Putting together a skincare regimen can sometimes feel overwhelming. Adding to consumers’ overwhelm are the multitude of brands and types of moisturizers that are on the market today.
But the good news is that skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, only the very basics are necessary to keep skin vibrant, supple, and healthy.
Along with a high-quality face wash and toner, people should also put effort into purchasing a clean, all-natural moisturizer for their skin. A good moisturizer should contain natural ingredients, plenty of vitamins and minerals to help nourish the skin, and an SPF to help protect the skin during the daylight hours.
Some of the best moisturizers on the market are free from unnecessary oils, will not clog pores (non-comedogenic), and have been extensively tested by experts and dermatologists for potential allergies to consumers. Consumers should focus on products that contain Vitamin A and B5 to help maintain the skin’s elasticity and raise moisture levels, Vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants, to help protect and prevent damage to the skin, and is PABA-Free with an SPF of 15 to help guard against premature wrinkles and lines.
When is the Best Time to Moisturize?
It’s imperative to moisturize the skin directly after bathing, shaving, or exfoliating. Most people typically use moisturizer up to twice a day. It’s necessary to moisturize after bathing because all of the oils and moisture is stripped from the skin through the use of hot water.
So, even though hot water might feel relaxing and rejuvenating, it can also leave skin feeling dry and dehydrated. This is why it’s important to never skip out on using moisturizer.
Can Moisturizer Keep Skin Youthful?
The skin of the face, neck, ears, and chest is delicate and sensitive to changes in the environment. Additionally, these areas also shed skin cells faster than other areas of the body, so they need moisture in order to repair themselves.
When the skin is well moisturized, younger skin cells can properly come to the surface. As an added bonus, when moisturizer is massaged into the skin, circulation is increased, blood is brought to the surface, and new cell generation can begin.
Moisturizing skin can also help to reduce issues such as oiliness or dryness. If the skin is too dry or too oily, it can lead to conditions like acne or eczema.
A great moisturizer can also help to conceal blemishes. Regularly moisturizing the skin will cause it to have a healthy glow. Moreover, moisturizers with a slight tint or a self-tanner in them can help to even out unbalanced skin tones.
Even though there are many different product options on today’s market, brands like Kashmere Kollections craft moisturizers that are designed to calm and soothe, or hydrate and correct various issues with the skin. In searching for high-quality moisturizers that are affordable and made from clean, natural ingredients, this is one of the brands that should be at the top of consumers’ list to try.
Tips to Properly Moisturize
Now that the importance of moisturizing the skin has been explained, it’s now time to learn some tips to properly moisturize skin so that people can get the most out of the skincare products they buy. Proper moisturizing will not only lead to healthier skin, it can also help people achieve that healthy glow that they’ve been seeking. Below are some helpful tips to keep skin glowing, healthy, and hydrated:
- Be Mindful Of Water Temperature - Even though hot showers or baths feel relaxing, they’re not that great for the skin. A good rule of thumb is to shower or bathe for shorter periods of time in warm water.
- Never Rub Skin To Dry Off - Always pat skin dry instead of rubbing after taking a shower. Patting the skin helps it to retain moisture. This moisture is then sealed in as moisturizer is applied after a bath or a shower.
- Stay Hydrated - Any type of moisture the skin receives, whether internal or external, will help it to stay supple, glowing, and hydrated. People should aim to consume at least eight glasses of purified water each day.
- Use Gentle Cleansers - Facial cleansers and shampoos that are made with alcohol can strip away the natural oils from skin. The best cleansers and shampoos are mild, natural, fragrance-free, and contain aloe and other additional vitamins and minerals.
- Humidifiers Help - Daily or nightly use of a humidifier can add some much-needed moisture into the air when things feel dry inside of a house or apartment.
- Pay Attention To Hands - The hands are affected by environmental changes more than any other parts of the body. Therefore, moisturizer should be applied to hands directly after washing.
- Don't Forget The Sunscreen - When outside, whether it’s sunny or not, moisturizer with sunscreen should be applied. Depending on the outdoor activity, aim to apply a low or high SPF moisturizer/sunscreen.
- Lips Are Important Too - Have a lip balm readily available. Frequent application of lip balm helps to keep lips moisturized and also helps to heal dry, cracked lips. As an added bonus, a lip balm with an SPF can also be applied in lieu or regular lip balm.
