Skin moisturizer is a dehydrating cream that you apply daily as part of your skincare routine. You mainly use it on your neck and face after washing. Moisturizers and lotions are both hydrating products but aren't interchangeable.
Some people don't find the need to have a lotion and a moisturizer. They vary in thickness, ingredients, and application. That is why you need both products. Moisturizers will treat your dry skin and stop it from drying any further. It’s also a barrier that keeps your skin from harmful outside elements and prevents oils from escaping.
You should avoid using body lotion on your face. There are many moisturizers in the market from different brands. They are formulated for different skin types, including sensitive skin. Ensure you select the right moisturizer for your skin.
What Do Moisturizers Contain?
Moisturizers usually contain emollients, humectants, and preservatives. Of course, other ingredients may differ from one product to the next, but these are the three main categories. They can have fragrances, minerals, vitamins, and plant extracts added as ingredients. That's why you have to read the ingredients when buying to ensure you are not allergic to anything.
Emollients ingredients are the ones that help with smoothing the skin, lubricating, and filling in spaces between your skin cells. Humectants will absorb moisture from the atmosphere and keep it in your skin. Preservatives prevent any bacterial growth on the moisturizer.
Moisturizers can either be oil-based or water-based. Water-based moisturizers are better for people with acne-prone, oily, and normal skin. This is because they are less greasy and lighter. Oil-based moisturizers work well when you have dry skin. It offers intensive moisturizing that prevents dry skin from getting worse.
When you have sensitive skin, you should buy fragrance-free moisturizers. It’s the best way to prevent an unwanted breakout or allergic reaction. The best trick is to apply moisturizer after a shower or when your skin is damp. The cream will spread more quickly and trap water in your skin and prevent it from evaporating.
How Moisturizers Work
You already know moisturizers keep your skin hydrated and looking good all the time. But there are different types of moisturizers, and they work slightly differently from one another. The product you buy should be able to deliver the kind of effects you are looking for; otherwise, it can be a waste of money. To help you figure out which product is for you, here are three types of moisturizers and how they work.
Specialized Moisturizers
Specialized moisturizers have special ingredients tailored to skin needs like acne, anti-aging, or sensitivity. The anti-aging moisturizer is one of the most common in this category. Manufacturers claim it will help you achieve a youthful glow on your skin with consistent use.
If you want to fade stretch marks, reduce wrinkles or get a fake sun-kissed glow, there is a moisturizer out there for you. Many over-the-counter moisturizers claim to reduce stretch marks or wrinkles. Most doctors say they are not very effective. You should look for a high-quality, specialized product that delivers results.
Whatever reason you have to buy a specialized moisturizer, ensure you are keen when selecting. Ingredients like retinoid, vitamin C, and copper peptides help smooth out wrinkles. By looking at the ingredients, you will be able to tell what special job the moisturizer does. Skin-darkening moisturizers will give you that summer glow without exposing yourself to the sun.
Non-Comedogenic Moisturizers
Non-comedogenic refers to skincare or cosmetic products that don’t block your pores. These are less likely to cause an acne breakout compared to other moisturizers. People with oily, acne-prone skin prefer staying away from moisturizers altogether because they are afraid of a breakout. But if you pick an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer, you can use it without any worry, even with oily skin.
The pimples associated with acne are usually hard to manage. So it's understandable why most people with sensitive or acne-prone skin are afraid of such products. You can keep the skin hydrated without risking a nasty breakout when you avoid blocking your pores. Non-comedogenic moisturizers are usually lighter because they are oil-free.
Most experts advise people with oily skin to use all non-comedogenic products. You can buy a non-comedogenic shampoo and buy moisturizers that leave extra oil on your skin or block the pores. Ensure everything, including makeup, cleansers, and sunscreen, is non-comedogenic. This ensures that everything you use on your skin will not trigger any reaction.
Protective Moisturizers
All moisturizers are protective in a sense. They create a helpful barrier that protects your skin from the environment. It also keeps the skin hydrated and protects it from drying. But protective moisturizers contain sunscreen, antioxidants, and occlusive emollients. That’s why it is considered more protective to your skin.
Occlusive emollients prevent water loss from your skin, keeping it hydrated for long periods. The antioxidants will fight any free radicals. This will help you maintain the skin glow you have been looking for. The sunscreen ingredient is meant to protect the skin from UV rays.
Get a protective moisturizer if you feel like your skin can significantly benefit from these ingredients. It's like having three or more products in one. It can be confusing when deciding which product to buy. What you need to consider before anything else is your skin’s needs.
What to Consider When Buying Skin Moisturizers
The main thing to consider is your skin type. If you are oily, a lighter moisturizer that is water-based is the best option. When you are dryer, you will need more nourishment so go for the oil-based products. If you don't know the type of skin you have, you can do a quick test. Wash your face, pat it dry and see how the skin feels. If it's tight and uncomfortable, you have dry skin. If it feels fine, your skin is most likely oily.
The other thing is the ingredients in the product. Make sure your moisturizer does more than one job. It should have at least antioxidants or sunscreen in the ingredients. That is how you get the most out of the product. Sometimes the brand of the moisturizer can be a factor when you are out shopping.
Avoid products with too many acids. They can penetrate the skin too deeply and cause damage to your delicate skin. Products with alcohol are also not the best, no matter your skin type. You should also know that what is good for your body isn't suitable for your face. Stay away from products with body-friendly ingredients. The moisturizer should only be meant for your face.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you can differentiate a lotion from a moisturizer and determine what a moisturizer does with this text. Your skin needs all the love and care you can give. Dry skin is never pleasing, and when you leave it dry for long, it will have a negative impact. That is why moisturizers are a must in your cabinet.
