Moisturizing in the Morning

Kirsten Cowan, L.Ac., Energy Matters Clinic Manager

Moisturizing our skin is one of the oldest human beauty and health practices. I’ve talked with lots of folks about moisturizing products for the face, as part of our skin care offerings at Energy Matters, but your whole body can benefit from extra moisture.

You can read a detailed breakdown of the different types of moisturizer and how they work in this article I wrote a few years ago, but some of my favorites, and the type we carry at Energy Matters, are oils and balms.

Why should you moisturize your body and not just your face?

By adding a protective layer to the top of your skin, moisturizing keeps your skin supple and strengthens the stratum corneum, the topmost layer of skin. Without this extra support, skin can much more easily develop cracks and fissures, especially as we age and are exposed to environmental stresses like hot, cold or dry air, hormonal changes in perimenopause and menopause, bumps and bruises and even friction from our clothing.

The benefits are more than skin-deep. Self-massage, even a few moments spent in the morning slathering on body oil or balm, can soothe our system by activating the vagus nerve, stimulate lymphatic drainage and our immune system, and help us notice changes that might need attention like bumps or painful areas.

How to moisturize your body

If you’re using an oil or balm, always apply to damp skin. The easiest way to do this is fresh out of the shower or bath, but you can also use a damp cloth first to add a little water to your skin. Oils are great for large areas like limbs and your torso, and thicker balms offer more protection to heels and elbows, but the main thing is to choose one you like. If using a balm, rub some together in your hands to melt it and it will go on more easily.

How much to use will depend on your skin type and how thirsty it is! Start with a quarter size amount in your hand and go from there.

If you’d like to go deeper, dry-brushing is a great self-care practice to combine with body moisturizing.

Questions about skin and body care or looking for guidance on your skincare routine and the products we carry at Energy Matters? Email Kirsten or stop by her office hours in November!