Are You Using the Right Moisturizer?

The leaves change, the weather turns and just like that... the skin is working over time to keep from drying out. Harsh conditions leave little love for the skin. Do your part to keep your largest organ healthy by using the right moisturizer. Moisturizing is not only for those with dry skin. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, make sure to moisturize daily. Simply put, hydrated skin is feels better. Moisturizer is a proactive step in skin health. The more moisturized skin is, the less likely it is to get irritated and inflamed.

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When it comes down to it, there are 3 different types of moisturizers you can use. These are humectants, emollients, and occlusives. All work hydration magic but each have unique properties for their respective purposes. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see 2 or even 3 types of moisturizers paired in a product. Although depending on your needs, one might be enough. Your skin type and condition will guide you to the right product.

Humectants

Humectants are moisturizers that attract and absorb water. Consider the molecule as a sponge that attracts then retains moisture. You’ll use a humectant to draw and hold hydration to the area of application. Humectants are great for daily hydration. Humectants you may know and love are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid. Humectants are great to add into your skin care routine to help plump the skin and prevents premature signs of aging.

Emollients

Emollients are any product that traps water into the skin. If you think of skin cells like bricks, emollients are the mortar between bricks to make the skin barrier. You can tell if you have a weakened skin barrier if the skin is irritated, dry, or flaky. Squalene and ceramides are emollients that are naturally found in skin. You can use emollients everywhere but especially where your skin (or hair) needs TLC. It’s not uncommon to have a product do double duty as an emollient and humectant or occlusive.

Occlusives

Think of occlusives as bubble wrap for your skin. Occlusives protect all the moisture you currently have and locks it in. This prevents evaporation. Occlusive seal, protect, and promote a healthy skin barrier. These work best with the addition of humectants and emollients. Ingredients like lanolin or petrolatum keep moisture in thus the skin hydrated.

While it may seem like a lot, most moisturizers can do double or even triple duty. You’ll know if your moisturizer is working in about 2 weeks with consistent use. Utilizing the right moisturizer is essential to skin health. Just remember it’s half the battle. Keep your skin protected by applying SPF, keeping hydrated and wearing protective gear. Shop the moisturizer edit here.