One reason that your moisturizer doesn’t seem to work is because you’re not applying it when it’s crucial. “It’s best to apply moisturizer after a shower or bath while your skin is still moist,” Breslow says. Pat (don’t rub) your skin with a towel until it is damp, and slather on lotion within the first three minutes of getting out of the shower. This will lock in the moisture.

When choosing the right moisturizer, it helps to choose “shower oils and butters” instead of lotions, Walker says. Those that contain humectants like glycerin will help pull moisture from the environment. Also, look for one that combines oil and water to “provide barrier repair to help skin retain moisture,” Glass says.