Moisturizers should provide essential protection and lock in moisture to your skin barrier function, while simultaneously providing essential hydration and smoothing effects. When selecting a moisturizer formula it’s essential that it fits with you perfectly for best results.
For dry skin, the following ingredients may help: occlusive ingredients that create a protective seal; moisturizing ingredients (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin ) that draw in water from the environment; barrier repair ingredients like ceramides and polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone;
What is a moisturizer?
Moisturizing prevents dry skin, hydrates the face, improves its appearance and health and can protect against premature wrinkles. Moisturization should be applied after showering, shaving or exfoliating (if applicable).
Moisturizers come in all forms: gels, lotions, creams and ointments. Each formula offers its own specific consistency, appearance, absorption rate and optimal use.
Some moisturizers contain humectants, which draw water into the outer layers of skin, while some boast occlusive properties (which create a seal over the top layer), making them effective against conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Others contain fragrances or penetration enhancers for cosmetic benefit.
Moisturizers are an integral component of daily skin care and dermatologists often recommend and prescribe moisturizers as part of treatment for various dermatoses that involve altered or reduced epidermal barrier function, including atopic dermatitis and diaper rash. Mastery of moisturizer formulation, application and clinical use is vital in supporting health workers who recommend these products for therapeutic and evidence-based uses.
How to use a moisturizer
First step to skin health is selecting an ideal moisturizer to address your specific needs and concerns. There are a range of textures available including gels, lotions, creams and ointments – we suggest selecting a CeraVe moisturizer tailored specifically to meet these criteria and your skincare routine.
After cleansing, apply moisturizer. For maximum absorption, try applying it when skin is slightly damp; this will allow for faster absorption.
Apply your moisturizer in front of a mirror to get an accurate measurement of how much to use. Too little will not provide you with adequate moisture balance; but too much may create an unattractive heavy or greasy appearance or lead to build-up that clogs pores. Remember Goldilocks; you want “just right.” For optimal results, moisturize daily: for best results this should mean lighter gel textures in warmer climates and heavier cream formulations in colder environments. Regular application can prevent dryness while simultaneously strengthening skin barrier functions that protect from external aggressors.
When to use a moisturizer
Moisturizer should be applied immediately following washing or showering to help seal in moisture and make application easier. Moisturizing also provides the perfect opportunity to absorb serums or treatments more readily into the skin, providing optimal conditions for absorption of their active ingredients.
The most effective face moisturizers contain ingredients such as petrolatum-based occlusives, humectants, emollients and barrier repair ingredients such as ceramides to seal in moisture. Occlusives create a barrier around water in order to keep out dry air; humectants draw water up through layers of skin into outer layers from within and the atmosphere; emollients smooth rough areas by filling cracks; while barrier repair ingredients like ceramides help restore barriers against loss through skin surfaces.
Avoid common extras such as added colors and perfumes that can cause irritation and clog pores. Furthermore, it’s wise to refrain from body-friendly ingredients like lanolin, mineral oil, waxes and shea butter as these can clog your pores leading to acne on the face.
What type of moisturizer is best for my skin
Moisturizers come in various forms, from gels and lotions to creams and ointments. While gels tend to be water-based and feel lighter on the skin, lotions and creams usually contain additional oil for extra hydration; an ointment provides thickest protection and hydration – something particularly helpful for dry skin conditions.
Dermatologists often suggest opting for moisturizers without ingredients that could irritate skin, such as colors or fragrances that could clog pores and lead to acne breakouts or other issues.
If you have oily skin, look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer with a light feel and no clogging pores; this will help prevent breakouts. For combination skin types, consider selecting products with complementary formulas; for instance combining light serums like those containing hyaluronic acid and niacinamide with rich body butters may produce great results on complexions alike.
