Do you really need a moisturizer? For most people, the short answer is yes. The more nuanced response is it depends on your skin type.
As the largest organ in the body, skin acts as a barrier to protect us from sun, harsh weather, chemicals and infection. To help keep this barrier strong and resilient, skin comes equipped with oil glands known as sebaceous glands that act as our skin’s natural lubricating system. While oiler skins naturally have an abundance of sebaceous glands, and drier skins have fewer, at some point, every skin type will benefit from using a moisturizer. The trick is knowing how to select the right moisturizer for you.
Does every skin really need moisturizing?
Absolutely! Even if you have oily skin, you still need hydration. In fact, if an oily skin does not have the proper hydration, it is more likely to produce excess oil in an attempt to moisturize itself. This can lead to blackheads, breakouts and an overall oily complexion. Dry skin, on the other hand, naturally produces less oil needed to properly hydrate the skin. Consequently, dry skin is often plagued with tight, flaky skin due to the lack of moisture. Normal skin generally has a good balance of oil and moisture in the skin, but it too still needs to maintain that balance with a good moisturizer.
How to pick your moisturizer for your skin type is one of our most frequently asked questions
What is a moisturizer?
A moisturizer is designed to help hydrate your skin when it feels dry or tight. It keeps the skin hydrated and glowing, which helps to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Most moisturizers contain a combination of water, oils and other ingredients that are designed to support and strengthen the top layer of the skin.They come in various thicknesses and textures so you can find one that works well for your skin type and daily skincare routine.
Dry Skin
- Look for moisturizers formulated with hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant that attracts and binds moisture to the skin. Products that are formulated with hyaluronic acid will help eliminate dry, flaky skin and help the skin retain its natural hydration. You can find hyaluronic acid in cleansers, serums and moisturizers.
- Use creamy moisturizers and lotions daily
To ensure smooth and soft skin, look for moisturizers formulated with nourishing natural oils like Sunflower, Rosehip, Hemp and Sea Buckthorn. These ingredients will help calm skin and improve the skin’s texture.
Tip
- Consider a serum
Facial serums are highly concentrated formulations that are designed to sink into the skin quickly. They deliver an intense dose of beneficial ingredients that can address specific skincare needs. Dry skin should look for serums that have a combination of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants like vitamin C and E and soluble collagen for strengthening the skin. All serums are applied before a moisturizer and can actually help a moisturizer absorb more efficiently.
Oily Skin Moisturizer
- Use a lightweight lotion with targeted ingredients
The trick for an oily skin is to find an oil-free, lightweight lotion that will keep the surface of the skin feeling hydrated while not adding any more oil. There are a few ingredients to look for that will help do just that. One of the best ingredients for an oily skin is niacinamide. It helps regulate oil production in the skin as it improves and brightens skin tone. For dark spots, try a lotion or serum with Kojic acid, a natural brightening ingredient that quickly diminishes skin discoloration.
Tip
- Choose your cleanser wisely
To get a handle on oil production, make sure your cleanser doesn’t leave the skin tight and dry after cleansing. A “squeeky” clean skin will only lead to more oil production. Find a mild, deep acting cleanser that provides mild exfoliation while cleansing with ingredients like salicylic or glycolic acid. They provide extra cleansing for smoother, brighter skin without stimulating oil production.
Normal Skin
- Maintain proper moisture balance
Normal skin is called “normal” precisely because it is neither too oily nor too dry. The key to finding the right moisturizer for a normal skin is to make sure it doesn’t disrupt this natural balance. It’s also important to find a moisturizer that prevents future environmental damage. Lotions and creams formulated with protective antioxidants like vitamin C and E as well as a sunscreen will help keep skin looking healthy.
Tip
People with normal skin aren’t usually troubled by sensitivity or blemishes. Consequently, it may be tempting to forgo routinely washing your face at night or neglecting to occasionally exfoliate the skin. Don’t take normal skin for granted. Daily cleansing and weekly exfoliation will help ensure you keep your normal skin for a long time.
Final Words
Matching your skin type to your moisturizer will help your skin look its best. Take some time to read product labels and do some research on what ingredients your skin type needs most. This will help you determine which product is best for you. To keep your skin healthy and glowing year-round, remember to moisturize!
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