AND HOW ABOUT OILY SKIN? DOES IT NEED A MOISTURIZER TOO?
Let’s start with breaking down a myth: “only people with dry skin need a moisturizer”. NO, IT’S WRONG. Regardless of your skin type, be it dry, oily, acne-prone, combination or even sensitive, you always need a moisturizer. Moisturizing your skin is essential to any skin-care routine that cannot be skipped. If you haven’t yet started using a moisturizer, now is the high time to incorporate a good moisturizer into your skin-care regime. You must get your skin moisturized, whether in your early teens or late forties. And not just that, another misconception is that we need a moisturizer only in winter, incorrect! We need to moisturize our skin throughout the year or, more simply, for as long as we are alive! And guess what? This is not just for the ladies; men also need to moisturize.
THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF A MOISTURIZER:
Fair enough! So, first things first. The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to keep the skin moisturized (as the name signifies), plumped and hydrated. This makes complete sense for those who have dry skin. On the other hand, it sounds pretty strange to moisturize already oily skin. However, it’s not strange at all, and I’ll tell you why! (But we’ll come on to that later).
Dry skin is the kind of skin type that requires the most moisture and complete hydration, hence deep nourishment and moisturizing. The protective barrier of dry skin is the weakest among other types of skin and the first to lose collagen and skin elasticity. So, if you haven’t yet started using a moisturizer, now is the right time to do so, and if you are having trouble finding the right one, then don’t worry because we have chosen the best moisturizers for all those who have dry skin. No more flaky and dehydrated skin!
FOR NORMAL TO DRY SKIN:
It’s a no-fragrance facial cream that keeps the skin hydrated, healthy, smooth, and moisturized. The hydrating effects last a whole day and leave your skin looking glowy and well-balanced. In addition, it contains glacial glycoprotein, salicylic acid, squalene, and glycerin which helps the skin retain its natural moisture barrier. It’s very lightweight and suitable for sensitive skin too.
● La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair UV SPF Face Moisturizer
This double-repair unscented face moisturizer contains ceramide-3, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water, and glycerin which leaves your skin looking fresh, healthy, and supple for the whole day. In addition, the SPF 30 helps restore the skin barrier 1 hour after its application, and because of its oil-free composition, it is entirely absorbed by the skin.
FOR IRRITATED AND EXTRA DRY SKIN:
● Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
It soothes the skin by instantly hydrating it and restoring its moisturizing barrier. The active ingredients of oat flour and extract, glycerin, and feverfew flower juice are great for calming down the itchy, dry skin. It is non-comedogenic and free of oil, fragrance, alcohol, paraben, and phthalate. A plus point for this magical cream is that the brand is dermatologically recommended.
WHAT IS SEBUM? AND SKIN HYDRATION?
The easiest way to understand the importance of a moisturizer for oily skin is to understand the difference between skin oil and skin hydration. Skin oil is the sebum secreted by the skin’s sebaceous glands. The primary function (an advantage of oily skin) is that it helps maintain and protect the skin barrier from external factors that can be damaging, such as dirt, pollution, UV rays, or simply excessive cleansing. The bad part is that excessive sebum can cause acne. In contrast, skin hydration is the process where water is absorbed deep into the skin, which maintains its plumpness and helps to retain elasticity and resiliency. So, already oily skin doesn’t require oil, but it needs to stay hydrated all the time! The key is to look for oil-free, lightweight, gel-based formulas (and don’t worry, we have got you covered) that won’t just keep your skin hydrated but also control excess sebum production because that can lead to acne or other skin issues.
FOR OILY SKIN:
● Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel
This face moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid as a vital ingredient, which serves as a hydrator for the skin. It makes the skin glow and looks so smooth and fresh every day. The lightweight and oil-free moisturizer is a treat for people having oily skin. Also, it is non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog the pores leaving the skin quenched and well-balanced.
FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN:
● COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Repair Cream
This nourishing daily face moisturizing cream helps the skin repair and form a moisture barrier. The active ingredients of snail mucin, betaine, and hyaluronic acid work as a charm on the skin to make it supple, fresh, and plump. This product is free of artificial fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. It’s an all-rounder for damaged and acne-prone skin.
Disclaimer: No snails have been harmed during the making of this product.
HOW TO PREVENT AGEING WITH A MOISTURIZER?
The primary reason for skin ageing or, as we say, wrinkles is dryness. Dryness has always been directly proportional to wrinkles; the more the skin is dry, the more there are chances for you to get wrinkles on that area of your face or body. Using a good moisturizer at an early age has proven to minimize the signs of skin ageing because it prevents the chances of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin plumped and more firm.
A good moisturizer helps to fight acne as well. When skin gets dry, it naturally produces more oil, which can cause acne. However, properly hydrated skin won’t get dry and eventually won’t let your skin produce excess sebum, which can clog pores causing acne or other skin concerns.
FOR ANTI-AGEING:
● L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
This unscented anti-ageing face moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid, pro-retinol, vitamin C, and salicylic acid, which minimize roughness and wrinkles and make the skin smooth, healthy, and bright. The hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin giving it a natural glow and radiance. Just use it twice a day and see the magic!
● Paula’s Choice SKIN RECOVERY Replenishing Facial Moisturizer
This facial moisturizer is a treat for all skin types and is very effective in fighting off the signs of ageing. Its active ingredients include hyaluronic acid, evening primrose oil, and chamomile extracts. It helps reduce wrinkles and roughness and can be quite soothing for the skin prone to redness, eczema, and rosacea. In addition, this product is free of scent, fluff, and parabens. This is your solution for healthy, bright, and even-toned skin.
USING MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
Now as we know why we need a moisturizer for dry and even oily skin, it’s time to discuss the benefits of using a moisturizer on sensitive skin. First, sensitive skin needs extra and special care, so choosing the right products for such skin has always been a little tricky. However, a good moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin can do wonders by keeping it moist and hydrated and minimizing all those issues people with sensitive skin face daily. In addition, the right moisturizer can soothe itchiness, reduce redness, and completely heal skin irritation. In such cases, look for moisturizers with gentle and soothing properties, such as those with ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, chamomile, and honey, just to name a few.
FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:
● Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
This gluten-free, non-comedogenic daily face moisturizer is pure bliss for people with sensitive skin. It keeps the skin hydrated and healthy with the help of hyaluronic acid, five essential ceramides, squalane, and glycerin. This product is very lightweight and has no fragrance, paraben, lanolin, dye, or formaldehyde releasers, making it gentle on the skin. As a result, the National Eczema Association has awarded it the Seal of Acceptance.
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