Let’s face it—when it comes to moisturizing, most people fall into one of two camps. Either they slather on lotion all the time, whenever and wherever they feel like it, without really knowing why, or they never moisturize at all, oblivious to when their skin is crying for help. Both approaches? Dead wrong. If you’re stuck in the habit of over-moisturizing—or avoiding it entirely—I’ve got a challenge for you: learn to moisturize properly. Figure out when your skin actually needs it and use the right stuff. Here’s why and how.
The problem with mindless moisturizing is that it’s a waste—of time, money, and sometimes even your skin’s health. If you’re automatically reaching for that fancy cream to slap on your face, hands, or wherever else, you might be throwing cash down the drain. Worse, many products are packed with junk—emulsifiers, fragrances, preservatives, dyes—that don’t belong on your skin. These extras are there to make you love the product, not to help your skin. Overdo it, and you could end up with irritation or worse. On the flip side, if you’re in the “never moisturize” camp, you’re setting your skin up for trouble. A battered skin barrier—stripped by hot water, soaps, or harsh scrubs—will eventually turn sensitive, crossing the line into eczema territory. Eczema’s that annoying basket of itchy, red, flaky conditions caused by friction, allergens, or mysterious triggers we can’t always pin down.
So, what’s the fix? Pay attention to your skin. Take dry shins, for example—a spot that dries out early in life for many. Genetics, environment, and skincare habits (like overusing soap or hot water) can make it worse. If your shins have a subtle sheen, no flakes, no cracks, no redness—leave them alone. Don’t mess them up with abrasives or detergents (check my other videos for more on that). But if they’re flaky, ashy, cracked, or showing eczema signs—raised, reddish, itchy patches—step back from the harsh stuff and moisturize.
What’s the best moisturizer? Something that seals in moisture and gives your skin a break from the outside world. Occlusives are your go-to here. Plain white petroleum jelly (think Vaseline—not their scented spin-offs—or a store brand) is a solid pick. Or try my shea butter moisturizing balms, made with plant-based oils, for a petrochemical-free option. The key? Use a tiny amount. A drop-sized dab is enough for a big area like your shin or forearm. Spread it thin until there’s no residue—just a subtle sheen and a hint of stickiness. That’s it. You’ll restore the barrier without overdoing it.
Here’s the challenge: Pick one area—like your shins—and watch it for three weeks. If it’s normal (shiny, smooth, no issues), don’t touch it. If it’s dry, flaky, tight, itchy, or burning, moisturize with that tiny layer. Repeat as needed whenever your skin signals distress. No auto-pilot slathering, no ignoring it—just smart, intentional care. Then let me know how it goes. Drop a comment below—did it tame your stubborn dry spots? Hit the notification bell for more tips, because there’s plenty more coming your way.
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Thanks for reading and God bless.
Yuval Bibi, MD/PhD - Board Certified Dermatologist
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