Just like you need water to quench your thirst, your skin needs a moisturizer for proper hydration.
But how does a moisturizer work? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about moisturizers – when to use them, how to apply them, and how to choose the best one for your skin.
What Does A Moisturizer Do For Your Skin
Moisturizing can help to maintain your skin healthy and bouncy. And it is not just for women. A moisturizer is an important thing for men to use as well.
Here are the three main benefits of a moisturizer for your skin:
1. Keeps your skin plump and smooth
When your skin is dehydrated, it shrivels like a dry sponge. It gets flaky, and your wrinkles and fine lines get a lot more pronounced.
Studies show that a moisturizer can smooth the skin surface by filling spaces between skin flakes. It restores the ability of the skin to absorb and retain water. All this helps to slow the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Serves as a skin barrier and protection
Your skin functions as a barrier, protecting you from infections. Your skin has a lot of good bacteria (same as your gut) to keep it healthy. And water loss is dangerous for them.
That is why your skin needs hydration to function properly. And to protect you from the environment. Moisturizers help with that.
3. Helps Prevent Acne and Breakouts
When your skin is dry, it starts to overproduce oil. Which clogs the pores. And can cause acne. By keeping your skin hydrated with a moisturizer, you can avoid that.
What Is The Right Moisturizer For You
People have different skin types. And they need different types of moisturizers. Here are some recommendations for each skin type.
Oily Skin
A lot of people think that if they have an oily skin type, they do not need a moisturizer. That is totally wrong.
In fact, your skin might be overproducing oil because it is not properly moisturized. Look for a gel-based, oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to balance your oil production.
Normal Skin
Normal skin has no major skin concerns to solve, that is why it is totally up to you which type of moisturizer works best for your skin.
Lotions or creams are a good fit for your skin type.
Dry Skin
The key thing for your skin is that it is lacking oil. You can quench your thirsty skin with a facial oil – rosehip or argan. Or use squalane – a light oil from sugar cane.
When and How To Use A Moisturizer
Use it twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. After washing your face, gently apply a moisturizer to your face in a circular motion. Make sure you do not pull on your skin as it can lead to wrinkles. Let it absorb and that’s it!
Pro Tip: If you’re using makeup – a gel or a cream are better options because they absorb quickly and sit better under makeup. Apply your moisturizer before foundation or any other makeup.
Facial oils should be used at night because they take longer to absorb.
Takeaway
Incorporating a moisturizer into your skincare routine will keep your skin young, glowing and blemish-free for many-many years to come. It is a great way to show love to yourself and your face and body.
