If you’re going to do something, might as well do it properly - and believe it or not, there is a right way to moisturize! But this is not your average “how-to”, friends. Buckle up, because we’re getting intensive about moisture – what it is, how to do it, and even what to use! Let’s do this!
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: Aside from the application of sunscreen, moisturizing with a nutrient-rich moisturizer is the foremost step of any routine, helping to replenish oil levels while strengthening the skin barrier.
Good to Know: No one is exempt from moisturizing… even those with oily skin! That might seem counterintuitive, but failing to moisturize as part of your regular routine can actually make your skin even oilier.
Recommended Products: Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer, H2 Oh Yeah Hydrating Moisturizer, Crème de la Cream Brightening Moisturizer, Just Dew It Hydrating Serum, and Eyes Eyes Baby Anti-Aging Eye Cream.
What Does Moisturizing Your Face Do
Moisturizing offers a ton of benefits for your skin (more on that later), but it’s also not just your average beauty step. Moisturizing is critical for your skin’s health and functionality. By restoring necessary lipids that help it retain hydration, a good moisturizer can be the difference between lifeless, dull skin and a happy, healthy complexion.
But hang on… isn’t hydration and moisture the same thing?
As it turns out, not so much.
Hydrating vs Moisturizing
First things first: you need both. To have properly balanced skin, it must be both hydrated and moisturized. But what is the difference?
Hydrated skin has a healthy dose of water in its cells. This can either happen by absorbing it from the air, as in the case of a steam bath or a walk in the summer rain, or by beveraging like a boss.
Moisturized skin is properly balanced with the right kind of oils, which serve as a barrier between the outermost layer of your skin (full of all those water-rich cells), and the environment… so that it stays hydrated. This can really only happen by using a quality moisturizer that is properly formulated for your skin.
But, as if this wasn’t enough, there’s even more to the magic of moisture!
Moisturizing Face Benefits
Moisturizing keeps your skin looking youthful.
It is interesting that this famed go-to measure for staving off wrinkles and other signs of aging may not actually prevent wrinkles. However, moisturizing does help to trap water in the skin. This gives your complexion a more voluminous and firmer appearance, with less perceptible wrinkles and fine lines. Further, selecting a moisturizer with certain age-defying ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, may help to improve skin’s elasticity for a smoother texture.
It promotes healthy skin.
Using a moisturizer reinforces the skin barrier, helping to disempower things like allergens, irritants, pollution, and extreme weather, all of which can aggravate the skin and compromise its health and wellness. Further, the skin is your body’s first line of defense. So, moisturizing is not just for skin health, but whole-body health as well!
Moisturizing helps minimize excess oil production.
Skin that fails to receive vitamin and nutrient-rich moisture is prone to overzealous oil glands. Proactively providing necessary nourishment prevents your glands from overcompensating, helping you avoid excess sebum and the clogged pores and blemishes that would inevitably follow. That’s why it’s critical for ALL skin types to use a properly formulated moisturizer… yes, even those of us with oily skin.
How To Moisturize Your Face
1. Cleanse.
Before applying moisturizer, or any skincare products for that matter, you should always start with a fresh canvas. Clear your pores of any excess oils or debris with a gentle cleanse. Then, pat with a fresh cloth (and we mean fresh! You don’t want to serve your skin any nasties by cozying up to a dirty towel). Be sure not to pull or stretch the skin and try to leave it a bit damp. This will help enable proper absorption and even distribution.
2. Dispense.
Try not to use too much or too little; a nickel sized amount of moisturizer is usually the sweet spot. Swirl gently between your fingertips to help warm the product – again, for best absorption.
3. Apply.
Gently dot the product all over the face and neck– and don’t forget your décolletage! It is best to avoid the skin around your eyes, as some face moisturizers may irritate this ultra-sensitive area. For this region, it’s best to use a dedicated eye cream.
4. Distribute.
With your fingers loosely extended outward from your palms, either use SUPER soft, circular, upward motions or alternatively apply gentle pressure to push the moisturizer into your pores with your finger pads. Avoid any firm sweeping, swiping, or rubbing motions, as these can disturb the outer layers of the skin and lead to micro-tears, the stretching of pores, and premature signs of aging. It is also critical to not apply any downward pressure, which can amplify the effects of gravity overtime. As a rule of thumb, whenever applying even minimal pressure to the skin, think upward thoughts!
5. Give Special Treatment.
Not to make other areas of your skin jealous or anything, but it’s a good idea to give certain parts of your complexion a bit of extra love. Places that tend to first show signs of aging or experience a lot of movement, like corners of the eyes, nasolabial folds, and in between your brows, are great places to consider. Apply a bit more moisturizer if necessary and maybe even try some gentle tapping in these areas until your whole face feels smooth and comfortably nourished.
Best Moisturizing Skin Care Products
Luckily, when you’re in the market for some moisture, your favorite skincare brand has got you covered. Check out some of our favorite moisture-rich formulas!
Youth Fairy Retinol Moisturizer
For moisture with an anti-aging twist, try our newest addition– our first ever completely vegan retinol-infused moisturizer! This exciting launch will work to firm your skin and minimize the visible effects of aging with 18 nourishing actives. This retinol moisturizer is perfect for beginner retinol users and those looking for a clean and vegan alternative. A low yet very effective dose of retinol (0.03%), plus soothing botanicals such as evening primrose oil and shea butter, makes up an enchanting formula that will have you feeling all kinds of magical!
H2 Oh Yeah Hydrating Moisturizer
Great for all skin types but formulated with dryer and more mature complexions in mind, H2 Oh Yeah is full of moisture-rich botanicals like jojoba oil, squalane, shea butter, and sea buckthorn oil. Best of all, H2 Oh Yeah comes equipped with tons of antioxidant power to kick environmental stressors to the curb. Support your skin barrier while dodging that ticking time clock in one foul swoop with H2 Oh Yeah!
Crème de la Cream Brightening Moisturizer
A smooth as silk, nutrient rich cream fortified with 20 nourishing actives, Crème de la Cream works overtime to hydrate and brighten your complexion, while minimizing the signs of aging. This moisturizer to end all moisturizers is also rich with antioxidants and skin protectors to help you defend against environmental stressors so your skin can glow as it goes!
Just Dew It Hydrating Serum
Made of teeny tiny moisture magnet molecules, Just Dew It revitalizes dry skin in a flash with a fast-acting formula that can’t be beat. Get glowing with this rich, yet lightweight, life-giving elixir for next level hydration and a pepped-up complexion.
Eyes Eyes Baby Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Packed with 21 nourishing actives, our best-selling formula will help you cater to your skin’s most delicate area with moisture like never before. Brighten, tighten, and firm your eye area with this silky smooth, lightweight cream and even visibly minimize fine lines and wrinkles over time.
No matter what your skin type or need, there’s the perfect moisturizer out there for you– so don’t skip this much needed step in your skincare routine!
