe best time to apply is after a shower.
Its easier to apply this way and locks in the moisture better, Dr. Tiernan says.
Can you use body lotion or cream on your face?
Its lightweight formula soaks into the skin super fast, for a silky smooth feeling that lasts all day.
This product is the GOAT.
our tester went on to say.
Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and shea and mineral oils.
My skin is so soft now, I feel like a different person, one happy Amazon reviewer wrote.
It seems like it repairs skin like no other moisturizer.
It helps support the skin barrier and locks in moisture very effectively, Dr. Murphy Rose says.
I often use this one before going to bed, and I wake up feeling refreshed.
As a bonus, retinol can also preventbody acneby exfoliating the skin to keep pores unclogged.
When I wake up the next day, I STILL feel moisturized, she says.
It also uses hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help boost moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
We can also vouch for this2023 Healthy Beauty Awardwinner actually working.
It was not going awayeven after using a steroid cream and another compound cream prescribed by my dermatologist.
Finally, I started using this moisturizer.
After about a week of use, the burning sensation and the flakiness went away.
It basically haslactic acidin itammonium lactateand that helps soften the skin.
This specific AmLactin lotion has super moisturizing ceramides in it too, she adds.
So whats actually in it?
We have a lot more dermatologist- and SELF-approved products below.
But trust the processitll banish ashiness on your knees, elbows, and feet.
Its cast of moisturizing characters includes glycerin, petrolatum, and shea and cocoa seed butters.
My skin just feels soft and calm.
This cream fits right in, with its sweet scent that one SELF editor calls warm and comforting.
Its moisturizing power comes from ingredients like macadamia nut oil, olive oil, and shea butter.
It feels thick and hydrating, but never greasy, our editor adds.
I actually look forward to putting it on after I get out of the shower!
This lotion consistently makes my skin feel amazing in any climate and absorbs beautifully.
It smells greatvery clean and neutral with no heavy perfume-y scentsand the moisture just lasts.
