6 Times You Should Always Apply Body Lotion

Body lotion is a must-have product for soft, hydrated and smooth skin. Whether you’re dealing with ashy elbows, dehydrated legs or rough patches all over, slathering on a moisturizing cream is key. For best results, it’s important to apply your body lotion the right way and at the right time. Here, Dr. Michael Kaminer, a board-certified dermatologist and Skincare.com consultant based in Boston, explains everything you need to know about applying body lotion. Keep reading for our favorite lotions as well.

The 6 Best Times to Apply Body Lotion

After a Shower 

According to Dr. Kaminer, one of the best times to apply body lotion is directly after showering. “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 a shower, water evaporates off your skin quickly, which can leave your skin feeling dry. The best way to seal in moisture is to apply lotion immediately after a shower while skin is still slightly damp.

Before Exercising

If you’re going to exercise outdoors, prep your skin by applying a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer first. If the weather is cold or the air is dry, this can help reduce the dryness that may occur post-workout.

After Shaving

In addition to removing unwanted body hair, shaving also removes the top layer of skin cells, as if you had exfoliated. To help protect newly exposed skin from dryness, as well as to soothe any razor irritation, apply a body lotion or moisturizer after shaving.

Before Bed

Moisture is pulled out of the skin as we sleep, so applying a body lotion right before bed is key. Plus, it always feels nice to have soft and smooth skin as you slip into the sheets.

After Washing and Sanitizing Your Hands

To help replenish moisture and prevent irritation and chapping, be sure to apply a hand cream immediately after you wash or apply hand sanitizer. 

After Exfoliating 

After exfoliating or using a body scrub in the shower, moisturizing is a must. This will help soothe the top layer of skin and help strengthen the moisture barrier.

The Best Body Lotions for Every Skin Type, According to Our Editors

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lotion Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion

This lipid-replenishing lotion is formulated with soothing thermal water, moisturizing shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide. It works to provide all-day hydration to normal, dry and sensitive skin types.  

Kiehl’s Crème de Corps

Revive extremely dry skin with this rich cream infused with nourishing shea and cocoa butters. The emollient consistency leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated without a greasy residue.

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough and Bumpy Skin 

If you have rough, flaky or psoriasis-prone skin, this moisturizer is a great fit for your routine. It’s formulated with salicylic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid and vitamin D to exfoliate and moisturize, while also working to repair the skin’s moisture barrier.

Carol’s Daughter Love Butter Body Balm

Coat your skin in this incredibly luxurious balm that smells of sweet and spicy cinnamon, clove and frankincense. It penetrates deep into dry skin with soothing sweet almond oil and shea and cocoa butters.

54 Thrones Egyptian Lavender + Moroccan Mint Beauty Butter

If you experience ashy or cracked skin, especially in winter, this sumptuous body butter is for you. Enriched with Ugandan and Ghanian shea butters, as well as a blend of avocado, baobab and jojoba oils, this product locks in lasting hydration. The fresh herbal scent and the fact that the brand is Black-owned doesn't hurt either. 

Photo: Chaunte Vaughn

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