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Do you know your moisturisers?

19 October, 2014 - 08:51pm by - First Lady | 35 Comments

Article by BR Tabatha

How long have you been moisturising your face?  Years?  Decades?  But are you getting the most from your moisturiser? 

The choice of products available in your local beauty department is staggering - it's much easier to stick with what you've always used; but by knowing how different types of moisturisers work, we hope you'll step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

How do moisturisers work?

Moisturisers, otherwise known as emollients, in the most simplistic form, are products that keep water in the outer layer of skin.  They act as a protective barrier against moisture loss and also against dryness of the skin caused by environmental factors. Most moisturisers will contain humectants, ingredients that retain water.

Gel Moisturisers.

Gel moisturisers should be the choice for those with oily or combination skin.  They are emulsions - a lot of water with a little bit of oil mixed in.  Gels usually have a jelly like texture and are generally non-comodogenic, meaning they won't block your pores, causing breakouts, oil build-up or irritation.

The new Neutrogena Range, Hydro Boost, contains a Water Gel that doubles the skin's moisture in just  one hour! The refreshing, silky gel formula absorbs moisture from the air and releases it into the skin over time, so skin stays soft and radiant looking all day long.  It also contains a powerful humectant, Hyaluronic Acid – which can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water!  The dermatologist tested, oil-free and non-comedogenic formula instantly absorbs into the skin and hydrates with a decadent, velvety finish.

Ointments.

Ointments are definitely not for everyday moisturising, unless you've got some pretty serious skin problems.  They're a mix of around 80% oil and 20% water, making them very thick and greasy.  Think petroleum jelly or your favourite Paw-Paw ointment - great for chapped lips or repairing cracked skin, but you'd never really use them in place of your daily moisturiser.

Cream Moisturisers.

Cream moisturisers are generally an even mix of oil and water and are used for super dry skin.  Because they pack an intensive moisture kick they are quite dense, and are generally occlusive - they form a barrier that doesn't let air get through.

They consist of large molecules, which means they don't easily absorb into the skin, instead they form a protective barrier. 

Cream moisturisers are better suited to your body, unless your face is super dry.  As they don't easily absorb into the skin they can block your pores, leading to breakouts and oil build up.

Lotion Moisturisers.

Perhaps the most common type of facial moisturiser, lotions are lighter and a lot less dense than creams.  They contain smaller molecules which means they absorb much more easily into the skin. 

They'll contain a lot less oil than creams and in some cases are completely oil free.  Oil forms a barrier on the skin that keeps moisture in, so lotions are generally more suited to skin that isn't overly dry and doesn't need intense protection from environmental factors.

Serums.

Serums penetrate deeper than any other kind of moisturiser, but they do not form a barrier and so you'll always want to apply a moisturiser after using a serum.  You can read all about serums in this Beauty Review guide; What Exactly is a Serum? 

What moisturiser is best for my skin type?

Normal skin

Use a water based moisturiser just to maintain the balance in your skin. 

Moisturisers containing lightweight oils or silicone-derived ingredients are great for normal skin.  (Look out for cyclomethicone!)

Dry skin An oil based lotion or cream will be more effective for your dry skin.  They may feel heavier and absorb more slowly, but they'll great a barrier that prevents water from escaping from your skin.
Very Dry skin For problem areas such as cracked skin on your hands, elbows, feet, knees, lips or even really problematic dry patches on your face, you're going to want an ointment.
Oily skin Oily or acne prone skin still needs moisturising!  Excess sebum does not indicate hydration.  A gel moisturiser like Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel is perfect as it will keep your skin balanced and hydrated but it won't block your pores!
Combination Skin You might need to mix things up and use different moisturisers on different areas, depending on the skin issue.  Hydrating gels work great on combo skin!
Sensitive skin Look for soothing gels or lotions containing aloe or chamomile.
Mature Skin  Choose a rich, oil-based moisturizer that contains anti-ageing ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids. These lock in moisture, making skin appear younger and plumper!

So there's our guide to moisturisers - are you using the right one or is it time to look for a new one?

Get chatting below!

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Comments

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25th March, 2015

Oh maybe I should be using a gel moisturiser? I have combination skin so I think this sounds like the go for me. I'll look into some gel one's now on BR!

20th March, 2015

I put jojoba oil in any of my moisturizers that I find aren't quite moisturizing enough for my dry sensitive skin. I also use rosehip oil for fine lines and it is great on scarring as it is a repairing oil. Just a few drops to your daily moisturizer

2nd March, 2015

I am using Hydroboost, I have never loved a moisturiser more , neither has my skin!

21st February, 2015

This is useful I am devoted to my current moisteriser but now I know where I'm going wrong I need a gel mositeriser. Thanks

1st February, 2015

Super useful * added to my favourites :)

9th December, 2014

Thank you thank you thank you! I'm definitely one of the many stuck using the same thing (my trusty old olay) and wondering if maybe something else would be better... But figuring out what to try, not to mention TRYING it, all seems so daunting!

Now I know gels are probably right for me (which I never would have considered!) and I'll be starting with neutrogena!

30th October, 2014

There is just so much we dont know! Thanks Beauty Review for another informative article.

26th October, 2014

This was useful and informative! Thanks BR

26th October, 2014

Wasn't into moisturizing as I grew up, about three years ago I started using a moisturizer then two years later I got into serums and never looked back. Now I'm big fan of serums and layering, just recently I got into using a night cream or lotion over my skin and using a moisturizer under my spf moisturizer during the day. I have to say I'm loving a good matifying lotion under my sunscreen I notice my face is less oily. I might have to look into a gel moisturizer over my serum sometime.

25th October, 2014

Previously i was a cream moisturizer girl until recently i was lucky enough to try the gel moisturizer and it is honestly life changing, i will never use anything else again :)

24th October, 2014

Great info. Very helpful. Pleased to say I'm using the right moisturizer.

24th October, 2014

Ooo thanks for this! I knew some of these but not all of them. I'm really wanting to try that Hydro Boost the more I read about it!

22nd October, 2014

So useful :)

22nd October, 2014

I have combination skin on my face and have never thought to try gel moisturiser on my face! Thanks for another great read BR

21st October, 2014

After reading this I think Gel might be the way to go for me. Rather interesting reading.

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