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Guide to Moisturisers: What It Does & What to Use
It’s nearly impossible to discuss skincare without the mention of moisturiser. This product is a staple in our skincare regimes, but how is moisturiser good for you? Whether you reach for a face moisturiser out of habit or necessity, it’s important to know the function and benefits of this universal product. In such a saturated market, you might ask, how do I know what moisturiser to use? Read on to discover the role moisturiser plays in your skincare routine and how to choose a product that’s formulated for your skin type and concerns.
WHAT DOES MOISTURISER DO?
Having balanced moisture levels is a key factor in maintaining healthy-looking skin. So, what does moisturising do for your skin? Moisturisers help to prevent a loss of water in the outermost layer of the epidermis – known as the stratum corneum – and act as a protective layer between your skin and external elements.
Moisturisers vary depending on skin types and concerns, but they typically consist of three types of ingredients: humectants (water-attracting), occlusives (sealing moisture) and emollients (softening and smoothing). With these powerful properties, moisturisers can help to hydrate the skin, increase suppleness and radiance, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. In addition to these benefits, moisturiser also helps to lock in other skincare ingredients and enhance their efficacy.
WHAT MOISTURISER SHOULD I USE?
Since skin types and skin concerns vary greatly, moisturiser is not a one-size-fits-all product. Before determining what moisturiser to use, identify your skin type: dry, sensitive, oily, normal or combination skin. Each skin type will encounter different concerns, and these concerns often change as we age, experience hormonal changes, or through exposure to external skin stressors like sun damage and pollution. While it’s important to prioritise facial moisturisers, you shouldn’t neglect the rest of your body either, so ensure you include body moisturiser in your holistic skincare routine. Below, find out which moisturisers can help manage your specific skin type and concerns.
DRY SKIN
Dry skin types are usually categorised by rough texture, flakiness and tightness. Adequate moisture is integral in any dry skin skincare routine, so you’ll want to look for moisturisers that attract water to the skin’s outer layer and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
Toleriane Sensitive Riche Prebiotic Cream is a thick-textured, nourishing moisturiser suitable for use by dry skin types day and night. Smooth the protective, extra-hydrating formula onto skin to release the benefits of glycerin, shea butter and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.
To supplement additional hydration, reach for Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream. This multi-repairing balm for dry to very dry skin can help to comfort sensitised complexions and provide intense hydration. The dermatologically tested formula is suitable for even the most vulnerable complexions including babies and post-procedure skin.
If you’re wondering what moisturiser to use for your dry body, we recommend Lipikar Lait Body Milk Moisturiser. Enriched with shea butter and niacinamide, this emollient lotion is designed to plump the skin and improve softness..
SENSITIVE SKIN
Sensitive skin can be tricky to navigate since this skin type is the most reactive to external irritants. As a result, it can be hard to know what moisturiser to use. As a general rule, we suggest seeking out moisturisers that are specifically formulated to support the skin moisture barrier and provide comfort to skin. It also helps to patch test a product on a clean, less visible area of your face (such as the skin at your jaw line). This will allow you to see how your skin responds to the new product over a 24-hour period.
Consider La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane range, which has been formulated specifically for sensitive skin types. In the evening, opt for the Toleriane Dermallergo Overnight Moisturiser to intensely moisturise the face overnight and manage feelings of dryness and sensitisation. If you experience mild eczema-prone skin on your body, Lipikar AP+M Body Balm Cream can help to minimise scratching sensations and strengthen the skin moisture barrier.
OILY AND MILD ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Oily and mild acne-prone skin types commonly experience clogged pores and excess sebum production. So, is moisturiser good for oily or mild acne-prone skin? Applying moisturiser is still an important step for these skin types since it helps to balance moisture levels – this is especially helpful when using alongside exfoliants and cleansers.
You can start by using a non-comedogenic moisturiser that won’t block pores, so we suggest the Effaclar Duo + M Anti-Imperfections Moisturiser to help target congested skin. Not only does this moisturiser hydrate the skin, but it also lightly exfoliates and reduces excess oil, leaving a natural, matte finish.
MATURE SKIN
As we age, our skin’s natural oil production slows down, leading to increased dryness and a weakened skin moisture barrier. Skin dryness and dehydration can also enhance the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots and circles. Anti-ageing skincare routines are founded on the principle of adding moisture back into the skin, so you’ll want to seek out moisturisers specifically formulated for mature skin.
Redermic Vitamin C 10 Firming Moisturiser is enriched with vitamin C to improve skin radiance, reduce the appearance of fine lines and protect skin from free radicals. For an extra surge of hydration, consider a moisturiser formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 like Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Moisturiser. This hydrating face cream is renowned for its skin-plumping properties.
HOW TO APPLY MOISTURISER
You might wonder, can you over-moisturise your face? While this isn’t strictly true, moisturising alone without the help of other products doesn’t support an optimal skin cell renewal cycle and can cause a build-up of dead skin cells. As with all skincare products, the order in which you layer your moisturiser will impact its efficacy. So, do you apply serum before or after moisturiser? Should you apply sunscreen before or after moisturiser? Let’s break it down:
1.Cleanse your skin to remove oil, dirt, makeup and other impurities.
2.If you use toner, apply to freshly cleansed skin.
3.Apply any serums to slightly damp skin.
4.Directly follow with moisturiser to lock in your skincare products and seal in moisture.
5.Apply a broad-spectrum SPF (morning only).
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