Moisturizing your skin is an essential part of any skincare routine, but what product you should use and how often you should moisturize can vary depending on several factors, including your skin type, the weather, and the other products you use. Here’s what you need to know about moisturizing to help ensure your skin stays silky, soft and touchable.
Understanding Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type is the first step in determining how often you should moisturize your skin. Using the right products for your skin type can be the difference between a dull complexion or radiant, dewy skin.
You may need to use moisturizer less frequently if you have oily skin. You should also focus on using oil-free moisturizing lotions and lighter gel-based formulas, as these can help nourish your skin without making it feel oilier. Wash your face with a cleanser specifically designed for oily skin to help remove excess sebum for a clean, matte appearance.
Dry skin benefits most from heavier moisturizers, as these help provide deep and longer-lasting hydration. Try products with cocoa butter or shea butter to help soften your skin and restore its natural protective barrier. The effects of shea butter and other rich plant-based oils on your skin barrier is also known to help relieve symptoms of ezcema, so moisturizing regularly with these products can be an effective steroid-free way to manage eczema, dermatitis and other allergic or autoimmune skin conditions.
Factors That Affect Skin Hydration
In addition to your skin type, several other factors can affect your skin’s hydration levels, including the weather, your diet, and the products you use.
During the winter, cold, dry air can strip your skin of moisture, leading to dryness or even dermatitis, while hot, humid weather during summer can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts. You can adjust your moisturization regime to help manage this.
Try gentle hyaluronic acid serums and creams when temperatures start heating up, as these are less likely to leave your skin feeling heavy when you sweat. Use a richer coconut oil-based moisturizer during winter.
How Often to Moisturize
As a general rule, you should moisturize your skin at least once a day, and preferably twice a day, in the morning and at night. You may need to moisturize more often if you have particularly dry skin. Remember to hydrate your skin right after cleansing, as even many of the best cleansers can leave your skin in need of a hydration boost.
The Right Time to Moisturize
The best time to moisturize your skin is immediately after showering or bathing when your skin is still damp. Hydrating your skin at this time will help lock moisture in and prevent your skin from becoming dry.
It’s also okay to use moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry. Most products are suitable for application as frequently as required.
Using the Right Products
When moisturizing your skin, it’s essential to use products suitable for your skin type. Look for moisturizers that contain intensely-hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera. Avoid products that contain alcohol, which can irritate your skin and dry it out further.
An exception is cetyl alcohol, which is a moisturizing alcohol found in Cetaphil and many other products. The fatty nature of this alcohol helps nourish your skin, smoothing its texture.
Some ingredients, such as niacinamide, also help manage excess oil. Light moisturizers with niacinamide may be the perfect solution to help oily skin look and feel its best, as these products can also help shrink the appearance of your pores.
Aging skin also benefits from choosing the right moisturizer. Try products with ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C and collagen peptides for the perfect way to help prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
By following these tips and finding the right moisturizing routine for your skin, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and looking its best. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it’s vital to pay attention to how your complexion reacts while starting any new skincare routine or trying new products.