At Karité, we believe skincare is most effective when it works with your body’s natural rhythm. That’s why we turned to our co-founder and resident dermatologist, Dr. Naana Boakye (aka Dr. B), to help break down one of the most underrated steps in your body care routine: when you apply your moisturizer.
Q1. Does it really matter when you apply body cream?
Dr. B: Yes, it absolutely matters. Right after you shower or bathe, your skin is damp, and that’s the ideal time to apply moisturizer. Why? Because your pores are slightly open and your skin is more permeable, which means it can absorb the nutrients and hydration from your body cream more effectively. When you moisturize right away, before your skin fully dries, you’re helping to trap that surface water into your skin, which boosts hydration and helps improve skin texture and softness over time. It’s a small tweak, but it has a big payoff.
Q2. What happens if you wait too long to moisturize?
Dr. B: Once you step out of the shower and start drying off, water begins evaporating from your skin almost immediately. If you wait too long, you miss the opportunity to lock in that hydration. This can leave your skin feeling tight, dry, or even irritated—especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Applying a moisturizer while your skin is still damp helps prevent what's called "transepidermal water loss," meaning you’re keeping more moisture in the skin instead of losing it to the air. The result is skin that feels more supple, nourished, and balanced throughout the day.
Q3. Why is Karité especially effective post-shower?
Dr. B: Karité’s formulas are made with high concentrations of raw, unrefined shea butter—sustainably sourced from women-led cooperatives in northern Ghana. What makes our products unique is that they’re free from harsh additives, fillers, or silicones that often just sit on top of the skin. Instead, our shea-rich cream works with your body to deeply moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier. When you apply it right after the shower, you're giving those nutrient-dense, plant-based ingredients the perfect opportunity to penetrate and nourish the skin from within. It's more than just hydration, it's about supporting your skin’s long-term health and resilience.
Dr. B’s pro tip: Pat your skin gently, don’t fully dry off, then apply Karité to lock in the goodness!
LOCK IN ALL DAY MOISTURE
