SKINCARE 101- MOISTURIZERS

What is a moisturizer ?

A moisturizer is something that most of you will know about. There are different types of moisturizers for different skin types, but the basic function of a moisturizer is to lock in moisture, prevent Trans epidermal water loss and maintaining its overall health.

Why do you need to moisturize ?

There are many misconceptions surrounding moisturizers, and today’s blog will solve most of them. Some with oily skin people believe that if they have oily skin they don’t need a moisturizer, that’s not the case, to hydrate itself the skin produces more oil, thus skin making it even oilier, this can cause breakouts, also damage the moisture barrier of the skin. It all depends on the type of moisturizer you use, inevitably your moisturizer is going to solve the problems that you are facing with hydration in your skin. Trans epidermal water loss or T.E.W.L is process through water leaves our bodies and often times water leaver our body through the skin through this process we tend to see dehydrated skin, increase in aging, dark spots, fine lines etc. The purpose of a moisturizer is to lock all that moisture and hydration in the skin.

What type of moisturizer do you need ?

When buying a moisturizer there are some very harmful ingredients that you need to avoid.

· Alcohol- these are labelled as SD alcohol, alcohol, isopropyl. These are going to overly strip your skin of hydration, cause sensitivity and premature aging or some really bad reactions. A lot of moisturizers aimed towards oily skin have high amounts of alcohol in them , make sure to check the ingredients before buying.

Types of moisturizers

·

Gel or water cream moisturizer- if you are someone with oily skin this is for you. This is gel based, light weight and a fast absorbing formula that does not heaving on the skin, so you won’t sweat it out through the day

· Gel to cream moisturizer. Best suited for people with combination skin, oily in some and dry in other areas. These are not too lightweight or too heavy on the skin.

· Thick creams- Best for people with dry skin. These are thick and deliver the most hydration to the dry skin and keep the skin hydrated without the need to moisturize the skin throughout the day

· Night cream- if you want to get fancy, night cream is for you or you are in your in your 30s. It’s the best to prevent that TEWL.

How to apply a moisturizer?

Just be gentle, imagine touching someone else’s face while applying products. Take a small amount in your fingers, rub it in your hands then gently massage it into your skin, make sure you are pressing enough so that the skin can soak it. Don’t be too harsh or abrasive or fast when applying it to your skin. Remember skin-care is self-care. Make sure to moisturize your neck and décolletage as this where we tend to see aging the quickest. Tip- if you have oily skin, make sure to pat the moisturizer so you don’t sweat it out throughout the day.

Sunscreen

None of this will matter if you don’t use a sunscreen and your treatments will not work as effectively as they should. 90% of pre-mature aging is due to sun exposure alone. If you use AHA or BHA treatments your skin needs some extra sun protection as you may or may not have a bad reaction. Some studies have shown that mixing a vitamin c product n your sunscreen enhances its effects. It is extremely necessary if you have your skin conditions like acne, rosace.