Winter is intensely harsh on the skin in many countries, including Australia. Winter causes terrible damage to skin in several parts of the country. It’s like conditions similar to those found in the Sahara arise when the hot, dry heat indoors contrasts with the cold, dry air outdoors. This is exactly why the primary component of an excellent skin care regimen is applying a good moisturising on your face and body.
You might just grab the first moisturiser you see on the shelf in the hopes that it would work since there are unlimited options available, and the complex label terminology further makes it perplexing to make an informed choice. You might even assume that all moisturisers are created equal—after all, aren’t they just creams applied to the skin to keep it hydrated? Well, not really! The range of moisturising creams is immense, and each one has its unique feel, scent, and advantages for the skin. Examples include face creams, body and facial moisturisers, lotions and ointments specifically designed for dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin types.
Why Use a Moisturiser?
Most individuals pay profound attention to choosing and incorporating skin care products with active ingredients into their routine. However, they neglect the pivotal role their daily moisturiser can serve in terms of enhancing their skin texture and overall health. By acting as a protective barrier, it keeps your skin hydrated, thereby providing it with the nourishment it demands in order to retain its original condition. Its primary function is to impede water loss from the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, but because it functions as a barrier, it also helps shield your skin from environmental damage. Furthermore, it lowers the risk of developing skin issues like:
- Excessive dryness
- Oiliness
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
How to Pick the Right Moisturiser for Your Skin?
- Know Your Skin Type
Which type of skin do you have—oily, normal, dry, or a mix of both? Also, do you have sensitive skin, or is your skin susceptible to pimples and blackheads? The sort of moisturiser you choose should depend on the answers to these questions because facial moisturisers are made for different skin types. Your skin type falls into one of five categories due to a multitude of factors, including genes and the type of food you consume.
- Normal Skin: Normal skin's texture and tone are even, well-balanced, and neither overly greasy nor too dry. It is often less prone to sensitivity because of its small, hardly noticeable pores. Use a mild cleanser and gently dry your face to determine whether you have normal skin. If, an hour later, your skin still feels comfortable and isn't overly greasy or dry, you probably have normal skin.
- Oily Skin: Excess sebum produced by oily skin causes larger pores and a greasy appearance. Acne and blackheads are more likely to occur because of the excessive oil production. Wash your face and give it an hour to determine whether you have oily skin. You must have oily skin if your skin becomes shiny, especially in the T-zone (chin, nose, and forehead).
- Dry Skin: Lack of moisture in the skin causes rough patches that can cause flakes, which is a frequent problem associated with dry skin. In addition to causing texture changes, dry skin can be irritating. A quick test you may perform at home to determine whether you have dry skin is to lightly glide your fingertips over your skin without exerting pressure. If the skin texture isn’t smooth and shows signs of scaling, it’s most likely that you’ve got dry skin.
- Combination Skin: The features of combination skin include both dry and oily areas on the face. In general, the cheeks and other areas may be normal or dry, but the T-zone is usually oilier. Moreover, the T-zone often has larger pores, whereas the cheeks have smaller, less noticeable pores.
- Sensitive Skin: Extremely sensitive skin might respond negatively to skincare products, environmental factors, and even dietary adjustments. You might experience frequent redness, blotchiness, or visible irritation, along with a burning feeling. Some individuals also experience a feeling of tightness after washing their faces. Nevertheless, you can easily avoid this if you choose a gentle facial cleanser without any active ingredients or harsh chemicals.
- Check the Texture of the Moisturiser
Once you determine your skin type, you have to check the texture of the moisturiser to decide if it’s suitable for your skin. Here are our recommendations for each skin type:
For Normal Skin:
For those with normal skin types, searching for a moisturiser that retains hydration without feeling greasy or heavy is crucial. For example, a light lotion might be an ideal option. Hydrating components like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are usually used in these formulas because they offer enough moisture without blocking pores.
For Oily Skin:
A mild, non-comedogenic moisturiser that doesn't encourage the production of excess oil is beneficial for oily skin. The best moisturisers are those that are water- or gel-based since they hydrate without adding oil. The key is to remember that the texture should be fast-absorbing and lightweight, giving a matte effect on the skin.
For Dry Skin:
More intense hydration is necessary for dry skin. Emollients like coconut oil and shea butter are found in moisturisers for dry skin. Rich and thick in texture, it should act as a barrier to maintain the skin's moisture content all day. For example, facial moisturiser leaves your skin soft, velvety, and protected from external elements that could exacerbate its dryness.
