What is the best moisturizer to use during the winter months?
Moisturizing is an essential part of every daily skincare routine. Most people tend to have dryer skin during the winter months due to the combination of the outdoor elements and indoor heating. In the winter months the dryer the air the more moisture it will pull from your skin. A moisturizer will prevent, protect and hydrate to ensure your skin stays healthy in the cold weather.
There are three types of moisturizing agents and knowing how to use such agents will help keep your skin looking young and supple. Moisturizers work in one of two main ways: they either trap moisture in your skin to keep it from escaping as a temporary barrier, or they restore moisture in the outer layer of skin that’s already been lost.
1. Emollient Moisturizing Agents:
An emollient is an ingredient that smoothes the skin’s surface by creating a barrier over the skin, trapping water in the skin’s layers and stopping evaporation but aren’t usually long lasting. This class of moisturizer, which exists in the form of creams, ointments, lotions, and gels, are generally preferred over occlusives because they feel less sticky.
2. Occlusive Agents:
These ingredients form a film on the skin and prevent water loss. They can be very effective but can end up feeling waxy or greasy on the skin, and may cause acne or blackheads. Occlusive agents increase moisture levels in the skin by actually providing a physical barrier.
3. Humectants Agents:
Humectants acts like a sponge, attracting moisture to the skin and keeping it there. This is basically the opposite of occlusives and emollients, which don’t like water. Hyaluronic acid is one such ingredient that attracts and holds water, which is what plumps your skin so that wrinkles and lines are less visible.
What is the best moisturizer for your skin?
One of the first mistakes people make when using products on their skin is using a product that doesn’t necessarily fit their skin type. Skin types generally fall into one of five categories: normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive.
Normal Skin:
Characterized by healthy skin with an even skin tone and small pores. Clients typically have not complaints about their skin.
– Use a water-based moisturizer that has a light, non-greasy feel.
Oily Skin:
Characterized by skin that has large pores and have visible oil on the skin. The skin is thicker and more prone to breakouts.
-Use lotions instead of creams such as lactic glycolic and salicylic acids. Choose a water-based product that’s non-comedogenic” if your skin is acne prone.
Dry Skin:
Characterized by skin that is often itchy, red, flaky, or generally tight. Thinner skin with visible fine lines and wrinkles and skin is rough to the touch.
-To restore moisture to dry skin, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that contains ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated.
Combination Skin:
Characterized by skin that has an oily T-zone (that’s your forehead, nose, and chin) alongside drier patches on the cheeks.
– This is the hardest skin type to find products to meet your need. Try a heavier cream on cheeks and a lighter, oil-free formula on the T-zone
Sensitive Skin:
Characterized by visible capillaries, skin is dehydrated, prone to acne and inflames easily. Skin is warm to the touch, flaky and often red.
– Look for a moisturizer that contains soothing ingredients, such as green tea or aloe. Avoid fragrances, dyes and products containing acids.
Seeking the professional advice from an esthetician or dermatologist even once is a good investment. Such a specialist can analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on your skin care routine.
