How to Use Moisturizer: A Complete Guide for Healthy Skin – Plum

What is a moisturizer, and why is it essential for your skin? Types of moisturizers for different skin types Benefits of moisturizer on the face How to apply face moisturizer: step-by-step When to apply moisturizer in your daily routine How to use moisturizer for maximum benefit How to find the best moisturizer Best moisturizers from Plum that you can consider Common mistakes when using moisturizer How often should you apply moisturizer? FAQs

Imagine your skin like a sponge. When it's full of water, it looks plump, smooth, and happy. But if it dries out, it shrinks, cracks, and feels rough. That’s exactly what happens to your skin when it doesn’t get enough hydration.

This is why you need moisturizers. Moisturizers and face creams are like a protective blanket that locks in water and keeps your skin soft and healthy.

If you've ever wondered how to use moisturizer the right way, when to apply it, or even what type suits your skin, this detailed guide breaks it down for you.

What is a moisturizer, and why is it essential for your skin?

A moisturizer is a cream, lotion, or gel that helps your skin stay hydrated. But a moisturizer does more than just hydrate your skin; it locks the moisture in, preventing your skin from losing it quickly. Let's understand what a moisturizer does through an analogy.

Think of your skin barrier like a brick wall. The bricks are your skin cells, and the cement between them is made of natural oils and fats called lipids. When this "cement" weakens (because of pollution, harsh soaps, weather, or even age), the wall starts cracking, letting the water escape easily. Moisturizer fills in those gaps, repairs the barrier, and prevents your skin from feeling tight, itchy, or flaky.

In short, moisturizer is essential because it keeps skin balanced, healthy, and resilient.

Types of moisturizers for different skin types

Not all moisturizers are the same. They have different textures, ingredients, and consistencies. To find the best one for you, it is essential to understand your skin type first.

Dry skin: Such skin type needs nourishing and rich creams or ointments with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid.
Oily skin: Gels or work best for oily skin; they hydrate without clogging pores.
Sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free, chemical-free formulas with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, oats, or centella asiatica.
Combination skin: For combination skin, you can use lightweight lotions or gel creams that balance both dry and oily areas.

To get the maximum benefits of a moisturizer, it is important to choose the right moisturizer for your skin.

Benefits of moisturizer on the face

If you think that a moisturizer only makes your skin soft and smooth, you are mistaken. Here are some benefits of moisturizer that most people are not aware of.

Hydrates deeply: A good moisturizer prevents dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
Locks in the moisture: to provide long-lasting hydration.
Strengthens the skin barrier: It protects against pollution, UV rays, and bacteria while strengthening and repairing your skin barrier.
Slows signs of aging: Moisturizer hydrates your skin, which in turn makes it look plumper, along with reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Balances oil production: A moisturizer balances oil in your skin. Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturizer can make it produce more oil.
Soothes sensitivity: A moisturizer reduces redness, itchiness, and discomfort.

How to apply face moisturizer: step-by-step

Using moisturizer isn't complicated, but doing it the right way makes it much more effective. Here's a simple step-by-step to applying a moisturizer:

Start with clean skin: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
Apply while skin is damp: Don't wait until your skin is completely dry; a bit of dampness helps lock in water.
Use the right amount: A pea-sized amount of a suitable face cream is usually enough.
Warm it up: Rub the product between your palms for a few seconds.
Gently pat or massage: Apply in upward strokes on your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
Don't forget your neck: Many people ignore this, but your neck also needs care.

When to apply moisturizer in your daily routine

You can apply a moisturizer twice a day.

Morning: Apply moisturizer after cleansing, toning, and applying serum but before sunscreen.
Night: Use it after cleansing and serum, as the last step in your night routine.

Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, which enhances the effectiveness of your moisturizer tenfold when applied at night. It helps your skin heal, restore lost moisture, and wake up refreshed.

How to use moisturizer for maximum benefit

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your moisturizer:

Always apply within 1-2 minutes after washing your face (to lock in moisture).
Layer it after lightweight products, such as toners and serums.
Select a formula specifically designed for your skin type.
Reapply if needed, preferably in winter or after swimming.

How to find the best moisturizer

It could be very confusing to find a suitable moisturizer for your skin. So, how do you find the best moisturizer?

Here are some cheat codes that can help you find the right one for you.

Check your skin type and accordingly pick the one suitable for that skin.
Read the label to check the key ingredients. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, ceramides for barrier repair, niacinamide for brightening, vitamin C for glow, and green tea for oil control.
Avoid irritants. Skip strong fragrances or alcohol if you have sensitive skin.
Consider the season. Use lightweight gel in summer and richer creams in winter.
Check the texture. It is always suggested to use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested.

Best moisturizers from Plum that you can consider

Here are some of the best-performing moisturizers to pick for your skin.

Common mistakes when using moisturizer

To get the best results from your moisturizer, avoid these common moisturizer mistakes.

Do not use too much. Excess application can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Do not skip sunscreen after morning moisturizer.
Do not ignore the application of face creams on areas like the neck and hands.
Do not use a product that has a combination of a moisturizer and sunscreen. This dilutes both products. It is instead best to apply a moisturizer and then top it up with a sunscreen.

How often should you apply moisturizer?

For most people, applying a moisturizer twice a day is enough. You can apply once in the morning and once at night. But if your skin feels extra dry, itchy, or tight, you can apply a thin layer again in the middle of the day.

Listen to your skin; it will tell you when it needs more hydration.

Moisturizer is like food and water for your skin-without it, your skin feels starved, dull, and weak. The good news? Learning how to use a moisturizer is simple. Cleanse, apply on damp skin, pick the right formula, and stay consistent.

Whether you're dealing with dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity, the benefits of moisturizer on the face are undeniable.

So the next time you reach for your jar or tube of moisturizer, remember-you're not just applying a cream, you're giving your skin the care it deserves.

FAQs

Why do we use moisturizer?

You need to use a moisturizer to hydrate, repair the skin barrier, and protect it from dryness and irritation.

What are the benefits of applying moisturizer at night?

At night, your skin works hard to repair itself. A moisturizer boosts this process by locking in hydration and supporting cell renewal.

How to use a moisturizer for dry skin?

For dry skin, choose a richer and nourishing cream with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. Apply twice daily, especially right after washing your face.