When it comes to healthy, radiant skin, the importance of skin hydration is unquestionable. A well-moisturized complexion is softer, smoother to touch and more supple.
- Best ways to apply a moisturizer
- Does oily skin need a moisturizer?
- What to look for in a moisturizer?
- What are the best moisturizers?
External factors such as temperature, pollution, drying indoor air, UV rays and excessive cleansing can damage skin’s moisture barrier, making it more vulnerable to moisture loss and an increase in oil production. Although our skin naturally produces oil (sebum) to moisturize itself, it’s beneficial to replenish moisture after cleansing skin. Skipping moisturizer after cleansing can lead to extra oil production or dry skin. However, applying a good quality moisturizer will help hydrate, protect, and nourish skin and support its barrier.
According to many studies*, moisturizing helps slow down wrinkle formation thus reducing a risk of premature aging. All skincare experts agree that a quality moisturizer can help us hold on to flawless complexion longer and offset the signs of aging: dullness, fine lines, rough texture.
Regardless of your skin type and skin concern, moisturizer is an important facet of proper skin care routine. From lightweight hydrators to rich facial creams, you can find a moisturizer suitable for your skin needs. The same product that works well for one person, may not be the best option for another so be ready to experiment with different moisturizers until you find the one that is most suitable for you.
Best ways to apply a moisturizer:
Moisturizers are best used right after a shower, bath, or cleansing (AM and PM) - when the skin is still moist and ready to better absorb the formula.
Ideally, moisturizers should be applied on damp skin to better seal in water and reduce moisture that is naturally lost via evaporation.
One should layer their moisturizer before applying sunscreen.
If using treatment products (i.e. toners, serums, exfoliators) one should apply moisturizer afterwards to seal in all of the beneficial skin treatments.
Does oily skin need a moisturizer?
Oily skin can become dehydrated, especially after excessive cleansing, and needs to use a great moisturizer just as much as any other skin type. Picking the right moisturizer will be game changing and beneficial. One should look for product with traits like
- oil-free,
- water-based,
- non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores),
- lightweight,
- mattifying or oil-controlling
These types of products will give skin hydration it needs without contributing to shiny, greasy-finish (keeping sebum - oil - at bay). Also, the format in which moisturizer is formulated and delivered can be taken into consideration. Lotions and gels tend to be more water-based and therefore less likely to aggravate oily skin, while heavier moisturizers and ointments (greaser in nature and often and fat/oil based) should be avoided.
What to look for in a moisturizer?
- Moisturizers, like any other skincare product, work best when used on a regular basis. That said, the product you choose should be the one you feel comfortable using daily.
- Consider your skin type when choosing moisturizers:
- dehydrated skin will thrive on a rich, creamy moisturizer with a thick consistency Check out Clinical Skin Multi Lipid Moustrizer
- oily skin will benefit most from a lightweight lotion, gel or serum Obagi Daily Hydro-Drops® Facial Serum
- acne-prone skin should only use moisturizers that are labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic PCA Skin Clearskin Moisturizer
- sensitive skin should look for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic moisturizers as they are less likely to irritate the skin Eminence Organics Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator
- Look for effective ingredients such as
- Humectants (i.e. Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutemic Acid, Lactic Acid) – to draw moisture in
- Emollients (lipids: ceramides, fatty acids, shea butter) i.e. – to seal the moisture in and to smooth the skin surface
Both ingredient categories (humectants and emollients) are found in the Clinical Skin Multi-Lipid Replenishing Moisturizer – a deeply hydrating moisturizer that gives you all the moisture without feeling greasy. It truly captures the essence of what a super hydrating formula should be composed of: seven essential lipids and five hydrating agents that help skin retain moisture and support the skin barrier health for a smoother, softer, and more plump appearance. Nourishing and quick-absorbing, this moisturizing checks all the “must-have” boxes.
Another great moisturizer and SkincareEssential favorite is the Obagi Hydrate Luxe. This comprehensive formula is clinically shown to improve the moisture content of your skin. Specifically engineered with key biomimetic peptides, it is non-comedogenic hypoallergenic – making an obvious choice for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. It is a little thicker and more hydrating than most moisturizers and feels luxurious on the face.
*https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09709.x
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