Moisturizer is a lotion or a cream that provides hydration to the skin. It is an essential part of your skincare routine and you can’t go a day without applying it. It protects skin against any damages, dirt, oil , pollutants and many more. It gives the skin a boost of moisture that helps to maintain the water loss and prevent dryness. It gives a glowing skin and helps to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and signs of aging. A hydrating moisturizer is best to create nude makeup look.
A moisturizer is made up of various ingredients including Occlusive and Humectants. Occlusive helps to keep moisture locked and humectant helps to absorb water from the second layer of skin to the epidermis which is the top layer of the skin. It is a part of CTM routine which is cleaning, toner and moisturizer and now primer is also added to the list.
Moisturizers contain water so its main function is to provide hydration to the skin. The skin needs rejuvenation i.e. the dead cells need to be shredded and new cells have to be generated and this process is called skin cell turnover. Moisturizer helps to improve this skin cell turnover to get new cells. That’s why dermatologists suggest non-comedogenic moisturizers which do not clog pores of the skin.
Treatment products like that of acne contain ingredients that dry out the skin which then requires a moisturizer that has to be non greasy. It is also a necessary step before makeup and selection of foundation is important for oily skin
How to select moisturizer for your skin?
For correct selection of moisturizer first you should know your skin type and what ingredients your skin requires in a moisturizer.
You need to take care of oily skin but many people believe that since there is already oil present they don’t need any extra cream that will make their skin more oily. You need to know that there are oil free moisturizers that control the secretion of oil. So instead of going without any cream rather go for something that your skin needs.
Some people have dry skin and they have to apply moisturizer every 3 hours to avoid flakiness of the skin. So for them there are products that provide hydration the whole day even if they have super dry skin.
Moisturizer for oily skin:
Look for products containing ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid and Vitamin A. Moisturizers which are lightweight and non-comedogenic are best suited for oily skin. Ingredients that can block the pores of the skin should be avoided like glycerin or occlusive.
Skin care routine for oily skin:
To properly wash your oily skin use a face wash made for oily skin like those containing tea tree extracts. Then use toners as per your skin requirement. After its absorption , apply moisturizer which is lightweight and does not clog the pores. Try to give your skin a breath of air as they get blocked very easily due to sebum regularly generated by the skin. Then apply your sunscreen. Applying makeup on oily skin is also easy.
Moisturizer for Dry skin:
Look for products containing lactic acid , ceramides, shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Ingredients that can provide proper nourishment to the skin as dry skin requires more water than normal skin. Humectants like glycerin can be used for dry skin.
Skin care routine for Dry skin
Use a no foam and creamy face wash that can include niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. After applying toner made for dry skin, use a moisturizer that has humectants, occlusive and ceramides. They will protect skin from being dry and flaky. Apply the moisturizer within 2-3 minutes after applying toner so that the moisture gets locked. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen afterwards.
For Combination skin:
If you have oil on the T-zone area of your face, you can go for mild creams such as water creams. They provide hydration along with being non-comedogenic.
The above moisturizers will work well with your skin but since everyone has different issues with their skin, I’d recommend patch testing for about a week before you start using it for a long time.
Whichever type of skin you have, here are some top face moisturizers you can choose:
- Elf Blemish Water Cream
This moisturizer is for oily skin and combination skin. As the name suggests it is water cream i.e. it has a lightweight formula that provides necessary hydration to the skin and it is best for pigmented skin. It consists of salicylic acid that helps to prevent acne thus its better for acne prone skin. It boosts moisture of the skin and reduces oil secretion. It even outs the complexion and gives a clear and blemish free look.
- Tatcha the Water Cream
This moisturizer is lightweight and has oil free formula in it. It reduces oil levels in skin thus controlling oil generation therefore its best for oily skin. Along with providing necessary hydration to the skin it also plumps the skin. It does not contain any grease in it.
- Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré
If you have got dry skin, this is the best product you can go for. It contains Aloe-Vera and Shea butter which are the major ingredients for moisture required by dry skin. It has the special ability to seal the moisture of the skin. It soothes the skin and gives a smooth look to it. It is also good for sensitive skin but not for oily and acne prone skin. It can boost up moisture by 20% – 40%.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
This moisturizer is recommended by various dermatologists as it is best for hydration in dry skin. If you have got skin that shreds flakes go for this moisturizer. It locks the moisture and immediately softens the skin. It makes the skin more plump by providing moderate water to the skin. It is best to use before makeup as it creates a nourishing barrier between skin and makeup.
- Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Moisturizer
It is a non greasy formula i.e non comedogenic. It is for oily and acne prone skin. It consists of salicylic acid and along with providing hydration it also mildly exfoliates the skin. It has fast absorbing properties and can reduce oil in the skin. It gives skin a smooth look but can also dry out skin in starting. If you have sensitive skin first have a patch test.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer
It has a cooling effect that is necessary for sensitive skin. It is a gel that is non comedogenic and provides proper hydration to the skin. It is a gel based formula that has hyaluronic acid.
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