How to Properly Moisturize the Skin
While properly moisturizing skin is important, there are other steps that need to be taken before moisturizer is applied. Learning the right way to cleanse and moisturize skin can help keep it healthy, glowing, and soft for a lifetime. Below are the steps that should be taken in order to have clean, healthy skin:
- First Properly Remove All Makeup: Use a gentle makeup remover to take off any makeup that’s on the face at the end of the day. Pores naturally purge toxins from the skin overnight as we sleep, and sleeping with makeup on can hinder this process. Removing makeup will give the pores the opportunity to do their job.
- Steer Clear of Harsh Cleansers: When cleansing the skin, choose natural cleaners that are gentle on the skin. Harsh cleansers can not only irritate skin, but they can also strip the skin of even more of its natural oils. A recent study found that harsh cleansers prevented skin molecules from staying natural and healthy. After makeup is removed, the next step is to gently cleanse the face, jaw, and neck.
- Use Warm Water to Cleanse and Rise: As the skin is being cleansed, use warm water to rinse the cleanser off. Extremely hot water can be damaging to delicate skin by causing unnecessary irritation.
- Try Gentle Exfoliation: Even though exfoliation is an optional step, it still can be helpful in removing dead skin cells. Exfoliation can help keep the skin bright and healthy. When selecting an exfoliant, make sure that it’s gentle and natural. Moreover, exfoliation should only be done once or twice a week. However, if the exfoliant is gentle enough, then it may be used almost every day. Additionally, dermatologists recommend cleansers or separate exfoliating products that contain lactic acid, fruit enzymes, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid, as these ingredients can help clear pores and remove dead skin cells.
- Pat Skin Dry After Washing and Exfoliating: As mentioned earlier, patting the skin dry after washing and exfoliating will help it to retain moisture. Be sure to use a clean, soft towel to pat skin dry after cleansing.
- Don’t Forget to Use Toner: Even though it’s not a necessary step in the cleansing process, spraying or applying toner to skin after cleansing, exfoliating, and drying can help rebalance the skin. When the skin is cleansed, it’s stripped of necessary oils. Toners are liquid formulas that can help to rebalance the skin’s pH and protect from bacteria and harm. Look for toners that contain gentle, natural ingredients like rosewater, witch hazel, or chamomile. Pat skin dry with the clean hands to push the toner into the cells.
- Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Once the toner is dry on the skin, it’s now time to moisturize. As stated before, opt for clean, natural moisturizers that will be nourishing and gentle to the skin. Moisturizer will protect the skin from overdrying by locking in moisture, and will also shield it from the sun’s rays if there’s an SPF included in the formulation. Some people opt to use two moisturizers in their skincare routine, as there are products made specifically for both day and night time use. Ultimately, everyone’s skincare routine is unique, therefore, each consumer will use products that work best for their individual needs and goals.
Final Thoughts on Moisturizer
If dry skin is a constant issue, then a high-quality, natural, and gentle moisturizer can be a quick and easy solution. Remember, the skin of the face, neck, ears, and jaw is sensitive and delicate. Therefore, knowing how to properly take care of the skin can help protect it from daily environmental assaults, as well as keep it looking and feeling young, glowing, soft, and smooth.
When choosing a moisturizer, it’s always important to take a few moments to read and look into its ingredients. Opt for brands that have a solid reputation for making clean, effective, and safe products. Moisturizer should be used day and night after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning the skin.
Lastly, if there are any persistent issues that don’t seem to resolve with daily upkeep of the skin, then it’s important to consult with a dermatologist, skincare specialist, or other healthcare professional. These professionals can examine the skin, diagnose issues, and give options for products or prescription skincare products that can help calm irritation and alleviate dryness.
References
- “Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 May 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273.
- Reprinted with permission by the Oncology Nursing Society from Site Specific Cancer Series: Skin Cancer. Muehlbauer. “Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin : Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.” LWW, journals.lww.com/jdnaonline/Fulltext/2011/07000/Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_the_Skin.3.aspx. Accessed 10 June 2024.
- Skowron, Krzysztof, et al. “Human Skin Microbiome: Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Skin Microbiota.” Microorganisms, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7998121/.
- Walters, Russel M, et al. “Cleansing Formulations That Respect Skin Barrier Integrity.” Dermatology Research and Practice, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3425021/.
RV Team
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