Face Moisturizer – Why, When, and How to Use It

Moisturizer
is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine – so we have heard,
but is it? Let’s find out.

To
figure out this seemingly easy question, let’s start by defining this staple
skincare step that the beauty industry cannot stop raging about. Moisturizer is
basically a skincare emollient that helps in conditioning the skin, and further
locking in moisture at deeper levels. This helps in keeping the skin protected,
soft, and supple.

Image Source: Pexels

Mind you, this little preparation can be available in many
formats. You’ll find moisturizing lotions, creams, gels, mousses, and whatnot.
All these forms of a simple moisturizer do what they are supposed to –
moisturize (duh), in different ways for varying skin types and concerns.

Why do you need to use a face moisturizer?

Now
that you know what a moisturizer does, let us understand why is it so important
to have a dedicated facial moisturizer.

As
we age, our body slows down and so does its day-to-day processes. It produces
lesser collagen, has a decreased ability to retain moisture and hydration, and
ultimately races to the ageing process. When you moisturize regularly, it provides
your skin with necessary ailments and nutrients to keep it soft and plump and
keeps the signs of ageing at bay.

It
is also crucial to have a dedicated face moisturizer as opposed to a body
moisturizer. This is because the skin on our face is much more delicate and
sensitive when compared to the skin on our body. Therefore, the formulas for
body moisturizers are composed to work on coarser skin. Facial moisturizers are
gentler and more appropriate to be used on the thin skin on your face.

Do you really need to moisturize?

In
short, yes. Every skin should ideally be kept moisturized in one way or the
other. A moisturizer is your safest (and the easiest) bet to keeping your skin
protected against irritation, ageing, dryness and many more skincare evils. But
which moisturizer is the perfect pick for you?

1.    
Dry skin

Use heavy moisturizing creams with nourishing ingredients like
hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides, and other nourishing formulas. Oil-based
formulations also work as one of the best moisturizers for dry skin.

2.    
Oily skin

To save oily skin from over moisturization, one should stick to
light ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Moisturizers with a
soothing gel base also make for the best moisturizers for oily skin.

3.    
Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin can be very tricky when it comes to skincare. One
wrong pick, and boom! Rashes and irritation everywhere. Stay safe and look for
terms like hypoallergenic, dermatologist-recommended, and suitable for
sensitive skin. Stay clear of moisturizers with fragrance, essential oils and
strong exfoliating acids.

4.    
Acne-prone skin

Acne-prone skin requires cooling and healing moisturizers. Apart
from being lightweight and easy to absorb, the perfect anti-acne moisturizer
also contains anti-acne ingredients like tea tree oil, or irritation curbing
ingredients like chamomile.

5.    
Blemished skin

Blemished skin can use a lightly exfoliating face moisturizer that
not only moisturizes the skin properly but also promotes quicker skin-cell
regeneration.

When to use a face moisturizer?

Ideally,
you should be using your face moisturizer twice a day. Once in the morning and
once at night time, before you go to bed. You should also keep your night and
day moisturizers separate. While your day time moisturizer should focus on
providing nourishment and protection against the sun, your night time
moisturizer should aim toward healing, repairing and intense moisturization.
This is due to the fact that our body completely only rests at night when we’re
sleeping. This gives your skin the time to regenerate and heal for better
health.

How to correctly use a facial moisturizer?

Always
use your moisturizer on cleansed skin. Start by removing your makeup, and then
progress to cleansing with a foaming/non-foaming cleanser. This method of
double cleansing will ensure that your skin gets rid of stubborn makeup or
sunscreen residue from your pores. Applying any skincare on top of uncleaned
skin can clog your pores and cause breakouts, blackheads or pigmentation.

You
can also use a cleansing toner after using your face wash. If you have any
essences or serums in your skincare routine, apply them after cleansing
(essence first, serum second) before going ahead with your facial moisturizer.