How to choose the best moisturiser for your skin?
The beauty market is flooded with numerous moisturisers, making it challenging to select the right one for your skin and know when to apply it for optimal results. If you find yourself in this dilemma, worry not! We have a quick crash course to guide you.
Understanding moisturisers and their function
Moisturisers are skincare products designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, maintaining its health and appearance. They typically contain water and various active ingredients, such as mineral oils, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and more. These ingredients fall into three main categories:
Occlusives: Create a protective barrier on the skin's surface to seal in moisture and prevent water loss. Examples include petrolatum, mineral oil, and silicones.
Humectants: Attract and retain moisture from the air, boosting hydration levels. Common humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and sorbitol.
Emollients: Smooth and soften the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells, promoting a supple texture. Shea butter, cocoa butter, and plant oils are examples of emollients.
How does it work?
When you apply a moisturiser to your skin, it forms a protective layer that helps to trap water and maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. This prevents the skin from becoming excessively dry and helps soothe and hydrate the skin, improving its overall texture and appearance.
Choosing the right moisturiser for your skin type
From literal snail mucus to moisturisers claiming to give Korean glass-like skin, the market today has an abundance of them. But how to choose the right one for your skin? Just Remember:
Dry Skin: Look for moisturisers with rich, emollient ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, natural oils, and hyaluronic acid.
Oily Skin: Opt for oil-free, lightweight moisturisers, and choose gel-based or water-based options to avoid excessive oiliness and breakouts.
Combination Skin: Balance dry and oily areas with lightweight lotions or gel creams.
Sensitive Skin: Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturisers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and oats.
Normal Skin: Experiment with moisturisers that provide a good balance of moisture and natural oil, choosing light lotions or creams based on personal preferences.
Acne-Prone Skin: Use products suitable for sensitive skin, and consider moisturisers with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.
Mature or Aging Skin: Select moisturisers with anti-ageing properties, such as those containing retinol.
[READ MORE: Snail mucus is the new Insta fad and claims to have superb skin benefits, but does it work?]
Applying moisturiser in your skincare routine
Use one moisturiser for both morning and nighttime routines. Opt for a product backed by scientific studies for effective results, avoiding viral trends lacking substantial research. For the application process, follow this simple routine:
Toner
Serums
Moisturisers
SPF (morning)
Apply an ample amount of moisturiser, similar to your sunscreen, until your face feels well-hydrated.