Moisturizers provide many benefits, from preventing water loss and adding moisture to easing dry spots to helping diminish fine lines and wrinkles, increasing elasticity and encouraging firmer skin.
Moisturizers that work best for each skin type vary in texture, thickness and formulation – they all serve one main function of hydrating.
Hydration
Moisturizing is an integral component of a healthy skincare regime and essential in maintaining skin moisture levels. A moisturizer is defined as any product which helps seal in moisture to the epidermis and prevent trans-epidermal water loss – this may take the form of creams, lotions or ointments designed to seal in moisture or seal against trans-epidermal water loss.
Moisturizers may contain different components that provide different benefits: occlusives (like petrolatum), humectants like glycerin and emollients like lanolin/glycerol stearate can all provide unique solutions that meet different needs of skin hydration: occlusives act as barriers that seal in moisture from outside, while humectants draw water in from within (or, during humid conditions, from air); while emollients/lanolin/Glycerol Stearate soften and smooth the surface.
Choose a moisturizer with the optimal balance of ingredients can make a significant difference in how well it serves the skin. Patients suffering from psoriasis, acne, dry skin or other skin conditions may find relief using one that contains both occlusives and humectants to meet individual needs, in addition to antioxidants, vitamins, peptides or skin-lightening agents that provide additional benefit.
Anti-Aging
Moisturizers help improve skin texture and promote overall wellness, even for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Skipping this essential step may cause further oil production from your pores, aggravating acne issues. Opting for lightweight moisturizers designed not to clog up pores will provide adequate hydration while keeping skin balanced and healthy.
Moisturizer ingredients that use occlusives (petrolatum, lanolin and glycerin) as occlusives help seal off water loss from skin layers; humectants (hyaluronic acid and gluconolactone) draw in water from the atmosphere or deeper skin layers; barrier repair agents like ceramides and polyhydroxy acids such as niacinamide help the skin barrier function optimally.
Even though moisturizing alone won’t reduce fine lines and wrinkles, ingredients like peptides help relax muscles to smooth skin texture while antioxidants and vitamins may help discoloration issues. Look for moisturizers containing these anti-aging ingredients such as an anti-wrinkle night cream for best results.
Prevents Acne
Moisturizers can help prevent acne even on oily skin by protecting against itching, and relieving any associated itching with anti-itch agents like menthol. Furthermore, some moisturizers claim to bolster or nourish skin with antioxidant vitamins such as C (ascorbic acid) and E (tocopheryl acetate).
Moisturize after cleansing; your skin absorbs moisturizer more readily through damp skin than dry. Apply a small amount of moisturizer on both face and body avoiding rubbing; pat dry with clean towels instead of dirty ones to ensure maximum absorption of essential hydrating ingredients.
Moisturizers with noncomedogenic (non-clogging ingredients) are essential when treating acne-prone skin, such as mineral oils, lanolin, paraffin, petrolatum, squalane, isopropyl isostearate, caster oil propylene glycol octyl stearate and dimethicone are among many examples. Other anti-inflamatory agents including aloe vera and witch hazel can be helpful when combined with topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids for further relief of symptoms.
Lightweight
Lightweight moisturizers can be an invaluable ally in fighting oily skin because they absorb quickly without leaving behind an oily film. To maximize hydration levels, look for products with powerful humectants (such as hyaluronic acid which attracts water to the skin), and ceramides which strengthen the skin barrier and help prevent moisture loss.
If you prefer the feeling of using serum on your face, Tatcha offers this lightweight emulsion which feels like water on your skin. Packed with antioxidants such as niacinamide to control excess sebum production and Japanese leopard lily to tighten pores, this lightweight formula may just be what’s missing for your routine!
This light hydration serum boasts the additional advantage of being non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores – perfect for acne-prone or sensitive skin types! We suggest pairing this moisturizer with an SPF and cleanser for an effective summer skincare regime.
