a woman is holding a moisturizer cream box

Moisturizers for Skin

There are tons of moisturizers in the market. They differ from face creams to serums to lotions. But how do you choose the perfect product that fits your unique skin type and needs? There are so many varieties that are designed to work with oily to dry or combination skin, or for skin concerns like acne, sensitive skin and more.

First, it’s important to know the fundamentals of moisturizing the skin: how moisturizers work, why you need one in your skincare routine and how to find your right skin match.

What is a Moisturizer?

Moisturisers are formulated with oil-based ingredients that create a lock on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture from escaping. Because of the occlusive agents, such as petrolatum or mineral or plant-derived oils, help the skin look smoother and less dry.

Why Does Your Skin Need Moisturizing?

There are multiple opinions and theories on why we need to moisturize our skin, including the right time of application. What happens when the proper moisturizing technique isn’t used or if it doesn’t properly work?

A face moisturizer works by securing moisture onto the skin’s surface and keeping it hydrated throughout the day. While ingredients like Dimethicone help to lock the moisture, Glycerin helps keep water onto the skin’s surface.

Moisturizing helps to reduce skin concerns like dryness and dullness, which can lead to visible signs of ageing. Using the right moisturizer for your skin can help maintain balance, allowing the products used in your regime to properly work and provide good results.

How to Know If Moisturizer Is Working?

Some signs help identify if a product is not working well or not for your specific skin concern. For example, if you start to notice skin flakiness or patches of dryness, the moisturizer may not be good enough for your skin’s needs. Try adding in the best moisturiser for dry skin to seal in moisture in all areas of your face.

If you are more in the middle and don’t experience dryness or oiliness, try using a less dense moisturiser. Apply to your neck and face properly to ensure an even application. Moisturizing lotions are also best for those with oily skin. They are the lightest type of moisturizer for oily skin, as the formula mostly consists of water.

Your skin needs can fluctuate seasonally. This may lead you to adjust your skincare routine and select different moisturizers based on the season. In the summer, you may only need a light moisturizer. To combat the often-drier winter months, you may need a thicker moisturizing cream.

Will Applying A Moisturizer Help Prevent Against the visible Signs of Ageing?

Moisturizers act as a drink for your skin, as they work to hydrate skin. The moisturization step is very critical in an anti-ageing skincare regime. As we age, the skin naturally becomes less hydrated and drier, making wrinkles and fine lines more likely to become visible. By keeping skin moisturized, you can help fight those signs of ageing.

What Is the Difference Between Moisturizing and Hydrating?

Dryness in your skin comes from a deficiency of oils, while dehydration comes from a lack of water. Dehydrated skin may not appear dry but it can look dull. All skin types need proper hydration, even those with acne-prone or oily skin.

Best Time to Apply A Moisturizer?

Moisturizers can be applied in both morning and nighttime skincare regimes. The sequence of using moisturizers may differ between skincare regimes. Like your moisturizer should be applied before SPF in the morning, but in the evening, a moisturizer should be the last step of your routine.

If Using A Moisturizer, Do I Also Need a Face Serum?

Moisturizers and serums help your skin in different processes. While serums include skin-hydrating components, moisturizers protect the surface of the skin like a sealing layer. If you use both in your routine, it is suggested to apply the serum first before applying a moisturizer.

Step in a Skincare Routine?

Depending on whether you’re applying in the morning or night, the order of the moisturizer step changes slightly.

Morning Routine:

Cleanse
Tone
Serum (optional)
Moisturizer
SPF

Nighttime Routine:

Cleanse
Tone
Serum (optional)
Moisturizer

Which Ingredients Should I Add into My Moisturizing Routine?

Hyaluronic Acid is one of the best components for skin hydration, as it works for all skin types and multiple skincare issues, such as dryness or anti-ageing. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance produced by our body to bind water to keep skin balanced and hydrated.

Glycerin, another top ingredient, is derived from plants. It is a humectant substance, which means it has the power to preserve moisture.

Should I Be Moisturizing My Body, Too?

We often overlook the necessity to keep our bodies nurtured. Being the body’s largest organ, it’s important to take care of all parts of the skin, not just the face. Every part of the skin is susceptible to the visible signs of ageing. Fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness can begin to show up all over, especially on the neck.

Take Away

When it comes to choosing the right moisturizer for your skin, there isn’t a straight answer that fulfils the needs of every person. Individuals with especially bothering dry skin or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, for example, will require individualized treatment.