Moisturizer is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine – so we have heard, but is it? Let’s find out.
To figure out this seemingly easy question, let’s start by defining this staple skincare step that the beauty industry cannot stop raging about. Moisturizer is basically a skincare emollient that helps in conditioning the skin, and further locking in moisture at deeper levels. This helps in keeping the skin protected, soft, and supple.
Mind you, this little preparation can be available in many formats. You’ll find moisturizing lotions, creams, gels, mousses, and whatnot. All these forms of a simple moisturizer do what they are supposed to – moisturize (duh), in different ways for varying skin types and concerns.
Why do you need to use a face moisturizer?
Now that you know what a moisturizer does, let us understand why is it so important to have a dedicated facial moisturizer.
As we age, our body slows down and so does its day-to-day processes. It produces lesser collagen, has a decreased ability to retain moisture and hydration, and ultimately races to the aging process. When you moisturize regularly, it provides your skin with necessary ailments and nutrients to keep it soft and plump and keeps the signs of aging at bay.
It is also crucial to have a dedicated face moisturizer as opposed to a body moisturizer. This is because the skin on our face is much more delicate and sensitive when compared to the skin on our body. Therefore, the formulas for body moisturizers are composed to work on coarser skin. Facial moisturizers are gentler and more appropriate to be used on the thin skin on your face.
Do you really need to moisturize?
In short, yes. Every skin should ideally be kept moisturized in one way or the other. A moisturizer is your safest (and the easiest) bet to keeping your skin protected against irritation, ageing, dryness and many more skincare evils. But which moisturizer is the perfect pick for you?
1. Dry skin
Use heavy moisturizing creams with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides, and other nourishing formulas. Oil-based formulations also work as one of the best moisturizers for dry skin.
2. Oily skin
To save oily skin from over moisturization, one should stick to light ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Moisturizers with a soothing gel base also make for the best moisturizers for oily skin.
3. Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can be very tricky when it comes to skincare. One wrong pick, and boom! Rashes and irritation everywhere. Stay safe and look for terms like hypoallergenic, dermatologist-recommended, and suitable for sensitive skin. Stay clear of moisturizers with fragrance, essential oils and strong exfoliating acids.
4. Acne-prone skin
Acne-prone skin requires cooling and healing moisturizers. Apart from being lightweight and easy to absorb, the perfect anti-acne moisturizer also contains anti-acne ingredients like tea tree oil, or irritation curbing ingredients like chamomile.
5. Blemished skin
Blemished skin can use a lightly exfoliating face moisturizer that not only moisturizes the skin properly but also promotes quicker skin-cell regeneration.
When to use a face moisturizer?
Ideally, you should be using your face moisturizer twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night time, before you go to bed. You should also keep your night and day moisturizers separate. While your day time moisturizer should focus on providing nourishment and protection against the sun, your night time moisturizer should aim toward healing, repairing and intense moisturization. This is due to the fact that our body completely only rests at night when we’re sleeping. This gives your skin the time to regenerate and heal for better health.
How to correctly use a facial moisturizer?
Always use your moisturizer on cleansed skin. Start by removing your makeup, and then progress to cleansing with a foaming/non-foaming cleanser. This method of double cleansing will ensure that your skin gets rid of stubborn makeup or sunscreen residue from your pores. Applying any skincare on top of uncleaned skin can clog your pores and cause breakouts, blackheads or pigmentation.
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You can also use a cleansing toner after using your face wash. If you have any essences or serums in your skincare routine, apply them after cleansing (essence first, serum second) before going ahead with your facial moisturizer.
Now that you know why, when, and how to use a face moisturizer, you glow girl! The perfect face moisturizer would not only keep your skin protected and youthful but will also help you achieve that healthy glow that every brand claims to provide. Yup, the glow is real – you just need the perfect tool, the best face moisturizer for you!
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