What is a Face Moisturiser & What Does Moisturiser Do?
A face moisturiser is one of the most vital parts of a daily skincare routine as it helps to hydrate the surface layers of the skin with emollients and humectants.
Face moisturisers come in a variety of textures such as creams, gels, ointments, lotions, and balms, and should be used by all skin types to keep the skin barrier strong and healthy. The texture and choice of moisturiser you choose is largely down to personal choice and skin type.
Drier skin types, for instance, may benefit more from ointments and creams, while lighter gels are better suited to oily skin types. Read on to find out more about this skincare essential.
Understanding Moisturiser
Moisturiser is an integral part of a skincare routine as it helps to support the skin’s natural protective barrier. This barrier protects the skin from viruses and bacteria while helping to retain water and lipids responsible for maintaining the skin’s suppleness.
While the skin creates its own natural lipids and hydration, our environment and lifestyle can compromise the skin barrier’s effectiveness. Pollution, UV radiation, harsh climates, humidity, and central heating are just a few examples of the everyday elements our skin faces - all of which can cause the skin barrier to be weakened, allowing water and essential lipids to lose water and essential lipids.
As the skin on the face is more fragile and often more sensitive, facial moisturisers can be formulated slightly differently to body moisturisers. They are usually less greasy than body moisturisers and lotions and free from fragrance that may cause irritation. A facial moisturiser should also leave your face feeling hydrated but not oily and sit well beneath makeup, if you wear it.
The Benefits of Face Moisturising
Hydration
The skin needs moisture to remain adequately hydrated and maintain its soft, supple texture. Applying moisturiser topically to the skin also boosts hydration levels and makes it feel more comfortable.
Protection
Face moisturising helps to protect the skin by strengthening the epidermis and its function as a natural skin barrier. When this barrier works optimally, the skin has more resilience against environmental aggressors and is less prone to sensitivity, dehydration and dryness.
Anti-ageing effects
When the skin becomes dehydrated or very dry, ageing signs such as fine lines and wrinkles can appear more prominent. Hydrating the skin with humectants such as hyaluronic acid plumps up the surface of the skin and improves their appearance.
Soothing sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, a facial moisturiser will help to support and strengthen your skin barrier. As this barrier improves and moisture levels are restored, sensitivity will also be reduced.
Types of Face Moisturisers
There are a range of different moisturisers to choose from. The one you decide upon is based on personal preference of texture and your skin type.
Lotions are one of the most lightweight forms of moisturiser and are best suited to oily and combination skin types.
Creams have a slightly thicker texture than a lotion and are ideal for drier and more sensitive skin types.
Gel moisturisers are very lightweight and suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin that requires oil-free hydration. Be mindful, however, that some gel moisturisers such as CeraVe Blemish Control Gel do also contain exfoliants such as salicylic acid. This means they should only be used every other day at first otherwise they can dry out the skin and compromise the skin barrier. In this case, you should alternate with a lightweight lotion with a minimal formula.
Ointments are a type of occlusive moisturiser. This means they help to trap water into the skin by creating a physical barrier. They also have a higher oil content so are best suited to very dry, compromised skin.
When choosing a moisturiser, you may also want to consider other concerns you have such as sun protection and ageing. Many moisturisers such as the CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 contain UV protection while others may also contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and it helps to plump the appearance of fine lines, or niacinamide to brighten age spots.
Key Ingredients in Face Moisturisers
Facial moisturisers generally contain hydrating ingredients with long-lasting effects such as the humectant hyaluronic acid. This super hydrator is incredibly hydrating and plumping. This is what gives it such a long-lasting hydrating effect.
Glycerin is another popular ingredient as it moisturises the skin while removing dead skin cells. Its small molecular size also means it can penetrate into the deeper outer layers of the skin very effectively.
Ceramides are a naturally occurring lipid that make up around 50% of the skin barrier. But when the skin barrier is compromised, we can lose some of these important natural lipids. That’s why many moisturisers incorporate ceramides into their formulas to top up the skin’s natural levels and support healthy barrier function.
Ingredients to avoid for certain skin types or sensitivities
If you have sensitive or very dry skin, dermatologists advise using moisturiser with minimal formulas. This will reduce the risk of irritating the skin any further or compromising the barrier. Common irritants include alcohol, fragrance, sulfates and synthetic colourants.
It’s worth noting that liquid exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol are sometimes used in anti-ageing moisturisers and can also irritate the skin when used too regularly. To avoid this, make sure you check the ingredients label of the products in your regime and that you’re using them correctly.
How to Use Face Moisturiser Effectively
Step one: As a general rule of thumb you should apply your skincare from thinnest to thickest after cleansing. For most people, this starts with a serum as they deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin and correct specific skincare concerns.
If you’re new to using serums, a hydrator such as CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid serum is a great place to start. Its small molecular size and thin texture means it can penetrate deep into the skin and its gentle formula is suitable for all.
Step two: Once your serum of choice has fully absorbed into the skin, you can apply a small amount of your moisturiser to the face, neck and chest in soft, sweeping motions. Pat any residue into the skin.
Step three: If your daytime moisturiser doesn’t contain SPF protection, you should always end your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen suited to your skin type. This will help to protect the skin from UV-induced skin damage and other environmental factors that compromise the skin barrier such as pollution.
The best times to apply moisturiser for maximum benefits
For best results, you should moisturise the skin twice a day - once in the morning and once again in the evening. If your skin is very dry and compromised, it is perfectly safe to apply moisturiser throughout the day. This will stop the skin from feeling too dried out and uncomfortable. However, if your current moisturiser feels too light for the dryness of your skin, you may need to switch to a richer formula such as a barrier cream or ointment.
Embracing the Essence of Moisturising: A Pathway to Radiant Skin
No matter your skin type - sensitive, dry, oily or combination - a moisturiser is essential to supporting good barrier function and radiance. Don’t forget to use a facial moisturiser that’s suitable for your skin type so that it provides your complexion with the right level of hydration. When you get this step right, calm, happy, and radiant skin will follow.
FAQs
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What does face moisturiser do?
A face moisturiser adds hydrating ingredients to the surface of the skin. This helps to support the skin barrier while topping up essential lipids and making the skin feel more comfortable. -
What is a good face moisturiser?
A good face moisturiser is one that is suitable for your skin type and contains good quality hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. -
Do I really need face moisturiser?
All skin types benefit from using a moisturiser each day as they contribute to good barrier function. You should, however, use a formula suited to your skin type. Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturisers, for instance, are suitable for oily and blemish-prone skin while richer textures such as ointments and creams are better suited to drier skin types. -
Why is moisturiser so important?
Moisturiser is important as the skin barrier needs a healthy level of lipids and hydration to function optimally. While these are produced naturally by the body. Aggressors in our environment - such as pollution, central heating, and humidity - can all weaken the skin barrier and cause natural levels of lipids and water to deplete. Applying moisturiser twice a day can help to keep the skin barrier strong. -
Does oily and blemish-prone skin need moisturiser?
Yes, even oily skin needs light moisturiser otherwise the skin barrier weakens and the dermis can become dried out. When this happens, the skin creates extra lipids and oils to compensate and oiliness is exacerbated. Just make sure you are using a moisturiser suited to your skin type (ie oil-free, non comedogenic). -
Do you leave face moisturiser on or wash it off?
You should leave moisturiser on the skin once applied. This allows the hydrating ingredients within its formula to sink into the skin while creating a protective barrier.
Find the perfect moisturiser for your routine at CeraVe.co.uk