Moisturizing is one of the best things you can do for your skin. The right moisturizer will help reduce the appearance of blemishes like wrinkles and dark spots. It will also keep your skin hydrated and healthy, so you can enjoy a younger glowing complexion.
That said, there are certain dos and don’t’s to skin hydration that you need to be aware of lest you suffer from negative side effects and dissatisfying results. Keep reading to learn how to level up your moisturizing game.
Dos
Choose the right product for your skin type
There are five common skin types: oily, dry, normal, combination, and sensitive skin. Each type will have different moisturizing needs, so you shouldn’t settle on the first product that you pick up at the store. To get the most out of your skincare regimen, ensure that the products you’re using have been formulated to meet your specific needs.
For example, if you have particularly dry skin, you may want to look for hydrating skincare products, e.g., oil-based cleansers, heavier creams, and moisture-boosting serums. These products are proven to help improve dry skin, as well as prevent flaking and cracking.
Apply moisturizers immediately after cleansing
Applying moisturizer immediately after washing your face or taking a bath is another great way to fix your dry and flaky skin. Moist skin is better at absorbing the various vitamins and minerals contained in skincare products. Thus, if you want to make the most out of your lotions and creams, applying them right after cleansing is a great idea.
When using this technique, make sure that your skin is damp but not soaking. If your skin is too wet when you apply your moisturizer, it may not stick as easily to your skin. Balance is key to an effective skincare routine.
Be consistent with your routines
Besides balance, there’s one other factor that could make or break your skincare regimen: Consistency.
You can’t expect results to show up on your skin overnight. The journey toward healthy and blemish-free skin is long and arduous. If you want to enjoy satisfying and long-lasting results, you need to remain consistent with your routine.
Create a simple skincare routine that doesn’t involve too many steps of products. One of the most effective ways to discourage yourself from getting better skin is to make the process difficult for you to do. Find ways to make skincare more convenient and effective for you. What’s important is that you’re able to perform your routine every day without skipping.
Choose sustainable products
The skincare industry is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions. One recent study shows that beauty brands produce over 120 billion units of packaging every year. If people don’t take action immediately and try to avoid adding to the issue, the world could be faced with a serious problem down the road.
To reduce CO2 emissions, we should start shooing products that are made of sustainable and eco-friendly materials. There are plenty of sustainable skincare brands out there that sell their products at highly affordable prices. A couple of brands that come highly recommended are Blendily, Facetheory, True Botanicals, and Osea.
When looking for sustainable skincare products, don’t forget to check their labels to make sure they fit your specific skincare requirements. Just because these products are all-natural doesn’t mean you’ll respond perfectly to all its ingredients.
Don’ts
Take long, hot showers
Hot showers strip the skin of its natural moisture, making it dry and flaky. If you’re particularly sensitive to the cold, experts recommend using warm water instead of hot. This way the water won’t be too harsh on your skin. Additionally, it’s best to keep your showers short too. Long showers can also cause dry skin as they can strip away the skin’s natural oils.
Forget to apply sunscreen
Even when indoors, applying a little sunlight to your skin can save you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Your skin is a highly-sensitive organ with an outer layer that’s vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays. Without the proper protection, UV rays can burn through this layer and cause damage to the underlayers of your skin. Ultimately, this may lead to a loss of skin elasticity and premature aging.
Go overboard with moisturizing
It’s easy to get carried away with moisturizing. Most people think that the more moisturizers and humectants you use, the better it will be for your skin. Truthfully, it’s not quite like that for anyone. Using too much product on your skin can lead to adverse effects that could ultimately worsen your skin condition.
A great rule of thumb is to always follow the instructions indicated on the product that you’re using. Alternatively, you could consult with a skincare professional and ask them for advice on your dosage.
Fear making a few changes to your routine
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all skincare solution. You need to go through a lengthy trial and error phase where you test various skincare products to see what works and what doesn’t for your skin. That said, there are ways you can make the process much easier — and that’s by consulting with a professional.
Dermatologists are trained and educated to provide patients with effective skincare recommendations and routines. So, if you don’t know where to start or stop testing and trying products, contacting your usual dermatologist may help.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to caring for the skin, the overall process can be a little complicated. Especially for those who typically don’t practice skincare as much. This may be why a lot of people choose to forgo skincare for other more “productive” activities.
Yet, we believe that If you want to prevent early aging and dry skin, learning the dos and don’ts of skin hydration is a must. Not only does it teach you the proper ways of treating your skin, but it also empowers you to take your health into your own hands.
Good luck!