Why moisturizer is essential

Moisturizing your face may sound like an unnecessary hassle, especially if your skin doesn’t feel dry at first. People with oily and acne-prone skin often skip this vital step in their skincare routines. But did you know that moisturizer is actually an essential if you want your skin to be happy?

Benefits of moisturizer

Moisturizing your skin is key to making your skin look healthy, smooth and glowing. Dry, dehydrated skin not only feels tight and uncomfortable, it’s also more likely to age and wrinkle. Regular use of a moisturizer can help keep fine lines at bay and give the appearance of younger looking skin.

Many moisturizers go beyond moisturizing ingredients. They have other active ingredients to revitalize tired skin and make it look smoother and younger. For example, a nighttime moisturizer may contain vitamin A derivatives to help skin texture and tone. A morning one might include vitamin C and other antioxidants to perk up the skin and fight pollution damage.

A typical moisturizer will also seal in any previous cosmetic treatments you have applied to your skin. It acts as the final element of your beauty routine, ensuring that the active skincare toners and serums you just applied have time to work.

Not all moisturizers are creams

Most people who say they don’t like moisturizer are actually using one without knowing it. Not all moisturizers are creams! A refreshing moisturizing gel or a few drops of marula oil after your toner works just like moisturizers.

Modern cosmetic brands spend a lot of time and effort researching alternative ways to provide hydration and protection to the skin. There are many natural moisturizers on the market that remove mineral oils, preservatives, and other chemicals that can irritate the skin. At the same time, lighter formulations that provide longer-lasting hydration continue to hit the market.

Moisturizer and your makeup routine

Healthy, hydrated skin is a much better canvas for makeup. In fact, you may need less foundation or concealer if your skin is well hydrated. The no-makeup makeup trend starts with glowing, healthy skin and that means using moisturizers and hydrating masks as a base.

If you feel like your moisturizer is making your foundation slippery, you may need to use a primer. Or at least wait five minutes for your skin to absorb the moisturizer before applying makeup.

There is no one size fits all moisturizer

Some people skip moisturizer because they feel like it makes their skin oily or breakouts. This is usually due to using a moisturizer that is too rich for your skin type. For example, someone with oily skin should use an oil-free mattifying moisturizer instead.

Consider your top skin concerns and personal preferences before you rule out moisturizing altogether. If you don’t like the feel of thick creams, choose a lotion or even a light oil like squalane oil.

Without hydration, your skincare routine will feel incomplete. Hydration protects the skin’s natural barrier that prevents external elements from damaging it. Without a moisturizer, your skin is left to fend for itself against cold, pollution, and dry air. This can cause discomfort and premature aging.