Moisturizing your face daily is arguably the single most important step in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. A well-hydrated face is a happy face! Be sure to thoroughly wash your face with a facial cleanser prior to applying moisturizer. Increase the effectiveness of your moisturizer through regular exfoliation and facial masks, which remove dead skin cells and allow moisturizers to penetrate and hydrate pores. A moisturized face also provides a better adhesive for your cosmetics. Plus, many facial moisturizers are available with added sunscreen to protect your skin and block the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. With so many moisturizers to choose from, it's important to know what to look for, particularly when it comes to your skin type. Specially formulated gels, balms and creams are available for those with oily, dry or combination skin. Many formulas include anti-aging properties, while others are designed for those who suffer from skin irritations such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, skin allergies and seborrhea. Look for benefit-enhancing ingredients like antioxidants, which help prevent damage caused by environmental pollutants and free radicals, as well as glycerin, a moisture-drawing humectant, and skin-softening ingredients from plant, animal and mineral oils, such as shea and cocoa butter, silicones, petrolatum and cholesterol.