When choosing the right moisturizer, many people usually find themselves in a dilemma in choosing among dozens of different moisturizers at their favorite health and beauty bar. Should this happen to you, remember rule number one: you don’t need a medicine cabinet full of moisturizers because the best moisturizers are usually without all the added dyes and scents.

If your favorite cosmetics bar allows it, try out the samples to help you pick the one that’s for you. Choose a moisturizer that is easy to apply, readily absorbable, and not too greasy on the skin. Take note of how your skin feels when you apply it because the right moisturizer shouldn’t give a burning sensation nor irritate the skin.

Remember also that the moisturizer should match your skin type. If you have oily skin, avoid minerals oils, mineral waxes, and other pore-clogging ingredients. Mineral oils can clog pores because they trap perspiration, sit on top on the skin, and don’t get absorbed because the chemical composition of the molecule is just too big.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of cosmetic manufacturers use petroleum and mineral oil in their moisturizers, because they are much cheaper than top-quality alternatives. So if you have oily skin, you might have to spend a bit more to get the right oil-free moisturizer, one where humectants take the place of oil.

Once you’ve made your purchase, take the time to learn about how to use the product you bought to make it work best. (Remember to always apply moisturizer to a clean face with clean hands.) Apply the moisturizer right after you wash or shower, when your skin is already damp and your product can seal in the moisture. Pat your face dry first because if the skin is too wet, the cream will just slide right off your face. One application in the morning and one at night should be good enough, but if your skin feels taut or dry during the day, moisturize it.

Most people don’t need moisturizer on the nose. The nose has an extremely high concentration of oil glands that usually don’t need any extra encouragement. And don’t forget about your neck. The neck is one of the least tended areas of the body. No matter how vigilant you are about moisturizing your face, if you forget about the neck, the contrast will be painfully obvious. When moisturizing this area, stroke upward, so that you don’t pull the skin down.

Remember these tips and maintain a daily cleansing and moisturizing routine. Once you’ve got it down pat, you’re on your way to healthier, softer skin.