Most people know the importance of moisturizing the skin but do not know when to apply moisturizer to get the most out of it. When is the best time to moisturize the skin? Are they things to do before using the moisturizer? Are all the moisturizers the same?
Calypso Cavallo gives you her best skincare routine tips for healthy and radiant skin.
When to apply moisturizer?
It is crucial to apply moisturizer daily, but when to apply moisturizer?
Several types of moisturizers cater to all skin types’ needs. Some are lightweight and have a water-based gel texture to moisturize the skin without clogging the pores. They are the best for acne-prone and oily skin. People with dryer skin use richer cream textured and oil-based moisturizers for long-lasting hydration.
Picking a moisturizer adapted to the skin type is the first skincare advice for radiant skin. Using a too-rich moisturizer on oily skin causes breakouts, and a lightweight one on dry skin causes the skin to be tight and uncomfortable.
Now that we know what moisturizer to choose let’s look at the perfect moment to use it. Ideally, a moisturizer should be applied twice daily: in the morning to protect the skin from exterior aggressions such as UV light or pollution. Applying a moisturizer at night helps to regenerate the skin and keeps it healthy.
There are several moisturizer types: some are meant to be applied in the morning and contain an SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV light. Others are richer and get deeper into the skin; they are meant to be used at night, such as serum or night creams.
Moisturizers should be applied to clean and dry skin. The best is to wash the face first with a face cleanser adapted to the skin type. Washing the face removes dirt, oil excess, sweat, and air pollutants that accumulate on the face throughout the day or night.
It is advised to wash the face and apply a moisturizer after a sweaty sports session or being out in the sun to keep the skin healthy.
What to be aware of when picking a moisturizer?
Now that we know when to apply moisturizer let’s discuss how to choose it correctly. As mentioned before, all moisturizers do not do the same thing. Well, they moisturize but are not intended to be used on the same skin types.
People with acne-prone or oily skin should use a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer. Oils tend to clog pores and cause breakouts. Lightweight textures are water-based creams and gels. Day cream should contain an SPF to protect the skin from harmful UV light, as it often triggers acne. Ingredients such as tea tree extracts or salicylic acid are excellent for preventing breakout and balancing oily skin.
People with dry skin should use a rich oil-based moisturizer to help their skin to be moisturized and comfortable. Rich moisturizers often have anti-aging properties and reduce aging signs, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
It is interesting to have two moisturizers for the day to protect the skin from exterior aggressions, such as sunlight or pollution. Night cream or serum is often richer and goes deeper into the skin. It is used at night because the ingredients should not be exposed to sunlight.
When buying a moisturizer or other skincare products, it is crucial to check the ingredient list. The active ingredients should be at the top of the list, which means they are highly concentrated, which increases the products’ potency. A more potent product means it will be more efficient. The second reason is that some skincare products contain harmful or controversial ingredients that may cause skin problems or are suspected to be linked with higher cancer risk.