Moisturizer
A Moisturizer is essential for keeping the skin healthy because it assists in preventing dryness, keeping the skin hydrated, and protecting the skin’s barrier. There is so much a moisturizer does to our skin infact no skincare routine can be complete without a moisturizer.
Moisturizers can be called skincare as a whole, just kidding but really all those serums, essences, or whatever names the beauty industry decides to call them what are they? I will leave you to answer that.
Know The Types Of Moisturizers
Moisturizers can be categorized into 3 categories and they include;
1. Humectants: These types of moisturizers are water-based, they attract water to the skin and help it retain moisture. Moisturizes with acids like hyaluronic and glycerin in them belong to this category.
2. Emollients: These types of moisturizers are oil-based, they fill in the gaps between skin cells to birth a smooth surface and improve the skin’s look. Shea butter and jojoba oil are examples of emollients.
3. Occlusives: This is often confused with humectants because both possess moisturizing properties but the major difference is that while humectants can moisturize and hydrate, occlusives cannot hydrate the skin.
Know The Importance of a Moisturizer
Moisturizers help to keep the skin hydrated by trapping and retaining water, keeping it from becoming dry and flakey.
1. Barrier Protection: They provide a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, reducing moisture loss and shielding against environmental elements such as pollution and UV radiation.
2. Skin Health: Using moisturizers regularly helps to keep the skin soft, supple, and resistant to injury.
How to Select the Right Moisturizer
1. Skin Type: Each skin type requires a different formulation. Dry skin may benefit from richer, creamier textures, whilst oily skin may prefer lighter, water-based solutions.
2. Elements: Look for important elements that are appropriate for your skin’s demands. For example, antioxidants, vitamins (such as Vitamin E), and sunscreen for daytime use.
When to Apply a Moisturizer?
It is important to note that we have specialized moisturizers. This means that some moisturizers are designed to be applied at any hour, during the day only and at night only.
1. Day moisturizer: Typically contains SPF to protect against UV rays but note that the SPF contained in these creams will most likely not meet with standard percentage of SPF required for maximum protection of your skin.
2. Night moisturizers: a night moisturizer may contain chemicals such as retinol, which promotes skin rejuvenation. She ome of these acids works better at night and because they contain exfoliating properties they tend to expose your skin to the sun hence the need for sunscreen always.
Body lotions: are designed for broader skin regions and may contain different formulations than facial moisturizers.
Know How To Manage Your Skin Concerns
Sensitive Skin: Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic choices.
Acne-Prone Skin: Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer that will not clog pores.
Aging Skin: Look for anti-aging compounds such as peptides or hyaluronic acid.
Lastly, always use your sunscreen and remember to re-apply every 2 hours if not you’d only be filling a basket with water.
Application
Timing: This really depends on how many steps skincare your routine involves. If it is the basic 3-step skincare then your moisturizer should be applied after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp as it helps to seal in moisture.
On the other hand, if your skincare routine involves more than three steps then lather from the lightest to the thickest product before your moisturizer.
Amount: Use an appropriate amount, and remember to apply to frequently overlooked regions like the neck and hands.
Conclusion
Educating yourself about your skin type and choosing the right moisturizer can contribute significantly to maintaining healthy and radiant skin. Regular care and attention to your skin’s needs are key to a successful skincare routine. To maintain healthy and bright skin, it’s important to understand your skin type and select the appropriate moisturizer.
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