Why Moisturizer Is Essential

By Alex Hanson

Mosturizing your face may sound like an unneeded hassle, particularly if your skin doesn't feel dry to start with. People with oily and acne prone skin often skip this vital step on their skincare routines. But did you know that moisturizer is actually an essential element if you want your skin to be happy?

Moisturizer Benefits

Hydrating your skin is key to making your skin look healthy, plumb and glowy. Dry, dehydrated skin not only feels tight and uncomfortable but it's also more likely to age and wrinkle. Using a moisturizer regularly can help keep fine lines away, and give the appearance of younger skin.

Many moisturizers go beyond hydrating ingredients. They have other active ingredients to perk tired skin and make it look plumper and younger. For example, an evening moisturizer may contain Vitamin A derivatives to help skin texture and tone. A morning one could include Vitamin C and other antioxidants to perk up skin and fight pollution damage.

A typical moisturizer will also seal any previous treatment cosmetic you have applied to your skin. It acts as the finishing 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. Not all moisturizers are creams! A refreshing hydrating gel or a few drops of marula oil after your toner are have the same function as cream moisturizers.

Modern cosmetic brands invest a lot of time and effort researching alternative ways to deliver hydration and protection to skin. There are many natural moisturizers in the market that do away with mineral oils, preservatives and other chemicals that may irritate skin. At the same time, lighter formulations that provide longer lasting hydration keep coming into the market.

Moisturizer and your Makeup Routine

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

If you feel that your moisturizer is making your foundation slip off, you may need to use a primer. Or at least wait five minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed by your skin before you apply makeup.

There Is No One-Size Fits All Moisturizer

There are people who pass on moisturizer because they feel it makes their skin oily, or makes them break out. This is usually due to using a moisturizer that is too rich for your skin type. For example, somebody with oily skin should be using an oil-free, mattifying moisturizer instead.

Consider your main skin concerns and personal preferences before disregarding moisturizing altogether. If you don't like the feeling of heavy creams, choose a lotion or even a light oil such as squalane oil.

Without moisturizing, your skincare routine will feel incomplete. Moisturizing protects your skin natural barrier that prevents outside elements from harming it. Without a moisturizer, your skin is left to fend for itself against cold, pollution and dry air. This can cause discomfort and premature ageing.

Applying your cosmetic products in the    right skincare routine order is key to make the most of them. If you apply your moisturizer too early, it will prevent lighter products such as serums and toners from being absorbed by the skin correctly.

I write about skincare advice for all skin types on my website,   Beauty Fan Site.