Cleansing and moisturizing are essential steps for having beautiful and healthy skin.

Healthy skin serves as a “barrier,” which prevents water loss to the environment and keeps toxins and pollution out. And moisturizing can sometimes help restore diseased skin to its normal function. Skin that is moisturized is often softer, suppler, more elastic and more resilient to damage. Therefore, moisturized skin looks better and is healthier too.

People of all ages should include moisturizing as a daily ritual, since dry skin can occur at any age. Even women in their 20s should us a good moisturizer to keep their skin young and supple for many years. The best time to apply moisturizer is after cleansing. This traps the moisture that the skin has absorbed and it replenishes some of the good oils in the skin that were lost during cleansing.

Which moisturizer you use is really dependent on your skin type?

• Oily, In-betweens, and Combination Skin Groups:  Always look for non-comedogenic moisturizers (won’t clog pores). Use light lotions, rather than heavy creams.
• Balanced (Normal) Skin Group:  Fortunately, you have fewer skin problems than many other groups. Stick to products from reputable companies, since many of today’s new products moisturize well and do not clog pores. Use creams or lotions and if you are on the dry end of the spectrum, look for products that contain some emollients.
• Dry Skin Group:  People in this skin group need all the help they can get. Look for creams with emollients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, glycerin, or lanolin, and also some ceramides.
• Sensitive Skin Group:  Always make sure your products are marked for “sensitive skin.” If you have sensitive oily skin, use products that are non-comedogenic and labeled for sensitive skin.

There are so many products out there from which to choose. Don’t be fooled by the price tag, more expensive does not necessarily mean better. Start moisturizing when you are young and keep those laugh lines and fine wrinkles at bay. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to begin a good skin care program.

For more information go to my website drdalia.com.