Why Your Skin May Still Be Dry, Even After Moisturizing

Ever wonder why your skin still feels dry, even after moisturizing? From using the wrong moisturizer for your skin type to forgetting to exfoliate, we discuss five common moisturizing mistakes that can leave your skin feeling dry—plus, tips and tricks to get the most out of your moisturizers—ahead.

Applying moisturizer to your body and face may be as easy as it looks—but, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a technique to it. In addition to applying moisturizers and body lotions the correct way, you also want to be sure that your skin is prepped to receive moisture, and you are getting the most out of your skin hydrators. Not sure where to start? Let’s start with what not to do. Keep reading to find out what common moisturizer mistakes to avoid (plus, tips and tricks for how to get the most out of your lotions and creams.

#1 YOU’RE NOT MOISTURIZING IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU SHOWER

Ever wonder if you should be applying moisturizer and body lotion immediately following a shower? It doesn’t hurt to try! “Your skin has the most moisture when it’s wet and moisturizers work best when skin is already hydrated,” explains board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Michael Kaminer, In addition, Kaminer suggests that after you shower, water evaporates off your skin quickly and can leave your skin feeling more dry. For more information on the best time to apply body lotion, read this.

#2 YOU’RE USING THE WRONG MOISTURIZER FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE

If you have dry skin and are using a moisturizer that is formulated for oily or blemish-prone skin, chances are this is why your skin isn’t feeling the love. Dry skin requires a much different product than oily skin. When you have  dry skin look for  a moisturizer that can provide your skin with a burst of hydration, nourishment, and comfort upon application. Curious to know more? We share a guide to finding the best moisturizer for your skin type, here.

#3 YOU HAVE DEAD SKIN CELL BUILDUP

If it’s been a while since the last time you exfoliated, chances are the dry, dead skin cell buildup on the surface of your skin is getting in the way of your moisture. The next time you shower, apply a gentle scrub to your skin to help slough away some of the buildup and make way for softer, smoother, more supple-looking skin that is ready for moisturizer.

#4 YOU’RE DEHYDRATED

Another reason why your skin might still feel dry post-moisturizer is because your skin is dehydrated. Though they house minor differences—dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks water—dry skin and dehydrated skin are actually two different things. And guess what? Even oily skin can experience dehydration. “Dehydrated skin can be the result of not drinking enough water or liquids, [as well as] irritating or dry products [that] can strip the skin of its moisture,” explains board-certified dermatologist, Decleor Ambassador and Skincare.com expert, Dr. Dendy Engelman. So, how do you stay hydrated? “Look for skin care products that boast hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and keep your body hydrated by drinking the recommended amount of water.”

#5 YOU’RE APPLYING IT WRONG

If your skin still feels dry after applying moisturizer, it could have something to do with the way you are applying it. Instead of haphazardly swiping—or worse, aggressively rubbing—moisturizer onto your skin, try a gentle, upwards massage. Doing this esthetician-approved technique can help you avoid tugging or pulling at the delicate parts of your face—like your eye contour.

Now that we’ve got the common moisturizing mistakes covered, let’s discuss how you can get the most out of your moisturizers and body lotions.

PREP YOUR SKIN FOR MOISTURE WITH A TONER

After cleansing your complexion and before applying moisturizer, be sure to prep the skin on your face for moisture with a facial toner. Facial toners can help pick up any excess dirt and debris left over from cleansing and can balance your skin’s pH.

FOR EXTRA MOISTURE, TRY A HYDRATING OVERNIGHT MASK

In addition to prepping your skin for moisture, you may also want to consider applying a hydrating overnight mask once or twice a week. Overnight masks can help hydrate and replenish the skin during its regeneration process—aka while you’re asleep—and leave the skin looking—and feeling—soft, smooth, and hydrated come morning.

For more on moisturizing, see our beginner’s guide to moisturizing, here.