What are moisturizers and are they really essential?
Moisturizers are skincare essentials that help maintain the water content in your skin, ensuring it stays healthy, hydrated, dewy and plump. However, due to external factors like weather, pollution and daily stress, your skin's water content can evaporate or become depleted. This is where moisturizers step in, either by retaining water in your skin or preventing its evaporation, helping you maintain a healthy and hydrated complexion.
Is there one moisturizer for all skin types?
Before diving into the types of moisturizers it’s important to understand their actual role beyond basic hydration.
Think of your skin barrier as a wall made up of "bricks" and "mortar":
- The "bricks" are tough dead skin cells.
- The "mortar" is made of lipids (fats and oils) that hold the bricks together.
A healthy skin barrier keeps water and nutrients inside while blocking harmful elements like dirt, bacteria and microbes. However, various factors can weaken this barrier and that's where moisturizers play a critical role, supporting and repairing your skin barrier.
Understanding types of moisturizer:
They are generally divided into three types based on how they interact with water in the skin: humectants, occlusives, and emollients.
Humectants: These draw water into your skin, holding onto it tightly to maintain hydration.
- Examples: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, urea.
- Think of them as: Water magnets working inside your skin.
Occlusives: These substances form a protective layer on your skin, preventing water from evaporating.
- Examples: Silicones, paraffin, petroleum jelly, shea butter, beeswax, cocoa butter.
- Think of them as: Shutting a door tightly to lock in water.
Emollients: These fill in cracks and gaps in your skin barrier, smoothing and softening the surface.
- Examples: Ceramides, squalene, fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol.
- Think of them as: Smoothing agents for texture and support.
How to choose the right moisturizer for your skin?
Selecting the perfect moisturizer can be overwhelming, especially when you consider different skin types and formulas. Here’s a quick guide to simplify the process:
Moisturizers Based on Skin Type
1. Cream-Based Moisturizers
- Best for: Dry skin
- Why: These contain occlusives and emollients that lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
2. Lotion-Based Moisturizers
- Best for: Combination or combination-to-dry skin
- Why: Lighter than creams these have fewer occlusives and provide balanced hydration.
3. Gel-Based Moisturizers
- Best for: Oily or combination-to-oily skin
- Why: Gel formulas are lightweight, rich in humectants and don’t feel heavy on the skin.
Face Oils vs. Moisturizers, which is better?
Face oils such as rosehip, jojoba or argan oil are popular but not a replacement for moisturizers. They can be added to routines for dry, non-acne-prone skin, especially in the PM routine. However, moisturizers remain more versatile and essential for daily hydration.
Now that we have addressed skin types and suitable moisturizers for each of the skin types, let’s discuss two of the most common myths about moisturizers and set the record straight.
Oily Skin Doesn’t Need a Moisturizer
A lot of people with oily skin believe they can skip moisturizers altogether. The truth? Skin oiliness and skin hydration are two completely different things. Even oily skin needs proper hydration to maintain a healthy balance. Skipping moisturizer can actually trigger your skin to produce more oil, which could produce more greasiness and lead to clogged pores. The key is to choose the right moisturizer, such as a lightweight, gel-based formula rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which hydrate without feeling heavy.
Silicones Are Bad for Your Skin
Silicones have been the subject of negative marketing trends in both skincare and haircare but let's break it down. Silicones, such as dimethicone have been used for decades and are backed by solid scientific research. Yes, like any ingredient, silicones have their pros and cons. However, their benefits far outweigh the myths. They’re excellent at locking in moisture, smoothing skin texture, and giving you that instant glow. They are not harmful when used correctly.
All in all, the key is to keep your skincare routine simple but with well suitable products. Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type and the right base—cream, lotion, or gel. Adjust for seasonal changes and specific skin concerns and you’ll have a well-hydrated, glowing complexion year-round.