Moisturisers are often the unsung hero in our skincare routine. While serums are undoubtedly known for their skin-healing power, a good moisturiser soothes your skin, keeps dryness at bay, and also helps in maintaining your skin's natural moisture barrier. A hydrating moisturiser is essentially known to increase the moisture content in your skin, making it plum, glowing, and supple.
In reality, moisturising your skin has many advantages, the most significant of which is safeguarding the healthy cells of your skin from abrasion and harm. By moisturising your skin, you can lessen the likelihood of acne, stop overproduction of oil, and improve your complexion. A good face moisturiser keeps your skin nourished and hydrated, and also acts as a shield against the harsh environment, dust, pollution, humidity, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. With the market flooded with different types of moisturisers, choosing one can be a little challenging. Additionally, you need to determine your skin type to know what suits you and what doesn't. In this article, we will help you learn the different types of moisturisers and how they are compatible for each skin type.
Types of Moisturisers
Primarily, there are three different types of mositurisers made for different skin types and needs.
1. Humectants: They frequently come in gel form, and function by keeping the top layer of skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or urea are among the substances that help moisturise the skin. Typically, they refresh the skin by pulling moisture from the air to its outer layers, the epidermis and stratum corneum.
2. Emollients: Out of the various types of moisturisers, emollients are the most popular kind of moisturisers. They are often creamy in consistency. Plus, they function by sealing the gaps in your skin barrier to give you a soft and flawless complexion. Because of their anti-ageing benefits, some emollients, including collagen, are used to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ceramides, among other emollients, can aid in the treatment of eczema.
3. Occlusives: Occlusives, which are made of oil-based substances like silicones, petroleum jelly, and petrolatum, offer the most intense moisturisation. An occlusive moisturiser forms a barrier over the skin to stop moisture loss.
Now that you know the different types of moisturisers, let us dive into knowing which one to use for what skin type.
Moisturiser for Oily Skin
When it comes to using a moisturiser for oily skin, nothing serves better than a humectant. Humectants are well known for their excellent moisturising properties. They work best when combined with other moisturisers like emollients and occlusives for optimal hydration. Consequently, they are used either alone or in products that also contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, etc. You can opt for one such product like POND'S Light Moisturiser with Vitamin E + Glycerine as it contains glycerine and niacinamide to provide deep nourishment to your skin. The best part is that it is lightweight and does not leave your skin feeling greasy.
Moisturiser for Dry Skin
Choose occlusive moisturisers if your skin is dry or dehydrated. Even they function by creating a shield over the skin's surface. This barrier-forming layer minimises moisture loss while shielding the skin from aggravating elements like wind, cold, pollen, and friction. Shea butter and petrolatum, two common occlusives, work tirelessly to smooth and soften skin.
Occlusives are one form of moisturiser that cannot be easily replaced, while having qualities that are similar to those of other moisturising agents. They have a lengthy shelf life and are less likely to harbour bacteria due to their low water content. This kind of moisturiser can be another option for your winter skincare regimen.
Moisturiser for Combination or Normal Skin
Emollients, one of the fundamental forms of moisturisers, assist repair damage in the skin barrier to smooth and soften the skin. By filling up these cracks, emollients help reduce water loss in your skin. They are also good for the majority of skin types. They may be overly thick and increase breakouts when used in conjunction with oily skin. Thus, they should be used in combination with occlusive or humectant-containing moisturising products such as POND'S Super Light Gel with Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E. It is a super-light moisturiser and works faster than your regular creams, giving you 24-hour hydration.
No matter which humectants, emollients, or occlusives you decide to use, including a moisturiser in your daily skincare routine is essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Start your routine with a mild cleanser and apply a layer of moisturiser while it's still wet to lock in the hydration and give your skin a young appearance. While regularly moisturising is great, maintaining healthy-looking skin also requires you to drink enough water.
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