In the vast realm of skincare routines moisturising is a non-negotiable step and a game-changer, whether you are tackling dry, flaky skin, looking to quench your complexion’s thirst, alleviate redness or battle those pesky lines and wrinkles.
The best face moisturisers are designed to work in three different ways. Firstly, they are intended to protect the skin against harmful external aggressors, secondly, they prevent the loss of water and other nutrients in the outermost layer by creating a temporary protective seal over your complexion and thirdly, they work hard to drive moisture into the outer layers of your skin.
Of course, the power of the right blend of actives, formulation and texture should never by underestimated but as a general rule any good moisturiser will fall into one of three basic categories. An ‘occlusive’ moisturiser is designed to perform a protective shield and will contain ingredients like Shea Butter and Mango Butter whereas an ‘emollient’ moisturiser works to fill in cracks and smooth the surface and contains components like Ceramides, Squalane or plant-based oils and lastly ‘humectant’ moisturisers are what I call the ‘Bear Grylls’ of skincare ingredients as they are incredibly resourceful and draw water from the dermis (deep down skin layer) up to the epidermis (surface layer) to deeply hydrate as well as drawing moisture in from the atmosphere. Typically, humectant moisturisers contain ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Don’t fret though as you don’t need to be using three moisturisers – depending on the climate, season and your skin type, your skin will need a different combination of the trio that make moisturisation and hydration happen, as it should.
But simply slathering a moisturiser on your face might not be enough to get the most out of your product and to truly unlock its potential there are a few tricks and tips you can incorporate into your skincare regime to maximise the effectiveness of your face moisturiser for a balanced, healthy looking skin.
Cleanse your skin thoroughly before moisturising.
Not cleansing properly will only render your moisturiser less effective as it won’t absorb as well due to the barrier of make-up, oil, dirt, and SF preventing it from penetrating deeply into the skin. For optimal results choose a cleanser suited to your skin to ensure your skin is clean, fresh, and ready to absorb all of the nourishing benefits of your moisturiser.
Exfoliate your skin twice weekly.
Chemical exfoliants dissolve the bonds that hold old, redundant skin cells to the surface to reveal the fresh new skin underneath. By whisking these out of the way your moisturiser is able to penetrate more efficiently and target it’s hydrating and protective abilities to the active cells.
Layer in a face serum
Face serums are your one-way ticket to a personalised skincare routine. They deliver a high concentration of active ingredients to your complexion and tackle targeted skincare concerns faster than other formulas because they are so much more potent than most other products. Serums are designed to work in harmony with other skincare products and one of the easiest ways to get the most of out of your moisturiser is to apply it while your skin is still slightly damp from your serum as this helps lock in moisture as your skin will absorb the product more effectively when there is some residual water on the surface.
Use the right amount of moisturiser.
More doesn’t always mean better when it comes to skincare. Using too much moisturiser can clog pores and cause skin pilling (this is when a product refuses to absorb and instead forms tiny balls or flakes that sit on the surface). Generally, a pea-sized amount of moisturiser is enough for your face and neck.
Massage the product into your skin.
Use your fingertips to equally dispense your moisturiser over each zone of the face (cheeks, forehead, chin, neck). Massage with a light touch in upward motions to give your skin a lifted effect whilst helping to improve circulation, increase blood flow and encourage better absorption. Avoid tugging or pulling the skin.
All in all, you should think of a moisturiser as like wearing a waterproof jacket over your coat on a rainy day. It takes the pressure off of just one layer and the more protection you have, the better. And to ensure your moisturiser really earns its keep in your routine work from lightest to heaviest textures when it comes to layering skincare sealing in the ALL the goodness with your moisturiser at the end.
Lucy x