As teenagers, we rarely worry about moisturising and instead focus on our makeup application. Little did our teenage selves know that keeping our skin moisturised can aid our beauty routine by creating a smoother, softer base for our foundation. Whether you choose to use repair cream, body lotion, lightweight moisturiser, skin moisturiser, body oil or body gel, the outcome is the same: skin that feels pampered with a reduction in dry skin. Those who want a subtle approach or an easy introduction into moisturising can opt for a product that is unscented and has a non-greasy feel such as a lightweight moisturiser - there’s really something for everyone. Don’t forget to treat your skin to a moisture session once per day!

What does moisturiser do?

Moisturiser strengthens the outer layer of your skin which in turn protects the inner layers. By hydrating the outer layers of your skin with a face cream or face moisturiser, you’ll treat dry skin and minimise fine lines. By moisturising the deeper layers, you’ll keep your complexion supple for longer while tackling the signs of ageing. Using the correct moisturiser for your skin type can also prevent skin problems like acne and breakouts. This is because moisturiser is well-equipped at maintaining balance within your skin. If your complexion becomes either too dry or too oily, problems can arise including redness, irritation and acne. As well as banishing blemishes, minimising wrinkles, balancing oily skin and tackling dry skin, many moisturisers contain enriching vitamins and minerals to further aid your skincare routine.

What do free radicals have to do with skincare?

When joining together the dots of a good skincare routine, don’t underestimate the severity of free radical damage. These pesky elements found in the environment include smog, pollution and sun damage. The effects of these include everything from brown spots to skin sagging and wrinkles. Hydrating face creams are great for tackling free radical damage thanks to their antioxidant ingredients. Ensure you pick a moisturiser with an antioxidant-rich formula and you’re bound to see and feel the benefits.

Ingredients to look out for in a body moisturiser

An excellent ingredient to look out for in a body moisturiser is 100% pure and natural shea butter as it is known for its exceptional skin healing properties that treats common skin woes like blemishes, wrinkles, skin rash, and more. Another super skin ingredient to look out for is coconut oil, which acts as a great softener on the skin and further possesses anti-ageing properties which lets you reap the benefits of an oil-based moisturiser. Pick a product with essential oils - for example, jojoba oil - for a silky soft finish.

Top 5 reasons why moisturising is always a good idea

1) Fight the signs of ageing

Even if your skin is showing no signs of ageing, it’s never too early to start using skin moisturiser. Many customers who have clear skin in later life attribute it to having started caring for their skin in their 20s or 30s. Already ageing skin can benefit from body moisturiser, too. Moisturiser and body lotion targets dry and dull skin for a new lease of life and can even help to reverse existing damage. Use a repair cream twice daily for a non-greasy, firmer finish!

2) Get a golden glow

Overall skin health can benefit from a good moisturising routine whether or not you suffer from ageing or problem skin. Especially for those who live in hot countries, skin cell production can be higher meaning dry skin on the arms and legs can be a particular problem. Add a body gel or skin moisturiser to your collection and you’ll get a golden glow to turn heads!

3) Smoother application process

When you use a body lotion or face lotion, you establish a great base to work with. Imagine it like painting a masterpiece - you wouldn’t paint your best work onto a damaged canvas, would you? Tackle blemishes and dry patches first with a lightweight moisturiser that will last After a couple of days of use, you’ll find your makeup smooths on far easier for a brighter and healthier look.

4) Smell fantastic!

Many opt for unscented moisturiser for a subtle look but others think that skips half the fun! Choose a body lotion enriched with shea butter, rose oil or another essential scent and you’ll end up smelling great. There are plenty of products in the Sephora collection that contain a subtle fragrance but aren’t over bearing… Perfect for any day of the week!

5) Target all areas

When you moisturise, you have total control over all parts of your body, be it the face, neck, shoulders, arms and legs. You’ll find different skin moisturisers suited for delicate areas like the face, as well as general body lotions for use all over. Why let any part of your body remain anything less than totally pampered, right!?

Moisturising for men: why it matters

Unless you want to end up with skin like old leather, you’ll benefit from a good moisturiser. Men are waking up to the benefits of a simple yet effective skincare routine, utilising both cleanser and moisturiser in their mission for smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Ready to pin down best moisturisers for men? These are our top picks...

Neroli Portofino Body Moisturiser from Tom Ford Beauty:This rich and creamy moisturiser isn’t just a hydrating face cream but also a luxuriously scented body essence. Neroli Portofino is a firm favourite from the Tom Ford fragrance collection, enriched with the nostalgic aroma of the Italian Riviera. Crisp citrus oils, surprising floral notes and amber undertones create a fragrance that transports the mind to summers in the sun - even if you're a million miles away! Doubling up as an effective treatment essence, this face and body moisturiser treats all skin types to a hydrating dose of vitamins and minerals, ideal for tackling free radical damage. Your skin will look and smell fantastic, eradicating the need to pick between the two. If you’re looking for a nourishing moisturiser with a luxurious touch, this Tom Ford favourite is for you.

Lait Corporel Body Milk from Biotherm:For a men’s moisturiser which focuses solely on skin nourishment, look no further than Lait Corporel Body Milk from Biotherm. This savvy skincare range use only the top ingredients to enrich your complexion with much-needed vitamins and antioxidants. A dose of hydrating treatment essence will tackle even the most extreme cases of dry skin, restoring the moisture barrier for a healthy, glowing complexion going forward. Better yet, the fast-acting formula is brilliant for improving skin elasticity, allowing you to carry on as normal but bounce back faster. Pesky wrinkles have no chance of staying put! A gentle citrus aroma enriches this luxurious body milk so you’ll smell as good as you look.

Neroli Portofino Body Oil from Tom Ford Beauty:Fancy a change from traditional moisturisers? Why not opt for a body oil instead of a hydrating face moisturiser or face cream? The Body Oil from Tom Ford Beauty provides just as much moisturisation as other products in the Sephora collection but with an extra silky sheen. Body oil is the perfect essence to smooth over your skin after a hot shower, deeply penetrating the layers of your skin for a healthy glow. Not only will this treatment essence leave you feeling as good as new, it will also enrich your skin with the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino fragrance. What more could you want from your skincare routine?