IN THIS ARTICLE
Water is the most important need of your body. Similarly, your skin, the largest organ, requires adequate hydration too. While drinking water is crucial to replenishing the water content in your skin, using moisturizers regularly is essential to maintaining its health and nourishment.
Adequate moisturization is a crucial step for your skin, irrespective of skin type. Moisturizers help maintain the skin's hydration balance while making your skin soft, supple, and youthful.
Apart from hydration, there are many other benefits of moisturizers that not many know of.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on moisturizers. Know the importance of moisturizing, its different types, and its benefits. Additionally, find answers to commonly asked questions like when to apply moisturizer, how to choose a moisturizer, etc.
Let’s begin.
Types of moisturizers
Unlike a few decades ago when face creams were the only kind of moisturizer we knew, today there are multiple varieties of moisturizers available. Take a look.
Creams:
Silky and smooth to the touch, creamy moisturizers deeply nourish the skin and are ideal for dry and mature skin types. Creams are thicker in consistency and are more suitable for use in dry climates or during winter when the skin needs extra moisture.
Gels/water-based moisturizers:
Gel/water-based moisturizers have a lightweight transparent/ translucent texture that is quickly absorbed into your skin. These non-greasy moisturizers provide intense hydration without clogging pores, causing irritation, or leaving a greasy residue. Gel-based moisturizers are suitable for all skin types but work best for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
Lotions:
Lotions are lighter than creams and suitable for normal to combination skin types. They offer a balance of hydration and are ideal for everyday use.
Ointment-based moisturizers:
Moisturizing ointments are the thickest and most occlusive moisturizers that lock in moisture in your skin and keep it nourished throughout the day. Such moisturizers are suitable for extremely dry or eczema-prone skin or extremely dry or cold temperatures.
What are the benefits of moisturizing your face?
Moisturizers do not just hydrate your skin but offer many more benefits for healthy skin. Here are some key benefits of using moisturizers regularly:
1. Hydration:
The absence of hydration can make your skin dry, dull, rough and itchy. A moisturizer helps deeply hydrate your skin and replenish the lost moisture. Daily application of moisturizers maintains the moisture balance in your skin, keeping it hydrated and nourished which is crucial for your skin’s health and glow. It also helps maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness, reducing the likelihood of dryness and flakiness.
2. Barrier protection:
A moisturizer locks in moisture in your skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss. It further provides a soothing protective film and strengthens the skin's natural barrier preventing issues like hyperpigmentation, acne, redness, and sensitivity.
3. Anti-aging:
Dehydrated skin can weaken its skin barrier and defense, causing irritation and premature aging. One of the prime benefits of moisturizers for the face is slowing down signs of aging and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A well-moisturized skin is plumper and more youthful, making moisturizers a must-have in your routine.
4. Smooth texture:
Moisturizers cover small skin fissures and help smooth out the skin's texture. It also protects the skin from friction, making it beneficial for rough or uneven skin.
5. Calming Irritation:
Moisturizers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, oat extract, and allantoin can help calm irritated or sensitive skin. It also calms dry and irritated skin and helps maintain its health.
6. Acne Prevention:
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin needs moisturizing too. Without adequate hydration, your skin overproduces sebum, causing clogged pores and breakouts.Therefore, even for oily skin, opt for a lightweight moisturizer that helps balance the moisture level in the skin, preventing unnatural shine and acne.
How to choose a moisturizer?
For the best results, you must choose a product that addresses your specific skin concerns and is suitable for your skin type. Here are some factors that you need to consider to find an answer to “how to choose the perfect moisturizer”:
Skin Type:
Not all moisturizers would suit your skin. Therefore, consider your skin type while picking a moisturizer for you.
Opt for rich creams or ointments to lock in moisture for dry skin. For oily and acne-prone skin, gel and water-based moisturizers are more suitable to avoid clogged pores and greasiness.
Concerns:
Once you know your skin type, look for specific skin concerns you need to address, such as anti-aging, brightening, dullness, or acne control. Accordingly, you can pick ingredients and choose a moisturizer formulated to address those issues.
Key Ingredients:
To give your skin the best care and love, look for nourishing and beneficial ingredients for your moisturizer. Your moisturizers should be rich in occlusives, humectants, emollients, and fatty acids that adequately nourish and hydrate your skin.
You can look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe vera, and squalane for dry skin, antioxidants, retinol and resveratrol for anti-aging needs, ceramides and allantoin for barrier repair and sensitive skin, and niacinamide for brightening and oily skin needs.
Climate:
You must also consider your climate and temperature to select the right moisturizer. Opt for heavier creams and lotions for cold, dry climates when your skin needs extra care and nourishment. On the other hand, lightweight gels and water-based moisturizers work best for summers and humid environments.
When to apply moisturizer?
You can apply moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry. However, knowing the best time for moisturizer application can maximize its benefits.
1. After cleansing:
The best time to apply moisturizer is after cleansing, exfoliation, and shower. In short, whenever you wash your face and skin, it's crucial to replenish the moisture loss by hydrating it with adequate moisturizer.
2. At night:
Nighttime is when your skin repairs and regenerates. Applying a rich, nourishing moisturizer before bed can help support this natural process, ensuring you wake up with hydrated, soft, and supple skin.
3. At the end of your skincare routine:
After cleansing and toning, apply a moisturizer to lock in all the moisture followed by a broad spectrum sunscreen in the day. If you have been wondering what to apply first, moisturizer or sunscreen, here is the answer. Sunscreen always comes last in your daytime skincare routine.
There are many benefits of moisturizers, which makes them a must-have step in your routine. Be it oily or dry skin, a moisturizer nourishes your skin, leaving you with healthy, radiant skin. However, it is crucial to choose the right moisturizer and apply it correctly for maximum benefits.
FAQs
Q 1. Is it good to use a moisturizer every day?
Yes, using moisturizer daily is beneficial for maintaining skin hydration, protecting the skin barrier, and keeping your complexion smooth and healthy.
Q 2. How much moisturizer should be used on the face?
A pea-sized amount is generally enough for the face. You can adjust the amount based on your skin type and climate. However, avoid over-applying to prevent greasiness and clogged pores.
Q 3. Do moisturizers darken skin?
No, moisturizers do not darken the skin. They help maintain an even skin tone by preventing dryness and irritation. Moisturizers with ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C can further help brighten skin.
Q 4. How much time does moisturizer take to absorb?
Moisturizers typically take a few minutes to absorb into the skin. Allow it to fully absorb before applying other skincare products or makeup for optimal results.
