Moisturizer 101

Even though moisturizers are the most basic product in your routine it gets tricky because you need to select an appropriate moisturizer according to your skin type. In this post I will be explaining what is a moisturizer, what your moisturizers should contain, which moisturizers are suitable for which skin types and product recommendations. If you like my posts then please do consider subscribing to my blogs and do comment below your feedbacks and what you would like me to write about in the future. 

What is a moisturizer? 

    After cleansing and treating your skin you need to give your skin the moisture back because these steps could be stripping your skin's moisture and it also contains healing and calming properties. It is the last step in your skincare routine which you should never skip. 

What does a moisturizer contain? 

    Your moisturizer should contain these key ingredients: humectants, occlusive and emollients. Always check for these three key ingredients in a moisturizers before you decide to buy a moisturizer. 

Humectants: These are one of the most common ingredients which are commonly found in moisturizing lotions and creams. They are known for retaining moisture of your skin. Humectants work by attracting water from the environment just like a magnet. They pull water from the environment into the surface layer of your skin. Some common humectants are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, sodium PCA, Ammonium lactate, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, etc. 

Emollients: Emollients are ingredients that remain in the surface layer of the skin to act as lubricants. They help maintain the soft, smooth, and pliable appearance of the skin. The type of emollient used in a moisturizer plays a key role in its "skin slip," which is the smooth feeling imparted to the skin after application. These contain ingredients like Butters, oils, esters, lipids, and fatty acids are all considered emollients.

Occlusive: These ingredient increase the water content of the skin by slowing the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin. These ingredients are often greasy and are most effective when applied to damp skin. They act as a barrier which holds the moisture in. The most common occlusive ingredients are petrolatum, silicones, waxes (like carnauba or beeswax), and most oils and butters

    So, to conclude we can say that a moisturizer works by attracting water from the environment and locks it in and prevents it from evaporating. Thus, preventing water loss and keeping your skin moisturized. 

Types of moisturizers: 

1. Gel based moisturizer: These are the best type of moisturizer for oily and acne prone skin types. These are very light weight and won't clog the pores for acne prone skin and usually gives a good moisturized skin. 

2. Cream based moisturizer: These moisturizers are best suited for dry skin types who need an extra boost of moisture. These products contain lots of emollients and occlusives. 

Product recommendations: 

1. Neutrogena hydro boost has two products one is a gel moisturizer and another is a cream based moisturizer. I have personally not used them but I have heard great reviews for these moisturizers. 

2. Minimalist 3% sepicalm moisturizer is a cream based but light weight moisturizer. I currently use this and it hasn't broken my skin out or given me closed comedones. It has a good mixture of humectants, emollients and occlusives which calms irritated skin. 

3. Re'equil also has a variety of moisturizers for different skin types.