Mara C. Weinstein Velez, M.D., FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist, and Director of Cosmetics and Laser Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, in Upstate New York. She completed a prestigious Laser, Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery fellowship at SkinCare Physicians in Boston, with clinical faculty from the Harvard and Yale Departments of Dermatology and is one of the only Fellowship-trained Cosmetic and Laser Surgeons in Western NY.
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As the heat of the summer rages on, it can be difficult to give your skin the proper care it deserves with increased exposure to the sun. At the foundation of any skincare routine is the use of a moisturizer. This rule extends beyond skincare for your face, as body moisturizer can be a crucial step to reducing signs of aging. While it may be easy to overlook, lathering up with a body moisturizer that’s appropriate for your skin type can be just as important as SPF since it can also help guard your skin from environmental damage.
Here to remind you all to keep your skin hydrated this summer, Haute Beauty expert Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez helps debunk some of the myths surrounding moisturizers.
Myth #1: I don't need to moisturize my body.
Moisturizing your skin daily reduces dryness and oiliness - both of these factors can harm the skin and lead to a compromised skin barrier, potentially exacerbating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Moisturizers prevent the loss of water on the outermost layer of your skin, help you maintain your skin's moisture barrier, and protect your skin from environmental damage.
Myth #2: It's OK to use face and hair products instead of body wash.
Shampoo and conditioner are made with formulas that are specific to taking care of your hair. Using shampoo as a body wash will often leave your skin feeling slimy and sticky. Facial cleansers will likely not harm the rest of your body, but they also won't be as effective as having a good moisturizing body wash. The ideal body wash is one that both cleanses the skin and keeps it moisturized.
Myth #3: You only need to moisturize if your skin is visibly dry or flaky.
Moisturizer is beneficial for all skin types, as long as you choose one that works for your skin type (cream for dry skin, gels and liquids for oily skin, lotion for normal and combination skin).
For more information, visit Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez's social media:
