What is the best way to moisturize your skin and how often should you moisturize your body?

Nothing puts the kibosh on flawless #NoFilter skin like red bumps, dry flakes, blemishes, and rough patches on the body. Knowing how to get soft skin comes down to a few skincare routine steps that are as easy as one, two, three. But what are these critical steps? And what lifestyle improvements can you make to boost your body’s hydration?

Let’s find out how to get smooth skin without reaching for the photo editing app.

How to keep the skin on your body moisturized: step-by-step skincare routine

1. Cleanse for clear skin

Your skincare routine steps for smooth skin start with gentle and effective cleansing. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that dry out the skin by stripping it of its natural oils. Even oily skin will produce more oil to over-compensate for the drying effects of soap. A gentle body wash or creamy liquid cleanser washes as well as regular soap but is as kind to your skin as water. Choose a body wash that can lift dirt, sweat, and bacteria while also invigorating and reviving.

Which body cleanser is best for dry skin?

Dry, dehydrated skin on the body needs extra TLC so choose a moisturizing cleanser that leaves every inch of your skin visibly soft, clean and beautifully conditioned. The aromatic formula in CLARINS TONIC BATH & SHOWER CONCENTRATE activates when water is applied — releasing the energizing essences of pure Rosemary, Mint, and Geranium. Gentian and Witch Hazel extracts cleanse and refine with a silky lather that’s gentle enough for the most sensitive skin.

Beauty expert tip: For visibly clear and hydrated skin, avoid hot water that can throw out your natural moisture balance, and cut down on time spent in the shower. Never rub your skin dry – gently pat with a soft towel.

2. Exfoliate for smooth skin

Before you get started on your moisturizer, you’ll need to exfoliate your body to slough away dead cells on the surface of the skin. An exfoliating body scrub helps to refine the appearance of skin texture and helps lotion and moisturizer absorb well. Skin exfoliation is especially important for mature skin. As we age, the process of shedding skin cells and generating new ones slows down. A buildup of dead cells can leave skin looking dry and dull.

How often should you exfoliate?

Since your body’s skin is thicker than the skin on your face, you’ll need a hydrating skin exfoliator designed specifically for the body to get the best results. Keep in mind that there is a fine line between good exfoliation and over-exfoliation. For sensitive skin, exfoliate no more than once a week, and avoid products with large or jagged exfoliating agents like sugar or salt.

What is the best hydrating exfoliator?

Once or twice a week, use CLARINS EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB FOR SMOOTH SKIN with smoothing Natural Bamboo Powders to gently remove dead skin cells. This best body scrub contains mimosa tenuiflora extract that neutralizes pollution particles, and shea butter to nourish and visibly soothe.

How to use an exfoliating body scrub?

If you’re wondering how to use a body scrub, always use a light touch. Rub your exfoliating body scrub in a circular motion onto dry or damp skin – if your skin is too wet when applying, most of your body scrub will be washed away before it has a chance to benefit your skin. When rinsing, continue using your hands to remove any remaining granules.

3. Moisturize for the softest skin

Like many people, you may tend to focus on a good moisturizer for the face, but the skin on your body needs just as much care to stay visibly soft, supple and moisturized.

What are the best body moisturizers for dry skin?

For the best body moisturizer that has a creamy formula, CLARINS MOISTURE-RICH BODY LOTION is formulated with 88% plant-based ingredients—including ultra-nourishing Shea Butter, soothing Organic Raspberry water, gently exfoliating Tamarind pulp acids and visibly firming Organic Oat sugars—that soften and intensely hydrate even very dry skin for long-lasting comfort. Clarins’ best lotion for dry skin that says, “Hello! to visibly smooth skin.”

CLARINS RENEW-PLUS BODY SERUM has the dual moisturizing and exfoliating action of Water Lily extract and Hibiscus flower acids, that encourages the elimination of dry, flaky cells – smoothing away roughness to leave skin looking soft, supple and radiant.

