As part of its natural process, the skin would be able to keep itself hydrated. But the fact is that irritants such as harsh cleansing products as well as excess exposure to environmental elements tend to upset the skin’s natural balance. These conditions tend to remove the protective oil-based products in the skin which decreases the effectiveness of its barrier. Now water can hence evaporate from the skin easily resulting in drier skin, and giving rise to the need for moisturizers.
Some experts agree that moisturizing is a necessary component of a daily skin care routine, but many others put forth certain arguments. Firstly, they recommend moisturizing only for people who have dry skin. In case you have normal or oily skin, you are naturally producing enough moisture for your skin. Additionally, many people are using advanced skin care products which have active ingredients which are meant to reduce or prevent the signs of aging. These products contain moisturizers as part of their ingredients and hence there is no need to apply another product.
In case of extenuating circumstances like exposure to dry climate or frequent water exposure, people having normal skin may consider a moisturizer as part of their daily regimen.
In case you feel the need to moisturize, buy products which are oil-free or water-based. This is because moisturizers with oil in their ingredients may tend to clog the pores of your skin.
While applying a moisturizer, use upward as well as outward strokes.
Emulsion Based Moisturizers
The moisturizers based on emulsions have a mixture of oil-based products as well as water. Since oil and water don’t mix, additives referred to as surfactants are added in order to keep the mixture stabilized. In this way, the product does not separate. Depending on the water and oil ratio, emulsions can be referred to as oil-in-water or as water-in-oil. In case of “water-based”, the amount of water added to the mixture has to be greater than the amount of oil-soluble substance which has been added.
Emulsions are quite useful for skin which produces too little sebum and is thus very dry. This situation is quite common in women during as well as after menopause. Oil-in-water emulsions tend to be heavier than normal moisturizers and can benefit those who have very dry skin. In case you have normal or oily skin, these products are not for you.
Water-proof moisturizers
Occlusive moisturizers tend to include petrolatum, mineral oil as well as siloxanes among their ingredients in order to give a Vaseline-type of consistency. Occlusive moisturizers tend to cover the skin with a waterproof film through which water cannot evaporate. Since occlusive moisturizers can clog pores as well as produce other adverse side effects, they should be employed for dry skin only which is unresponsive to these oil-water emulsions.
Moisturizers for oily skin
Humectants are made from those substances that can trap as well as hold water. These are designed in order to attract water either from the environment or from the underlying dermis to the epidermis. These are oil-free moisturizers which are recommended for people having normal to oily skin, but who have the need or desire to moisturize.
Moisturizers for dry skin
Ordinary moisturizers typically last for about an hour or two before they dissipate. However, in case your skin is extremely dry or you are living in a very dry environment, you may need long-lasting moisturizers. These moisturizers are a mix of both humectants as well as occlusive ingredients. Long-lasting moisturizers should be used only for severe dryness.