Moisturizers - Your skin will love this step the mo(i)st!
Moisturizer is undoubtedly the most used word in skincare. It is like the alphabet, or the base, for skincare, without which the regimen will surely be incomplete.
That’s why the moisturizer is the ‘Holy Grail’ of skincare. Whether it is scorching summers or cold winters, the moisturizer saves our day.
It starts its magic the minute we apply the cream on our face (don’t forget the neck too). The best part is, the right moisturizer doesn't even show its presence, making it look all natural (plays the invisible game pretty well).
If you have not yet started adding moisturizers to your routine, what are you waiting for? Start right away!
In this article, we will see how moisturizers are so important for skin, and also the best moisturizer suitable for all skin types.
Magic Moisturizers: What do they do?
Moisturizers have been an integral part of skincare routines for many years now. It is said that Cleopatra, an Egyptian queen, used natural moisturizers such as milk while bathing to get smooth, soft skin.
Moisturizers increase the water content in the skin and relieve dryness, thereby quenching the skin’s thirst.
A face moisturizer can be called by different names — lotions, creams, ointments or balms. Essentially, a moisturizer hydrates the outermost layer, or surface layer, of the skin. When applied topically, it seals the moisture and nutrients on the skin, and protects it from harmful environmental irritants.
It creates a barrier between your skin and the external environment — including cold and dry air that might dry out your skin. It also rehydrates and restores water content in the skin.
Natural ways of moisturizing includeapplying aloe vera gel or raw milk on the face and neck, since they have anti-inflammatory properties.
But we can go all natural without an actual product. Following a few daily tips can prevent dehydration and dryness of the skin, while restoring and preserving mositure content.
- frequent exercise
- limiting alcohol consumption
- reducing salt intake
- eating foods high in water content, such as lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes
- maintaining relaxing habits that reduce stress
Day or night - when to moisturize?
The best time to moisturize is after you cleanse your face or after a shower. This is because when your skin is damp, it is easier for moisturizers to trap and lock the moisture content, keeping your skin hydrated.
It is recommended to moisturize the skin at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
But do we really need a moisturizer?
The skin becomes dry and dehydrated when it cannot retain moisture. The reason can be due to external environmental factors - frequent bathing, cleansing aggressively, dust, pollution, or skin conditions.
Moisturizing your face creates a barrier on the skin — a sort of protective layer between the external environment and your skin. Products designed to rehydrate the outer layer of the skin seal in moisture, and protect against foreign particles.
In addition to this, if added as a layer to your serums, mists, or actives, they lock the product and double its efficiency.
Which moisturizer is a match for my skin?
Since moisturizers are ‘no skip’ skincare products, choosing the right one for your skin is very important, as there are moisturizers for all skin types.
Using the wrong one can have adverse effects on the skin and do more harm than good. So, selecting the right moisturizer is a prerequisite to a good skincare routine.
Is your skin dry?
If you have dry skin , your skin might have white flaky patches due to lack of some essential oils or vitamin deficiencies. It usually appears on the face, hands, elbows, feet and eyes.
For dry skin, the best would be a milk-based or oil-based moisturizer. It should have hydrating properties and other nourishing ingredients in its formula.
Is your skin oily?
Oily skin is characterized by production of excess sebum, which can lead to a greasy surface, clogged pores and well, acne. There can be several causes for this, including genetics, hormonal imbalance, stress and humidity.
If you have oily skin, it is better to use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and non- sticky. Try to buy a lightweight moisturizer that does not stick too much to the skin. Look for water- and gel-based formulations while buying your moisturizers.
Do you have normal or combination skin?
A normal or combination skin is a skin type where you have some areas of your face that are oily (the T zone - forehead and nose), and some areas that are dry (usually around the cheeks).
If you notice two or more different textures on your face, it is a sign that you have combination skin.
The right moisturizer for combination skin would be one which is neither too oily and heavy nor too watery in consistency. A comforting face cream can be your ‘go to’ savior.
Is your skin sensitive?
The term refers to a skin condition that is more prone to inflammation. This may cause irritation, itching and redness in some cases. The level of sensitivity and its causes differs from person to person.
If you have sensitive skin that is also dry or acne prone, then switch to a mild moisturizer with limited or no chemical ingredients. Check if the items put into the moisturizer are soothing, skin friendly ingredients. Aloe vera is the best harmless ingredient for sensitive skin.
Avoid harsh chemicals, artificial dyes, and fragrances. Always go for non-pore clogging and hypoallergenic moisturizers, since they are gentle on the skin.
Moisturize twice a day to get the maximum benefits. Don't forget to pair it up with sunscreen when you go out. Checking the ingredients before buying is a must when it comes to skincare products, and moisturizers are no exception.
Next time you want to purchase a moisturizer, try looking for these ingredients:
- hyaluronic acid
- glycerin
- ceramides
- SPF
- “noncomedogenic” listed on the label
Instead of applying sunscreen separately, you can also buy a moisturizer with SPF 30 or more for two-in-one benefits.
For a skintelligent® approach to skincare products, UnbottleCo has a proven range of body lotions that are sulfate- and paraben-free. They hydrate the skin and lock in the moisture.
PS: they are completely safe to use.
Deep Hydrating Body Lotion Proven To Fight Dry Skin With Wheat Germ & Almond Oil 200ml
To treat:
- Kojic acid treats skin conditions, such as sun damage, scars, and age spots
- Almond Oil preserves skin’s natural moisture
To prevent recurrence:
- Wheat germ oil builds collagen
- Honey corrects skin tone and brightens skin
Deep Hydration Body Wash Proven To Fight Dry Skin with Lactic Acid & AHA 300ml
To treat:
- Lactic acid is a natural AHA which helps skin elasticity and lightens dark spots
- Sodium hyaluronate has the magical duality to moisturize skin and reduce inflammation
To prevent recurrence:
- Arginine PCA captures skin moisture and keeps it hydrated all day long
- Alpha-arbutin brightens skin tone and heals skin damage
- Tocopherol is a fantastic antioxidant to detox skin
Acne-Clearing Body Lotion Proven To Fight Acne & Dark Spots With Almond Oil & Shea Butter 200ml
To treat:
- Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and a proven body acne combatant
- Wheat germ oil nourishes and replenishes dull skin
To prevent recurrence:
- Shea butter is an effective moisturizer that softens skin
- Mango butter protects skin against oxidative stress and sun damage
Skin Brightening Body Lotion Proven To Even Out Skin Tone With Kojic Acid & Almond Oil 200ml
To treat:
- Kojic acid treats skin conditions such as sun damage, scars, and age spots
- Kakadu plum, rich in Vitamin C, boosts skin brightening
To prevent recurrence:
- Saffron evens and brightens skin tone
- Natural butters such as cocoa, shea and mango reduce wrinkles and deeply hydrate skin
- Rosehip oil exfoliates and brightens skin
- Turmeric acts as a powerful antioxidant to eliminate free radicals
- Almond Oil preserves skin’s natural moisture
Add moisturizers to your daily routine. You will definitely see a difference, Your skin will feel hydrated, and look glowing and smooth. Most importantly, it revives your skin and restores it to its original form.