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Cream texture

Your Skin Needs Water Too.

Moisturizing creams are another way to hydrate that's a bit pastier on the skin. But not all creams have equal uses. This page focuses on cream for hydrating the skin, not medical prescriptions for other special purposes.

Skin Cream How-to Video Examples

Source: Cetaphil PH channel via Youtube

Source: Elemis skincare channel via Youtube

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Tiles of Tips--Creams

General Creams

Lotions from name-brands like Aveeno, CeraVe, Vanicream, or Cetaphil can be used almost anywhere. But take note of any brand's cream variations designed for a specific body part, time of day, etc.

Ingredients

If you are concerned about fragrances or allergens causing a skin reaction, consider gentler creams with very few ingredients.

Face Creams

Name-brand and specialty-brand creams can have products only for the face, usually for deeper hydration. Certain face creams are made to ease fine lines and wrinkles alongside giving skin hydration.

Texture

Some creams feel pasty. Others can be a little too absorbent. Experiment! See what your skin likes and stick with that consistency.

Body Creams

Some creams work well on the body but may be excessive for the face due to physical agents or ingredients. Check the front and back labels for intended usage.

Expiration

Be careful with expiration dates. Check your cream's back label. If you know your allergens, use the label to verify them.

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General How-to Steps for Creams

Example steps:

  1. Decide what time of day to apply the cream based on its purpose. Sometimes this can be once a day, twice a day, or a specific time of day.

  2. Wash and cleanse your skin (e.g. shower whole body or wash face with a gentle cleanser).

  3. Dab your skin dry in order to reduce possible irritation; avoid rough rubbing.

  4. Warm the cream between the hands and apply a thin layer all over the skin (per the cream's intended use). The right quantity varies by the person, but a quarter-sized amount can be a good start for each area of the body (legs, torso, arms). If the lotion is usable on the face, a pea-sized dollop is a good start for the face, neck, and ear areas. You can apply a second layer on dryer areas to reinforce hydration.

  5. If using an occlusive, like Vaseline, you can layer it on top of cream to lock in moisture.

  6. If applying makeup and/or sunscreen, those processes can happen now if your cream does not have any SPF protection or cosmetic elements.

 

Other tips:

  • Be generous but only use as much as the skin can absorb. Excess cream moisturizes your clothes instead of your skin.

  • Following a 1x/day routine (AM or PM) with heavier creams helps to keep skin lock in moisture easily.

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