The Best Times to Reach for Moisturizer

By now you probably know that moisturizer is a crucial step in every skin care routine. Not only do daily applications of moisturizer help keep the skin hydrated and comfortable, some formulas also help reduce the appearance of visible signs of aging—think: wrinkles and fine lines—by giving the skin a plumped effect. And while you may think moisturizer only lends itself to the dry winter months, that’s just not the case. You’ll need a moisturizer in your arsenal year-round—including the hot summer. No ifs ands or buts about it.

L’OREAL PARIS HYDRA GENIUS DAILY LIQUID CARE MOISTURIZERS

But choosing a moisturizer isn’t a one-and-done sort of deal. There are plenty of factors to consider, including your skin type, skin concerns, and the time of year. In the summer, we love to reach for a lightweight hydrator that won’t feel heavy on our skin in the heat, like L’Oreal Paris’ Hydra Genius moisturizers. The three formulas in the range are all formulated with aloe water and hyaluronic acid, and can provide the skin with weightless, all-day moisture. Thanks to the light liquid formula, the Hydra Genius line lends itself perfectly to summer’s scorching hot temps.

Now that you’ve got your moisturizer in tow, it’s time to factor in when you’ll do the slathering and lathering. Did you know that you can actually get more out of your moisturizer depending on when you apply it? It’s true! Read on to discover the best times to smooth on your moisturizer.

WHILE THE SKIN’S STILL DAMP

Believe it or not, one of the best times to apply a moisturizer is while the skin is still a little damp— think: after the shower, just after cleansing, or even following a face mist. If you’re not used to applying moisturizer when your skin is damp, it may feel a little off at first, but as the water on your skin dries your moisturizer locks in with it. The result? Soft, smooth and hydrated skin.

BEFORE HEADING OUTDOORS

We all know that before heading outdoors it’s crucial to apply Broad Spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin against UV damage. But applying a moisturizer prior to your coat of SPF can help keep any dryness as a result of environmental aggressors further at bay.

AFTER SHAVING OR EXFOLIATING

Shaving and exfoliating are two things we partake in quite often during the season of fun in the sun. Of course, as we don bikinis and sundresses, we want our skin to look and feel its best. But it’s no secret that these two practices can cause unwanted dryness. That’s why we recommend moisturizing your face and body immediately after shaving or exfoliating while the skin is just slightly damp. For the face, choose from three L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius formulas (depending on your skin type) to do the trick.

BEFORE BED

Hydrating your skin in the evening is imperative. Why? Because it’s during deep sleep that our skin undergoes natural self-repair. By moisturizing and applying evening skin care products, you can help speed along the process to wake up to beautiful-looking skin morning after morning. What’s more, the time before bed is ideal for moisturizing because you can apply however much product you want without worrying about topping it off with makeup or Broad Spectrum sunscreen. 

WHILE ON AN AIRPLANE

Jetting off to a summer getaway? Throw Hydra Genius Liquid Care – Extra Dry Skin into your carry-on before heading out the door. The formula will be a total lifesaver at 30,000 feet when your skin begins to feel parched as a result of dry cabin air. If you don’t want to apply it while on board, use the product prior to take-off. All you have to do is smooth on a layer of the liquid hydrator onto clean skin before boarding, and again once you land if your skin is feeling worse for wear.

POST-GYM

After a good sweat, the first thing we want to do is rinse our face. Before you towel-off completely, reach for a moisturizer to hydrate your skin in a pinch. Keep your favorite moisturizer in your gym bag—you better believe Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care is a staple in ours—for easy access after your sweat sesh.