Your skin always needs hydration, regardless of your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin, there is a moisturizer suitable for you.
With a little research, you can better understand your skin and the benefits of daily moisturizing. This article saves you time by providing everything you need to know about moisturizers and helping you find the right one for yourself!
What is a Moisturizer?
Simply put, your skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, contains 10-30% water, keeping the skin moisturized and smooth. Sebum, naturally produced by the body, helps the stratum corneum retain water. When your skin lacks natural oils from the sebaceous glands, it loses water, becoming dry and vulnerable.
When your skin is dehydrated, a moisturizer acts externally to retain water, and protect, and hydrate the skin. A moisturizer is a mixture of chemical agents designed to soften, nourish, and maintain the skin’s natural moisture. Besides its primary function, moisturizers can improve skin tone and texture, nourishing the skin with antioxidants, sunscreen, and anti-aging ingredients.
6 Benefits of Daily Moisturizing
1. Prevent Dry Skin
The primary function of a moisturizer is to hydrate the skin. Dry skin can be caused by external factors like weather, temperature, and living environment, or internal factors like hormonal imbalances. These factors can affect the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Moisturizers not only replenish lost moisture but also help prevent future dehydration.
2. Slow Down the Aging Process
The skin on your face, ears, neck, and chest is sensitive to environmental changes and is often the most damaged. These areas also regenerate cells faster than other parts of the body. Adequate hydration allows skin to recover and perform better. Some modern moisturizers include anti-aging ingredients like AHA, Retinol, or Vitamin C, further slowing the aging process.
3. Prevent and Treat Acne
Many believe that moisturizing acne-prone skin is unnecessary as it could clog pores and worsen acne. However, moisturizing oily and acne-prone skin is beneficial. When skin is dry, it signals the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, potentially clogging pores and causing acne. Proper hydration can prevent excessive oil production and acne.
If you’re looking for a non-acnegenic moisturizer, look for products labeled:
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Won’t clog pores
4. Protect Skin from External Factors
Water is essential for the body’s proper function, making up 70% of it. Two-thirds of this water is in the dermis, and one-third in the epidermis. Skin acts as a natural barrier against external factors and regulates water evaporation. To maintain healthy skin, regularly hydrate it and protect the natural moisture barrier (hydrolipid layer). Moisturizers help restore, nourish, and protect the skin from harmful external influences.
Cosmetics can also be harmful to the skin. Experts recommend using a moisturizer before makeup to create a thin barrier, preventing direct contact with harmful chemicals.
- Prevent Skin Irritation Dry skin weakens the stratum corneum, making it more susceptible to external factors and irritation. Potential irritants are often hard to identify or avoid. Using a moisturizer strengthens the stratum corneum, providing healthier, more resilient skin. Consider moisturizers with chia seed, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or propylene glycol, known for their prolonged hydration and skin-strengthening properties.
- Effectively Control Excess Oil Dry skin triggers the body to produce more oil to maintain moisture. Excess oil production indicates severe dehydration, not over-moisturization. Understanding this encourages moisturizing oily skin instead of skipping it. Remember, hydrated skin is healthy skin. Prolonged dehydration can lead to infections, premature aging, and even acne.
Moisturizers are generally categorized as either hydrating or moisturizing. Hydrating products are for oily skin, while moisturizing products are for dry skin. Despite different functions, they aim to give you smooth, radiant skin.
5 Steps to Properly Use Moisturizer
Here are five steps for using moisturizer:
- Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer into your palm.
- Warm the moisturizer by rubbing your palms together.
- Gently and slowly apply the moisturizer to your cheeks in circular motions.
- Apply the moisturizer to your forehead and the rest of your face.
- Apply the moisturizer upwards and outwards, including the neck.
Tips: Use your ring finger to apply moisturizer to minimize pressure, preventing sagging and wrinkles. Perform all actions gently to allow maximum nutrient absorption.
Notes When Using Moisturizer
- Test the Moisturizer Before Buying: A product suitable for others might not suit you. Each skin type has different needs. Test a small amount on your hand or neck before purchasing. If there are no signs of redness, burning, or itching after 48 hours, it is likely safe to use.
- Don’t Use Body Moisturizer for the Face: Body moisturizers are often thicker and more hydrating, while facial skin is thinner and more sensitive. Using body moisturizer on the face can clog pores, causing acne or irritation. Use facial moisturizers for the face and body moisturizers for the body to ensure proper care and avoid adverse reactions.
Stay tuned with Lavyon for more information!