For Combination Skin:
A well-rounded strategy is needed to treat the dry and oily parts of the face when dealing with combination skin. The T-zone benefits greatly from a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser, whereas the drier parts, including the cheeks, can use a somewhat richer composition. In order to effectively moisturise dry spots and prevent oil buildup in oily areas, the texture should be adaptable. We suggest using a foaming facial cleanser before applying your moisturiser because it helps control the oil production while nourishing the dry parts.
For Sensitive Skin:
Gentle, calming moisturisers with a short ingredient list are perfect for sensitive skin to prevent irritation or itching. Lotions are befitting, as they strengthen the skin barrier and offer a sufficient amount of hydration. Lavender oil and rosehip oil are renowned for their soothing qualities and work wonders for delicate skin. So, look for these ingredients when you choose a body lotion or a facial moisturiser for sensitive skin.
- Pay Attention to the Scent
It may surprise you to learn that the scent of your moisturiser matters because it will constantly be in close proximity to your nose. You may not realise this, but your moisturiser's scent matters a lot. Why? Because it will always be in close proximity to your nose! Your skincare routine will be more fun and tranquil if your face moisturiser has a pleasing aroma. In contrast, an overbearing or irritating odour can ruin the experience and discourage you from keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.
Besides, it is important to exercise caution when using scented moisturisers if you have:
- Sensitive skin
- Acne-prone skin
Perfumes and fragrances can often be bothersome and can cause allergic reactions or breakouts. Hence, choosing fragrance-free skin care products can reduce these risks to some extent. Before completely incorporating a new moisturiser into your skincare routine, always read the ingredient list for terms like "parfum" or "fragrance," and think about doing a patch test to be sure that it won't cause irritation.
- Look for Natural Ingredients
When compared to synthetic components, natural substances are often kinder and less susceptible to trigger discomfort or unfavourable reactions. They typically have advantageous qualities that uphold and improve the appearance and well-being of your skin. For example;
- Natural oils that feed the skin and help seal in moisture without blocking pores include coconut, jojoba, and argan oils.
- Apricot oil and wheat germ oil have calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them applicable to sensitive skin.
- Shea butter is a holy grail natural ingredient high in vitamins and vital fatty acids. It maintains the suppleness and elasticity of skin.
Furthermore, vitamins C and E, which are plant-based antioxidants, assist in protecting your skin from premature ageing. You can revitalise your skin more quickly thanks to the synergistic action of these natural ingredients!
Do’s for Moisturising Your Skin
Apply Moisturiser on Damp Skin: To lock in hydration, apply moisturiser as soon as you step out of the shower. Since damp skin is more absorbent, it is able to:
- Penetrate deeper into the skin
- Better retain moisture
By maintaining the natural barrier of your skin, this practice helps shield it from inflammation and dryness. You may also use a facial toner before using your moisturiser, as it soothes your skin and prepares it for maximum absorption. After applying an adequate amount of your face lotion or cream, gently massage your skin with a towel to remove any excess water for optimal benefits.
Listen to Your Skin: Keeping a refreshing skin calls for listening to your skin. Even while it's advantageous to follow a regular skincare regimen, it's paramount to modify it as necessary, particularly when the seasons change. :
- You might want products with higher moisture content in the winters
- You might need a lighter formula in the summers
Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Keep in mind that certain substances can deplete your skin of its natural oils, like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). So, abstain from these ingredients when you change your moisturiser, especially if your skin is reactive or sensitive, and choose soothing substances that aim to strengthen the barrier of your skin. Always:
- Keep an eye on how new products affect your skin
- Be ready to make any necessary adjustments to maintain a balanced and youthful skin
Use SPF: Regardless of the season or temperature, the most important step in any skincare routine is applying SPF after moisturising your skin. While moisturisers help to nourish and maintain the protective layer of your skin, they cannot shield you from the damaging effects of UV radiation. When sunscreen is applied, it creates a barrier that protects your skin from UV rays, which can culminate in:
- Sunburn
- Premature ageing
- A higher chance of developing skin cancer
Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 40 for the best possible protection. To guarantee optimal performance of each product, let your moisturiser absorb completely before putting on sunscreen.
The Bottom Line
All in all, picking the right moisturiser for your skin is a vital step to attaining radiant, glowing skin that not only appears beautiful but also has an optimum balance of hydration. Knowing your skin type and choosing a product with suitable ingredients will help you start a skin care regimen that meets your individual needs.
Looking for the best facial moisturiser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily? Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! At Uniquely Natural, we offer the best face moisturiser and body lotion composed of natural ingredients that uplift your overall skin appearance while giving long-lasting nourishment.