Ask the Expert: Do You Really Need to Put Lotion On After Every Shower?

Ever wonder if you have to put on lotion after every shower? We did too, so we turned to an expert to find out. Want to know the answer? Keep reading!

At the end of a long, hectic day, there are few things I look forward to more than a nice, warm shower or bath. As relaxing as it is, though, it’s always bittersweet. As soon as the water shuts off, relaxation mode comes to an abrupt halt as I stand naked and freezing cold in my bathroom. Truth be told, I’m always tempted to lunge towards my towel, dry off quickly, and throw on some clothes in lightning speed. But I know better than to get dressed without first layering on some lotion from head to toe! 

As for whether or not moisturizing after a shower is really necessary, the answer is absolutely yes according to board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consulting expert Dr. Michael Kaminer. Here’s why. “Your skin has the most moisture when it’s wet and most moisturizers work best when skin is already hydrated,” he says. He explains that after your shower, water evaporates off your skin quickly which can leave your skin feeling dry. Not only is dry skin aesthetically unpleasing, it can become itchy and incredibly uncomfortable. Not to mention, dry skin can exacerbate the look of tell-tale signs of aging skin, including wrinkles and fine lines. No thanks! The best way to keep those unwanted side effects at bay is to moisturize often, like really really often. That’s why it’s best to apply lotion immediately after a shower while skin is still slightly damp. In other words, brave those inevitable goose bumps, pat (never rub!) yourself until your skin is slightly damp, and reach for the body lotion—body butter or your favorite cream—before reaching for those clothes. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST BODY MOISTURIZER FOR YOU

Now that you know moisturizing post-shower is a must, it’s time to find the perfect moisturizer. Don’t know where to start? Fear not! Ahead, we share three tips to follow while on the hunt for the moisturizer of your dreams. 

1. Protect against UV rays. Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Unless you’re covered from your scalp to your soles daily, you’d be best served to apply (and reapply!) broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher onto all exposed areas of skin before heading outdoors. That means investing in a separate sunscreen OR reaching for a moisturizer formulated with SPF. If you choose the latter option, your moisturizer can hydrate your skin and help protect it from damage at the same time. So if you shower in the AM, be sure to remember to protect your skin while you hydrate!

Editor’s note: Opting for a moisturizer formulated with SPF is great (yay for double-duty products!), but keep in mind that you’ll still have to reapply the at least every two hours for it to provide your skin with adequate protection from UV rays. What’s more, pay attention to the time of day you shower most. If it’s at night, following up with a face or body moisturizer with SPF is less ideal since UV rays are not present in the evening. Stick to applying SPF during the A.M. hours.

2. Check the label. There’s no shortage of moisturizers out there. Some formulas cost less than $10 and others can clock in at upwards of $400. Instead of assuming the most expensive moisturizer is better, scan the ingredient list first. Just because a moisturizer is pricey doesn’t mean it’s more effective than a less expensive product. Some moisturizers boast a higher price tag because of packaging costs, and could include ingredients like fragrances and dyes that do not help to moisturize and/or protect the skin.

3. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Trial-and-error can take some time and effort, but it’s worth it in order to find the right product for your skin. Look for moisturizers that fit your skin type and make your skin look and feel soft. Once you find one you like, stick to it rather than swap between multiple products.

BODY MOISTURIZERS TO TRY

As mentioned, it’s best to apply a liberal coat of your favorite body lotion, while your skin is still slightly damp, to help lock moisture. To help narrow down your search, we’re sharing four fan-favorite body lotions—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—to consider, here!