Top 5 Causes Of Dry Skin & How To Fix Them: NIVEA Body Milk

The best way to assess the practicality of a body moisturizer in Singapore's hot and humid weather is to apply it before bed, wake up the next day, don't shower, then go about your business for the day. If your skin still feels soft and hydrated hours later, despite the relentless heat and running in and out of air-conditioned enclosures, then you'll know you've found the right one!

I appreciate that NIVEA, despite being a household brand that has served generations of children, continues to reinvent itself and puts research into producing more products to suit the current market needs. One thing that doesn't change though - and which I hope will never change - is its signature NIVEA smell. Everyone knows a NIVEA when they smell one. 🙂

I was already a fan of the NIVEA Intensive Moisture Body Milk before NIVEA sent the 250ml bottle to me. I previously picked up the 75ml at Watsons coz it looked cute and portable. I've been using it since, so how timely that I've been given the chance to share my fondness of their #1 Body Milk!

Before that, here are the Top 5 Causes Of Dry Skin & How To Fix Them:

Top 5 Causes Of Dry Skin + Fixes

We all know that air-conditioning and changes in temperatures wreak havoc on the skin, but did you know there are many other causes of lifestyle habits that can take a toll on our skin's texture, leaving it rough and dry? Our skin is the largest and one of the most important organs so in addition to having a good cleansing routine, it is important to avoid factors that contribute to dry skin. Start cultivating habits to prevent skin from getting drier!

1. Air-conditioning

There is no winter on this side of the globe, only high humidity levels and no opportunity to layer on gorgeous winter clothes (*sad*), therefore I shall not comment on how the skin suffers during winter. To beat the sweltering heat, almost every office/restaurant/supermarket here in Singapore has the air-con on full blast and it is super drying for the skin!

Solution: Keep a moisturizer on your desk, and apply it as often as required. This will help counteract the drying effects that air-conditioning has on your skin. If you like sleeping in a cold bedroom, remember to moisturize and wear long sleeves/pants which act as a barrier against direct contact with the cold air. That is what I do because I hate waking up with parched skin.

2. Steamy Showers

I LOVE steamy showers, it relaxes the muscles and is such a treat for the soul. 🙂 However hot water is hard on skin and causes it to dry out and toughen. The longer you linger in the shower, the more the lipids of your skin that make up the skin barrier is removed.

Solution: Keep showers short, don't treat every shower like a 2-hour concert. You save water too! Cold showers are best, but if like me you catch a cold easily, lukewarm is fine too.

3. Not Moisturizing After A Shower

Oops! I am guilty of forgetting to apply a moisturizer after a shower once in a while too. I am quite diligent in my skincare routine because I know how it affects my skin if I skip it. Now that I have a more decent sized 250ml bottle on my table staring at me, I will definitely not forget. Heehee.

Solution: Pat (not rub) your skin dry with a towel then apply the lotion as soon as you can. Make sure there isn't too much water on the surface of your skin as it will dilute the moisturizer and interfere with its ability to seal in moisture and create an effective skin barrier. Of course the best time is to apply the moisturizer immediately after a shower, but don't beat yourself up if you missed the golden minute! Bath time isn't the only time you can moisturize, so just do it as soon as you can.

4. Scrubbing & Exfoliating Too Much

The way some people scrub their skin, you'd think they're bathing an elephant. Unless you work in a coal mine or an extremely dirty environment, there is no need to exert too much force or use abrasive scrubs on your skin. Excessive friction from over-scrubbing strips the skin of its natural oils and enhances dryness.

Solution: Use mild shower gels that do not dry out your skin or leave a residue that causes it to look dull. If you must, scrub just the areas that tend to have more contact with surfaces, like the elbows and knees.

5. Harsh Chemicals

I am very blessed with a husband who helps with the household chores. Hmmm, 'helps' is quite an understatement as he actually does 80% of the chores. I cook and keep my own room and toilet clean. The first few times when I washed the toilet, I did it without gloves so my hands were in direct contact with the harsh detergents. After that my hands felt rough and dry! And manly. 🙁

Solution: Wear gloves when you're cleaning with strong chemicals! Wash your hands thoroughly and moisturize after that.

NIVEA Body Milk Intensive Moisture Review

I am impressed by how something that feels so light on the skin is able to provide intense moisturization that lasts a pretty long time. The NIVEA Body Milk Intensive Moisture spreads easily and gets fully absorbed into my skin in a few seconds. Consistency is that of a runny liquid, and there is no oily or sticky or greasy residue typical of heavy body butters and creams. My skin is left feeling smooth to the touch. I cannot attest to the '24H' claim because I cannot imagine going without a bath for so long, but I dare say it lasts much longer than most moisturizers.

It is enriched with Vitamin E, Grape Seed and Avocado Oils. But honestly, I don't care, so long as it works. HOHO.

One thing I find strange is the label 'DRY TO VERY DRY SKIN'. I don't have dry skin, mine's pretty normal, but my skin is LOVING IT. It is a great pick for those with very dry skin and/or those living in drier/harsher climates, but no skin would ever say no to more moisture, so I wish more people who don't fit under that label of skin type would give this a try too! 😀

For something that works so well, SGD 6.90 is a great price point. SGD 9.90 for the bigger 400ml bottle.

If you don't already know from NIVEA's long-standing relationship with generations of people and the fact that EVERYONE has used at least one product from this brand, let me share that it achieved the title Singapore’s #1 brand for Hand & Body Moisturiser*. And NIVEA Intensive Moisture Body Milk is their BEST SELLER!

(*Based on Nielsen FY 2015 data for Hand & Body Moisturiser category in Singapore)

Still not convinced? (WHY?) NIVEA is so confident of the hydration efficacy of their #1 body moisturizer to deliver smoother skin that they are offering a 100% money back. Purchase one bottle to challenge them if you want, but I think you will lose. BAHAHA!

Now, NIVEA, when are you going to make something to drink? 😆