As beauty editors, the idea of small talk that people pick with us, is asking or sharing their beauty routines. Amongst the many things we’ve heard, one particularly sticks out – the fact that people are okay with skipping Moisturizer because they think they do not need it or it makes their skin greasy. Folks, if you too agree with these statements, then this article is for you. Because it’s time that this should be written in stone – every skin type needs a Moisturizer, throughout the year. But why? Let’s find out.
Benefits Of Using A Moisturizer
- Moisturising Reduces A Lot Of Skin Concerns
You can have a glowing, shinny, rashfree and a smooth skin when you care, balance, and hydrate your skin enough. This is because korean moisturizer restores and retains moisture in the skin, keeping it healthy and protecting the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier does a better job at protecting your skin from external elements like pollution and other environmental damage.
- Keeps Your Skin Youthful & Radiant
Skin that is void of moisture will easily develop premature signs of ageing. This is because overtime the skin loses its ability to regenerate enough collagen and elastin – the factors that keep your skin firm and healthy. Incorporating a Moisturizer in your routine aids your skin to develop sufficient collagen which keeps it tight, smooth and youthful.
- It Helps Reduce Acne
Oily skin needs hydration. Using a lightweight Moisturizer balances the skin’s sebum production and therefore helps in combating acne. Excess oil, bacteria and impurities become a feeding ground for acne to develop. But with the right Moisturizer, you’ll be able to keep your skin healthy, oil and acne-free to a large extent.
How To Pick A Moisturizer ?
- Dry Skin
If your skincare is amiss with moisturisation, it can negate all your hard work to attain gloriously glowing skin. If you grapple with dry skin, a rich, nourishing Moisturizer will help alleviate episodes of flakiness or irritation. Look for ultra-nourishing ingredients like ceramides, shea butter and glycerin the next time you Moisturizer-shopping.
- Oily Skin
It might look like the greasy skin does not need a Moisturizer, but a gel-based one will balance out sebum production and reduce oiliness. In fact, skimping on Moisturizer may prove counterproductive. The lack of moisture content in the skin, causes an unwarranted overproduction of oil. Summon light, oil-free formulas imbued with humectants (more on that later) like hyaluronic acid to reap the optimal benefits of this step in your regimen.
- For Acne-Prone Skin
Choose mixtures with benzoyl peroxide, tea tree, salicylic acid, and niacinamide for people with active acne to help stop the problem in its tracks. Applying these moisturisers will not only reduce existing acne but also stop new outbreaks from occurring..
What your Moisturizer must contain
Along with moisturising your skin, a good Moisturizer can do a lot more. Keeping your skin type in mind, choose one that suits it the best, but along with that look out for these skin-benefitting ingredients for added benefits.
- Hyaluronic Acid or Glycerin
- Antioxidants
- Hypoallergenic
- Should be non-comedogenic
- Can be SPF infused
These ingredients will ensure that with regular use, your skin stays plump, hydrated and happy.
Along with this, Moisturizers are also broadly classified into two categories.
- Occlusives
Occlusives are heavy in nature and block the evaporation of water. This helps retain moisture in the skin for longer periods of time. It has petrolatum, anolin, mineral oil and paraffin as the primary ingredients.
- Humectants
As we know the properties of glycerin and hyaluronic acids that act as humectants. What exactly are theyand what do they do? Humectants perform lighter than occlusives and can pull moisture from the surrounding air to the surface of skin. The skin appears smoother and plumper as a result.
What Ingredients To Avoid In A Moisturizer?
If your skin is sensitive or is prone to dryness, redness or itchiness, then it’s best to steer clear of a couple of ingredients, as they might irritate your skin. Avoid ingredients like,
- A Moisturizer with too many skincare acids. This might become too much for your skin to handle and can increase its sensitivity levels.
- Artificial colouring. It’s totally unnecessary and does not benefit the skin in any way. The harsh chemicals in it can cause more harm than good.
- Strong synthetic fragrance. Just like artificial colours, you do not need to slather your face with these strong, artificial fragrances. As compared to the natural fragrances, these can cause redness and irritate your skin.
When To Apply A Moisturizer In Your Skincare Routine?
For your morning routine, here’s when you can add the Moisturizer for optimum results.
Cleanser – Toner/ Essence – Serum – Moisturizer – Sunscreen
For your evening routine, you can swap the Moisturizer with a sleeping mask. This doubles up the hydration and accelerates your skin’s regeneration process when you’re fast asleep. Here it should go as the very last step in your routine unless you’re applying facial oil.
Double Cleanse – Serum – Sleeping Mask
How To Make The Most Of Your Moisturizer?
Okay, even though we’ve given the exact step to include them in your routine, these little tips will ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. Listen close, because not many know about them!
Firstly, Moisturizers work the best on damp skin. This helps them seep better into the skin, hence deliver better results. Plus, they leave behind a subtle glow that everyone is a fan of here, right?
Next, you can use a tinted Moisturizer for days you want to skip makeup or want a no-makeup makeup-look. It will hydrate your skin as well as give you a sheer coverage.
Lastly, you can double up on your sun care, by using a Moisturizer infused with SPF. Pick one with a minimum SPF 30 or above. This is especially important during hot summer days when the heat is scorching and you need an extra layer of protection.
We hope this little crash course on Moisturizers helped!
