The skin is one of the most important – and noticeable organs on the body, so it makes sense to want to keep it looking as young and radiant for as long as possible. Skin care comes in the form of protection from harmful free radicals or sun damage, but it is also about using body cream frequently to keep skin cells moisturized. Body lotion cream come in a variety of formulas and consistencies to provide you with the nourishment and hydration needed for your specific skin type – so always choose the best one for your needs. Whether the skin is dry or oily, proper care and maintenance is needed to keep it smooth and wrinkle free.

Not sure what type of skin you have? Here are some indications for the most common types:

Oily – It is possible to deal with oily skin and still have a need for moisturizing to reduce dry areas. Those who experience shiny areas of the face, such as the forehead, nose and chin, often have sebaceous glands that cause excess oil to form in these areas – glands may kick into overdrive in areas other than the face, too. The chest and back are common locations for excess oil production, leaving breakouts prominent in these areas. Care for this skin type by using an oil-free body lotion cream, which hydrates the many layers of the skin without clogging pores or causing excess oil buildup. Body lotion cream for oily skin often hydrates the skin while minimizing shine – and you don’t have to worry about more breakouts on the skin or chest.

Dry – Dry skin is a major culprit in areas of low humidity, and as the body ages, oil production decreases in the skin leaving it prone to dry patches or fine lines and wrinkles. Hormones, excessive sun exposure and just having a deeper skin color all lead to dryness – and it could be downright uncomfortable to experience tightness, flaking or irritation with dry skin. Exfoliation is the key to taking care of dry skin – use a gentle exfoliating Body cream for dry skin  two or three times a week to slough away dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover. Once the dry skin is wiped away, nourish the new, fresh skin with a body cream for dry skin. A thick body cream for dry skin is ideal, as it soaks deeps into the layers for thorough hydration – and it’s the best body cream for dry skin to use in dry or cold climates.

Aging – As oil, collagen and elastin production begin to decrease into the 30s and 40s, it is important to keep hydrating the skin with a body lotion cream. Signs of aging include the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the forehead, eyes and mouth, dark circles under the eyes, sallow or dull skin texture and varying degrees of sagging. The ideal body lotion cream for aging skin includes retinol or plant extracts and peptides to boost circulation, minimize lines and wrinkles and even out skin tone.

After choosing the best body lotion cream for your skin type or needs, there are a few other things that can be done to keep skin looking as youthful as possible. One of the most important factors is to protect the skin from excessive sun exposure – too much time in the sun breaks down collagen in the skin, amplifies the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creates sun spots or discoloration, and in worst cases, skin cancer. Always protect the skin with a sunscreen and wear protective clothing or hat when going outdoors.

Smoking is another detrimental behavior that causes skin to prematurely age. Avoid smoking, as the chemicals and smoke cause collagen to breakdown and discoloration of the skin takes place. While sun exposure and smoking are commonly known agers, it is equally as important to know how to care for your skin with a daily routine.

Limit baths or showers to no more than 20 minutes – and always use warm water over hot, as hot water depletes the skin of natural moisture. Avoid using soaps, cleansers or exfoliators that irritate the skin. Mild cleansers, oil-free body lotion cream or gentle skin scrubs are the best option to keep skin looking refreshed and youthful. Use a body lotion throughout the day, as needed, especially if you live in a dry climate – and always use lotion after stepping out of the shower to replenish moisture in the skin.

There are plenty of body lotion cream to select to keep skin hydrated and fresh – find one that suits your needs, and use it often!