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60 percent of the human adult body is water. Water is a vital nutrient to the life of every cell in our body. It does more than simply quench our thirst, it regulates our internal body temperature, flushes toxins out of our system, lubricates tissues and joints, and more. With water playing such an important part in our overall ecosystem, it’s astonishing how many women don’t think moisturizing their face is an essential part of ones beauty routine.

A woman rubbing moisturizer into her skin

Source: Lena Clara / Getty

Keeping your skin moisturized is the key to keeping it healthy. Dr. Ope Ofodile, Dermatologist, spoke exclusively with Hello Beautiful and explains,

“The primary role of moisturizers is the maintenance of skin hydration. Moisturizers are known to reduce the epidermal water loss via occlusion and addition of lipids, and enhanced water content of the skin contributes to the plasticity, smoothness and skin aesthetics.”

Moisturizer is synonymous with maintenance. Moisturizers keep your skin moisturized, reduces water loss, and keeps skin pliable. Dr. Ofodile, based out of San Francisco, adds,

“Skin hydration is instrumental to appropriate function of the stratum corneum which is the outermost layer of the skin. The stratum corneum protects us from bacteria, oxidants as well as damaging rays of the sun.”

The outer layer of the skin is our first impression. It’s the first thing that people see. By locking in hydration and your natural oils, your skin remains supple and strong. Moisturizer creates a barrier allowing your skin to protect itself from environmental elements, like sun, extreme cold, second-hand smoke other pollutants. With all these environmental factors – it’s not a bad idea to give your skin a little help!

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Moisturizer benefits your skins in the following ways:

Anti-aging

Moisturizers help slow down the process of aging! Use one with SPF 15 for added benefits. Olay Complete All Day Moisture Cream has SPF 15 and protects from both UVA (ultraviolet A – the rays that age us) and UBA (ultraviolet B – the rays that burn us). Dr. Ofodile tells Hello Beautiful,

“UV protection is perhaps one of the most integral component of any anti-aging efforts.  Most moisturizers with reported anti-aging properties contain alpha hydroxyl acids, retinols as well as vitamin C, B and E all shown to enhance the biochemical properties of the skin leading to reduce wrinkles and smoothness of the skin.”

So while ‘black don’t crack’, help to prolong your youthful appearance by wearing moisturizer and sunscreen – everyday.

Good for your health

The most skin-related health problem that women face today is skin cancer. While moisturizing your skin won’t prevent cancer, it will help to treat sun damage. Dr. Ofodile explains, “Due to the improved barrier protection of a well-hydrated skin, the stratum corneum is better able to serve its function of UV protection.” Grab a moisturizer, like this Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, to help create a protective barrier around your skin from all of the toxins we interact with daily.

Restores moisture to dry skin

There are so many culprits that dry out your skin: using the wrong type of soap, showering too much, living in an extremely dry climate – just to name a few. Moisturizing your skin protects it from dehydration! Oily skin? Don’t skip on moisturizing: a lot of the products you use to prevent shine and acne, strip your skin from its essential oils. Give your skin a boost with moisturizer.

To quench your skin’s thirst, protect yourself aging faster than you must, and overall preserve your skin…moisturizer is a great solution. Choosing one with SPF is extra protection for your skin. Keep your selfie game strong and moisturize on the daily!

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Black Don’t Crack? Without Moisturizer It Will  was originally published on hellobeautiful.com