A good moisturizer is one of the foundations of an effective skin care regimen. A common misconception is that only drier and more mature skin types need to use moisturizer daily.
Moisturizers can be complicated. You have a lightweight moisturizer for the summer, and a thicker moisturizer for the winter. In order for a moisturizer to actually hydrate and protect your skin, it needs to have at minimum 3 ingredients. Emollients, humecants, and occlusives! Adding a barrier-repair ingredient, like
ceramides, is also a big plus. They can replace natural fats that may be missing between skin cells. Of course moisturizers can have a plethora of different helpful ingredients. But, they should at-least have these three ingredients. Think of moisturizing as an equation. It only works if all three elements are present. If you only moisturize your face with say an oil, you are missing a lot of the magical moisture equation.
Emollients
Emollients are lubricating ingredients that fill in cracks. Which can soften the edges of skin cells and give skin a smoother look and feel. Examples of emollients are ingredients like:
Humectants
Humectants are molecules that pull water from the environment or deep layer of the dermis. Bringing moisture to the surface of the epidermis. Examples of humectants are ingredients like:
Occlusives
A moisturizing agent that works by forming a protective coating on the surface of the skin. Effectively sealing in water and preventing loss. Examples of occlusives are ingredients like:
- white petroleum
- jojoba oil
- beeswax
- allantoin
- dimethicone
- olive oil
It should glide effortlessly on your skin and feel silky.
A good moisturizer should absorb quickly and not leave a greasy feeling on the skin. You want it to feel lightweight, yet also hydrate the skin. Skin should feel supple and soft to the touch. Good moisturizers should be unscented. However, the consistency depends on the type of skin you have. Gel like moisturizers work well for oily skin. Lotions for normal skin, and rich cream for dry skin. A good moisturizer should absorb right into the skin and relieve any tightness or dryness. Choose a moisturizer that is fragrance-free to minimize risk of irritation. Immediately, the skin should look plumped and fine lines should look softened if the product is truly moisturizing your skin.