If you’re all too familiar with dry, flaky skin or snake-like legs that are in desperate need of some TLC, a good moisturiser is a godsend. As weather conditions change outside and we naturally age, moisturising continues to be an important step that everyone should be paying attention to.
According to Michelle Rorigues, Consultant Dermatologist from St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, our skin is a water-containing barrier that protects us from our environment.
“Because the skin is porous, water vapour is constantly lost through the skin via evaporation. People sometimes notice that their skin becomes more susceptible to dryness as they age. This is because the water content of the outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) decreases with age,” she explains.
So to tackle dry skin once and for all, we’ve rounded up all the very best daily moisturisers you should be applying on your face, neck, body and hands.
What should you moisturise daily?
Moisturising is an important daily step in your skin and body care routine. You should be paying close attention to:
- Your face
- Neck including décolletage area
- Hands and arms including elbows
- Legs, knees and feet
- Don’t forget the lips, too!
If the weather is cold out or the air inside is dry due to overuse of the air conditioning or heater, you may wish to reapply your moisturiser throughout the day. This is particularly true for your lips and hands.
Should you moisturise at night or in the morning?
Depending on what you’re moisturising, you can apply this step morning and night. Generally speaking, your skin including your face and body will naturally repair itself overnight so layering up on the moisture levels before sleeping is a great idea. When you wake up and especially after you’ve had a shower (if you’re a morning shower person), your skin will yearn for some moisture, too.
“Moisturise your skin at least once a day. Applying moisturiser two to three minutes after your shower will give the best results. Creams hydrate more effectively than lotions. If you have a tendency to develop dry skin, consider applying moisturiser twice a day during the cold months of the year,” Michelle says.
The best daily face moisturisers
This highly nourishing face cream protects your skin from environmental factors while working to soften, smooth and hydrate for up to eight hours. While it won’t be enough to wear as a sunscreen replacement, the added SPF15 is a nice touch.
This lightweight face moisturiser won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. Instead, it aims to hydrate and “add bounce” thanks to moringa oil, a type of essential oil derived from a plant that speeds up cell renewal for a more youthful-looking complexion.
Loaded with goodness from aloe leaf juice, vitamin E and avocado oil, this daily face moisturiser keeps your skin feeling nourished and plump all day long. Plus, the super-cute packaging will look adorable in your bathroom.
Ideal for those suffering with dry to very dry skin, Paula’s Choice’s award winning face cream is boosted with retinol to create a luscious formulation. It smooths the skin’s complexion, firms everything up while of course keeping everything hydrated.
Not yet jumped on the beef tallow bandwagon? The Tuttofare Balm is here to make sure you do. Made from Australian grass fed tallow (essentially beef fat), it’s supported by chamomile, jojoba oil and blue tansy to create a multi-purpose balm ideal for the face, neck and décolletage.
The best daily body moisturisers
A staple in so many Aussie households, this dermatologically-tested moisturiser is a great all-rounder for dry skin. Lather it over your legs, arm, body and hands for a nourishing finishing that won’t leave you with that gross greasy feeling.
You’ve definitely seen this one in your mum’s handbag. This classic Nivea cream is actually great for your body, hands and face so it’s a great option when you want one product that does the job of many. It softens, hydrates and leave the skin feeling nourished for 48 hours.
Boasting 24 hour hydration, QV’s dermatologically-tested cream was made with very dry skin in mind. The thick formulation can help to ease discomfort, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis while locking in moisture for an entire day.
You’ll love how this one is loaded with natural ingredients such as colloidal oat, shea butter, jojoba oil and soybean oil to nourish and moisturise the skin. Opt for the fragrance free formulation if you’re sensitive to artificial smells to keep you hydrated for up to 72 hours(!)
With a 4.7 star rating over 200+ reviews, you know you’re onto a good thing with this body moisturiser from The Ordinary. Suited for basically all skin types, this one easily soaks in leaving a lovely non-sticky, fragrance free finish.
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