Properly moisturising your body is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin. The process involves more than just applying lotion. It requires a combination of techniques and products tailored to your skin’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of how to hydrate and protect your skin using science-backed strategies, and Indian sandalwood, of course.
Proper moisturising starts with an effective body cleansing routine.
The skin’s natural moisture barrier is made up of lipids and oils that keep the skin hydrated and protected.
Nikki O’Dwyer, Heartwood Director of Spa + Wellness says, “Using harsh soaps or hot water can strip away these oils, leading to dryness. Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced body wash that removes impurities without disrupting the skin’s barrier.”
Research suggests that surfactants in soaps and cleansers can cause irritation and dryness by removing essential skin oils. Choosing a hydrating body wash like Heartwood’s King of Woods, with mild surfactants such as Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, and humectants like Glycerin and Aloe Vera helps to minimise the risk of irritation.
The timing of moisturiser application is just as important as the product itself. Nikki recommends applying moisturiser while your skin is still damp. This helps trap moisture and prevent water from evaporating off the skin.
“After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel, leaving it slightly damp. Then, apply your moisturiser within three minutes to seal in hydration,” says Nikki.
This method is supported by research that shows damp skin allows moisturisers to penetrate more effectively . When applied to slightly wet skin, humectants (water-attracting ingredients like glycerin) draw moisture into the skin, enhancing hydration.
Using a combination of products can enhance your body’s hydration levels.
“Layering is a technique often employed in facial skincare but works just as well for the body,” says Nikki.
Start with the least occlusive/lightest product, which may be either your oil OR lotion depending on the ingredient list and textural composition of your products.
Where Heartwood’s range is concerned, start with the King of Woods Indian Sandalwood Body Lotion, and follow with the Royal Oil for Body + Hair, whose rich composition of botanical oils like shea, avocado and jojoba nourish the skin barrier and outer layers of the skin.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggests that using products in layers, especially in combination with humectants and occlusives, can significantly improve skin hydration.
Certain areas of the body, like elbows, knees, and feet, are more prone to dryness and may require extra attention. For these areas, a heavier moisturiser with ingredients such as shea butter can provide more intensive hydration. Regular exfoliation of these areas helps remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturisers to penetrate better.
Environmental factors like cold weather, wind, and indoor heating can strip your skin of moisture. To maintain hydration, it’s essential to reinforce your skin barrier with lipid-rich moisturisers, ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol are crucial for restoring the skin’s barrier function and preventing water loss.
Achieving properly moisturised skin is about more than slathering on lotion—it’s a strategic process. By cleansing gently, locking in moisture on damp skin, layering your products, and focusing on the skin barrier, you can keep your skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy.
