How to moisturise your body

Read our guide for everything you need to know about how to apply moisturiser & tips to teach you how to put cream on your back.

How to moisturise your body

Good moisturising habits aren’t just about your face. Your body also benefits from daily doses of hydrating, soothing moisturisers that not only help to retain moisture, but improve skin tone and protect it. A weakened moisture barrier makes skin more prone to dryness, irritation, and can make skin red and uncomfortable.

How we moisturise matters. Applying on a bit of post-shower moisturiser is OK, but perfecting the art of how to moisturise can really work to transform your skin - and doesn’t need to take any longer. Nailing your body moisturiser routine will help you reap the benefits of hydrating lotions without the faff.

Here is the lowdown on how to moisturise.

How to moisturise your body

Why apply moisturiser?

Our skin feels the full force of showering, bathing, soaps, ageing and the weather (cold, dry winter air is particularly harsh on skin). These can all zap the skin of moisturising elements, leaving it dry and sensitive. Dry skin is more vulnerable to the signs of ageing and can be uncomfortable, itchy or irritated.

Moisturisers can relieve and prevent dry skin to help keep it healthy and rejuvenated, which is why learning how to moisturise is so important.

How to moisturise your body

How to moisturise

Elevate your moisturiser game and learn how to moisturise with these tips:

How to moisturise

Dry brush

On days when you have a bit more time, exfoliating with a dry body brush before you get into the bath or shower will slough off dead skin cell build-up. Just as we use exfoliating products on our face, getting rid of dead skin enables your moisturiser to sink in better rather than sitting on top of the dead skin cells. Brush in circular movements on dry skin from the feet upwards and towards the heart to stimulate blood flow.

How to moisturise

Wash with moisturising products

Steer clear of harsh soaps and washes. Use shower gels or soaps designed to give your body a hydrating hit, such as the soothing, softening NIVEA Soft Care Shower Cashmere & Cotton Seed Oil. If you didn’t dry brush before you hopped into the shower or bath, you can give yourself a wet exfoliation with a body scrub or exfoliating mitts and a body wash.

How to moisturise

Double up!

Two-in-one products like the NIVEA In-Shower Body Moisturiser are perfect for those busy days. Simply apply in the shower after you’ve washed off your soap and rinse. You’re left with super soft skin in seconds.

How to moisturise

Pat your skin dry

When you step out of the shower or bath, avoid vigorously rubbing yourself dry as this strips the natural oils that maintain your skin's moisture.

How to moisturise

Moisturise quickly

Apply your moisturiser within a few minutes when your skin is still damp to get the full benefits.

How to moisturise your body

How to apply moisturiser

Moisturisers work best on damp skin as it locks in the water on your still-wet skin, which boosts hydration and water levels in the skin. To get maximum benefits from your moisturiser, it is best to apply it soon after stepping out of the shower, when you towel-dry and are no longer sopping wet.

Here’s how to moisturise:

1

When still damp, gently massage on your moisturiser of choice.

2

Add a dollop - around a 10p size and rub it gently between your hands to warm it up.

3

Start at your neck and your decolletage and don't overlook your legs, elbows and knees - these areas tend to dry out easily and may need an extra layer to keep them hydrated.

4

Your tummy and thighs benefit from a bit of extra moisturising attention too, and gently massaging cream into these areas will also stimulate blood flow, helping to keep them firmer and tighter.

How to moisturise your body

How to put cream on your back

You don’t have to be a contortionist to put cream on your back. Try these simple tips on how to moisturise your back:

Use a lotion applicator device (yes, they do exist) or failing that, some people swear by a kitchen spatula!
If you have good mobility in your shoulders, try applying moisturiser to your forearms and then holding them to your back, lotion side facing your back. Move your arm and hand up and down (one arm at a time is easier)

How to moisturise your body

How to moisturise - oil, lotion or body butter?

A key part in how to moisturise is what to moisturise with. Which option you go for will be determined by your skin type, personal preference and the time of year - you might choose to swap out your rich body butter for a lighter lotion in summer for example. Moisturisers can also target specific issues or double up as a self-tan.

How to moisturise - oil, lotion or body butter?

1) Lotions

Perfect for the normal skin type, lotions are light and water based, though the best ones still contain skin-nourishing oils, such as the NIVEA Naturally Good Body Lotion which provides 48h of moisturising benefits for the skin.

cream to help to learn how to put cream on your back

How to moisturise - oil, lotion or body butter?

2) Body butters or souffles

These are much thicker in consistency than lotions and best used on dry skin, in winter or on those areas prone to dryness and cracking such as the elbows, heels and hands. The iconic NIVEA Creme remains an enriching force that will protect the whole family.

How to moisturise - oil, lotion or body butter?

3) Body souffles

These indulgent whipped creams typically contain more hydrating ingredients than lotions and oils. They offer a light and airy alternative to butters as they are textured to hydrate intensively yet are more easily absorbed. The NIVEA Body Soufflé Coconut & Monoi Oil smells like a holiday in a bottle and will leave you with velvety smooth skin.

How to moisturise - oil, lotion or body butter?

4) Oils

These are great for dry or mature skin as they pack a mighty hydration punch and can also feel indulgent and healing. The NIVEA Oil in Lotion Rose & Argan Oil gives you the benefits of an oil-based moisturiser in an easy to apply lotion that will melt into your skin.

How to moisturise - oil, lotion or body butter?

5) Moisturisers designed to target conditions

Moisturisers don’t just keep your body smooth and soft, they can also help target specific areas, such as cellulite. Some, such as the NIVEA Q10 Multi Power 4 in 1, do several jobs at once, in this case firming and toning legs, bums and tums.

Gradual tanners are a brilliant fuss-free way of creating a sun kissed look. The NIVEA Q10 Firming + Radiance Gradual Tan will leave you with a golden glow and firmer looking, softer, skin.