Skincare Basics | 002 - Choosing Your Moisturiser
Moisturiser is the cherry on the cake of your skincare routine. By driving water and oils in different balances into your skin (depending on your skin type) it keeps your skin supple, hydrated and protected.
WHY DO YOU NEED A MOISTURISER?
· Black skin is often drier and more dehydrated due to a higher level of trans-epidermal water loss (water lost to the environment). Darker skin tones have a lower level of ceramides (the glue that holds your skin cells together) so lose water faster than Caucasian skin.
· Without moisturiser, your skin may feel tight and your other skincare products may not work as effectively.
WHEN SHOULD YOU MOISTURISE?
· You should moisturise after the serums or treatments in your skincare routine. In the morning, this will be before sunscreen and in the evening, it will be the final step.
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR MOISTURISER?
The type of moisturiser you choose will depend on your skin type and concerns:
· If you have dry skin you will likely prefer a slightly heavier cream which includes ceramides and a higher level of oil like shea butter and jojoba oil.
· If you have oily or combination skin, reach for lightweight gels, that have a lower oil level and include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They may also include exfoliating acids such as lactic acid or salicylic acid for oil control.
· Remember that your skin may feel different, depending on the season. Generally, you may need a heavier moisturiser in Winter and a lighter moisturiser in Summer.
OUR FAVOURITE MOISTURISERS
Moisturisers for Oily and Combination Skin
Murad Clarifying Oil-Free Water Gel
Why we love it: This moisturiser contains hyaluronic acid to keep your skin comfortable, combined with salicylic acid to breakdown oil and tackle blocked pores.
Cosmedix Shineless
Why we love it: This oil free moisturiser keeps excess oil under control while still allowing oily and combination skin to feel comfortable and balanced.
Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion
Why we love it: This hydrating lightweight gel will keep your skin comfortable and hydrated, without feeling heavy on oily skin.
Moisturisers for Dry & Dehydrated Skin
Weleda Skin Food and Skin Food Light
Why we love it: This intensely rich moisturiser is great for anyone whose skin is permanently parched. If you find cold weather and central heating really hit your skin in Winter, this may be your new best friend! If the original Skin Food feels too heavy for you, Skin Food Light is the lotion version in the same range, but is still too rich for oilier skin types.
Why we love it: This rich cream includes poly-hydroxy acids which hold water deep into the skin. A little goes a long way with this powerhouse product.
Why we love it: Ceramides are the glue that help to hold our skin cells together and provide deep hydration and skin strengthening.
Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
Why we love it: This rich cream will hydrate and calm dry skin while also protecting your skin from pollution and brightening a dull complexion.
Moisturisers for Combination & Parched Skin
Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel
Why we love it: This moisturiser is a great all-rounder for everyone apart from the driest skin types who may feel it is too light. As well as increasing water levels, peptides strengthen the skin to maintain hydration levels.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA
Why we love it: The ingredients in this moisturiser, mirror the elements of your skin’s natural barrier, helping to keep everything perfectly in balance, hydrated and comfortable.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion
Why we love it: This moisturiser may feel and look basic but the ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are all key skin strengthening and hydrating ingredients. It may feel slightly too heavy for an oily skin, but most people will get on well with this.
Why we love it: If you feel your skin is looking a bit dull and lacklustre, this is the moisturiser for you. Hyaluronic acid and Okinawa algae hydrate and plump the skin and also protect your skin against pollution and stress.
Moisturisers for Sensitive Skin
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 and Soothing Repair Spray
Why we love it: The key ingredients in this moisturiser are centella asiatica and panthenol which hydrate, soothe and heal skin. A great day to day moisturiser for sensitive skin and a great option for anyone who suffers from eczema or dermatitis flare ups to keep up their sleeve. If you are looking for a more light weight option try the spray (also a great option to keep on hand on holiday for accidental sunburns)
Moisturiser may often be overlooked but is a key step in your skincare routine! Make sure you find the right one to help you make the most of your products.