As for those dealing with extra dry skin, or for those who need a moisturizer on the go, Clarins scented BODY-SMOOTHING MOISTURE MILK WITH ALOE VERA is a moisture milk that melts right in, for visibly soft, supple, and velvety-smooth skin. Organic Aloe Vera extract soothes and moisturizes, and the refreshing texture leaves skin delicately scented with a gentle whisper of sweet Neroli. Great for all skin types, it's a soothing moisturizer for sensitive skin, and its lightweight formula makes this an ideal moisturizer for oily skin, too.

How to apply body moisturizer? And how often should you apply

The best time to apply moisturizer for dry skin is after your daily bath or shower while skin is still slightly damp. This way, you’ll trap water in the surface layers of the skin. Here are step-by-step body moisturizing instructions:

First, warm the moisturizer by rubbing your hands together. Then, smoothe it on your body with a sweeping motion from bottom to top. Apply to the body twice to get extra hydration everywhere.

Beauty tip: If you’re short of time or tend to forget your daily dose of body moisture, keep your moisturizer in the bathroom so it’s in your line of vision and within easy reach as you step out of the shower.

How to tone the body?

If your skin needs a bit of help in the toning department – and let’s face it, whose doesn’t? – You’ll want to make CLARINS TONIC BODY TREATMENT OIL your new best friend. This hydrating body treatment oil is formulated with 100% plant extracts and an aromatic blend of essential oils – including Geranium, Mint, and Rosemary. And there’s more! Hazelnut oil, rich in Omega 9 and Vitamin E, helps to lock in moisture for visibly smooth skin from shoulders to toes. Meet your new body moisturizer that turns your bathroom or bedroom into a spa experience!

How to hydrate your hands and feet?

Now don't forget to hydrate your hands and feet, too. Hands are exposed to harsh external factors and can easily become dry and chapped. Luckily, Clarins HAND AND NAIL TREATMENT CREAM is here to help. This ultra-emollient cream is packed with nourishing Sesame Oil and conditioning Myrrh extract, acting like an invisible glove. Its silky, non-sticky formula makes it an effective moisturizer for sensitive skin, too.

Now here’s a treat for your hard-working feet. CLARINS FOOT BEAUTY TREATMENT CREAM is formulated with Virginia Cashew Nut Oil and Shea Butter to help smooth away the appearance of roughness, while Myrrh extract conditions the nails and cuticles.

A great tip for getting the most benefits from your hand and foot moisturizer: Twice a week, use your CLARINS EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB FOR SMOOTH SKIN to exfoliate your hands and feet. Rub the skin exfoliator gently in a circular motion along the backs of your hands and your palms, then your feet, not forgetting the soles. Natural Bamboo Powders in the body scrub gently remove dead skin cells while Shea Butter nourishes and soothes. Follow with your hand and foot moisturizer. With skin so smooth – you’ll have the world in the palm of your (beautifully moisturized) hand!

Dealing with dehydrated skin on your face too? Here are helpful face moisturizing tips

If you’re dealing with dry, rough skin on the body, there’s a good chance you have similar challenges with the skin on your face.

Here are a few of our favorite hydrating face care products to ensure you’re moisturized from head to toe:

Boost hydration while targeting signs of aging

Clarins’ Double Serum formula is the perfect way to start your day with nourishing hydration and refining properties that visibly boost your skin’s radiance. This powerful blend from our beauty experts combines two serums into one with 22 plant-based ingredients including Organic Leaf of Life and Organic Mary’s Thistle Oil that hydrate and soften the skin.

Apply first thing in the morning with any skin-type to moisturize your face while combating visible signs of aging like enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines. Instantly strengthen your face’s moisture barrier. Feel instantly refreshed with smoothe, refined skin.

Target dry skin on the face head on

Multi-Active Day Cream for Dry Skin can help dehydrated skin get a much needed radiance boost. Nourish and comfort while visibly smoothing lines, refining texture and strengthening the skin’s barrier.

Powered by Clarins’ NEW Skin Charger Complex—a blend of our new, exclusive Organic Sea Holly bio-extract* and 2% Niacinamide—this moisturizer targets the 8 signs of Stress Aging: wrinkles, dehydration, dullness, fine lines, enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, loosened skin, and signs of fatigue.