If I were to choose an underrated skincare product that I wish everyone would use, I would pick a facial moisturizer. But Vivian, you may say, why a moisturizer? It’s such a mundane product – everyone has one!
As far as skincare products go, moisturizers are commonplace enough that they’re easy to find everywhere, from your everyday drugstore to Sephora. Everyone needs a moisturizer, but not everyone uses one! They’re crucial for everyday use, both morning and night, so don’t skimp on this crucial skincare step.
What do moisturizers do?
As the name implies, a facial moisturizer adds moisture to your skin; it prevents your face from feeling tight and uncomfortable. I like to think that my nighttime moisturizer helps lock in the serums and spot treatments I apply beforehand.
Moisturizers should be used by everyone, regardless of skin type. Dry, oily, combination, acne-prone: You name your skin type and I’ll tell you to use a moisturizer!
How do moisturizers help different skin types?
If you have dry skin, facial moisturizers are super duper important because they help prevent your skin from flaking, peeling, and feeling uncomfortable. Make sure you choose a rich enough moisturizer, though, or else it won’t be as effective.
If you have oily or combination skin, you should moisturize just as much as someone with dry skin. It sounds counter-intuitive, but promise me that you won’t skip out on moisturizers! Sure, your face might seem a little shinier and you might think it’s okay not to moisturize since your skin is naturally oily, but the oil production will worsen if you don’t apply moisturizer. Sans this skincare step, your skin will overproduce oil/sebum to compensate for the lack of hydration, especially after you wash your face. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have moisturized over oily skin!
The same advice goes for acne-prone skin – unhydrated, dry skin will be more prone to breaking out. Your chances of getting a new pimply buddy on your cheek or chin or forehead will also increase if your skin is overproducing sebum or oil, so do your future self a favor and moisturize!
Okay, fine, I’ll moisturize! How often do I moisturize, though?
Moisturize in the morning, right before applying sunscreen, and at night, at the end of your skincare routine.
I also like to change my moisturizer in the winter versus the summer, and I use a different moisturizer during the day than I do at night.
In the winter, the weather is drier, so you can use a heavier moisturizer to maintain hydration; I like to use a lighter one in the summer. During the intermediate seasons, spring and fall, I prefer the richer moisturizer when it’s late fall or early spring. I save the lighter one for when it’s closer to warmer weather!
During the day, I use a slightly richer moisturizer because I don’t want to have to reapply throughout! At night, a lighter moisturizer is the way to go since I’m not subjecting my skin to the blustery winter or warm summer air that I would during the day. I also like to use a face mask at night, and sometimes I apply a sleeping mask right before bed – these lock in extra moisture, so I have some leeway to use a lighter moisturizer at night.
Hydration is key for your body, but make sure your skin is properly hydrated, too. You wouldn’t want to cut your water intake on purpose, so make sure you take care of your skin and use a moisturizer!