THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO MOISTURISERS

January 22, 2024

Written by Elsie Botchway

January 22, 2024

Written by Elsie Botchway

Whether you are a beginner in the skincare game or a well seasoned pro, moisturising is one of the most important stages in your skincare routine. Why? Well a ‘good’ moisturiser not only nourishes and hydrates, but provides protection, enforcing the skin barrier, seals in nutrients into the skin, keeps blemishes at bay and boosts radiance and brightness. That being said, we will be talking all things moisturising and spotlight some of our favourite products.

WHAT ARE MOISTURISERS?

A moisturiser is a lotion, cream, emulsion or balm formulated with emollients to hydrate the surface layers of the skin, seal and lock in moisture and nutrients, while protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.

HOW DO FACE MOISTURISERS WORK?

Without getting too complex, effectively face moisturisers work in two realms, they either trap/inject moisture into your skin creating a temporary seal or they restore lost moisture in the outer layer of your skin. Now for the real juice, let’s educate!

Moisturisers have four classes of ingredients: Occlusives, like petrolatum, form a protective seal; Humectants, like hyaluronic acid and bionic acid, pull in water from deeper skin layers and the atmosphere; Emollients, like glycerin, fill in cracks and roughness, helping to smooth the skin; and Barrier-repair ingredients, like ceramides and the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) gluconolactone, replace natural fats and skin conditioners, helping the skin barrier to function optimally. Complex but simple? Generally most moisturisers are formulated with a combination of ingredients and it's up to us to try to identify our skin type/skin concern.

WHAT ARE THE 4 TYPES OF MOISTURISERS AND WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU?

Layering the right moisturiser for your skin’s needs is crucial, but how do you know which type of moisturiser is best for your skin type? Let’s start with understanding the four different types of face moisturisers, hopefully this guide will help you identify which would work best for you.

What is a gel?

Gels are transparent, oil-free, water-based and absorb faster. Gels are especially useful in hot months, with strong hydration abilities. Gels are beneficial for oily skin because they contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which is good for capturing water molecules in the epidermis, preventing a greasy effect.

What is cream?

Creams are mostly white and have a thicker texture, taking more time for the skin to absorb. This long-time absorption means that it also creates a long-lasting protective layer on your skin, with the sticky feeling we mentioned above. Creams, although water-based, contain oils and fat, most beneficial for dry and sensitive skin types.

What is an ointment?

Ointments have a semisolid yellow paraffin-based, thick texture. With an oil-based ointments are heavier/non-porous and create a strong film on the skin giving long lasting moisture and absorption to the skin, perfect for extremely dry skin.

What is a lotion?

Lotions are effectively a lightweight moisturiser, featuring a high concentration of water. They absorb easily into the skin and provide hydration and a light protection barrier, most ideal for oily or combination skin types.

THE BENEFITS OF MOISTURISERS

Hydrate the skin
Boost brightness and radiance in skin
Fight against blemishes
Build resilience against UV rays

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE MOISTURISERS AND HOW DO I APPLY MOISTURISERS?

The best benefit to your skin is applying a face moisturiser twice daily, this should be incorporated into your AM and PM routine. We always advise using a heavier moisturiser in your PM routine and something lighter with added SPF in your AM routine. Our best tip? Apply moisturiser at least 30 minutes before getting into bed, this will allow full absorption rather than treating your pillow to some skincare!

The order you may ask? We say go in order of lightest to the heaviest consistency. Always prep your skin and start with a clean base by double cleansing to remove any debris, followed by toners and serums then your moisturiser. Make sure your moisturiser is fully absorbed making sure to cover your face, neck and décolletage.