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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MOISTURIZERS: FOR EVERY SKIN TYPES

I’m a better person when I’m moisturized – Unknown. Credit image: Getty Images

Buying a moisturizer sounds easy and simple, but in reality, it’s really not. There are different types of moisturizers, be it in the form of anti-aging ingredients, body creams, face creams, facial moisturizers, lotions, oils or ointments and even sunscreens. Each different moisturizer products are specifically designed according to our different skin types.

But first, why is it so important to use a moisturizer?

MOISTURIZER

Moisturizer helps hydrate your skin. With a moisturizer, you can finally address your skin concerns ranging from dehydration, dryness, lack of oil and water. It helps to improve your skin hydration, protect your skin barrier and reduce skin problems. Without moisturizer, your skin can become dry and you may experience inflammation.

People that experienced flaking and redness (dry skin) will require moisture. Those with oily skin should stick with water-based moisturizers.

Your surroundings and where you live can also affect your skin, which requires you to find the perfect moisturizer for your skin.

But how exactly do moisturizers function? Are there different types of moisturizers? How do I find the perfect moisturizer for my skin type? Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Read on to learn more about the different types of moisturizers and how they function.

Moisturizing hydrate skin. Credit image: Getty Images

TYPES OF MOISTURIZERS

Did you know, that there are three types of moisturizers? We have Humectants, Emollients and Occlusives.

1. Humectants:Attract water and pull water into your skin.
Function as hydration and slows down the process of water evaporation from the skin.
If you use skincare products that contain alcohol or soaps before, look for humectants moisturizers.
The lightest type of moisturizer.
Examples of Humectants: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), Amino Acids, Glycerine, Glycerol, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Thermal Water and Urea.

2. Emollients:Can be oily, light or heavy depending on the formulation.
Can be found in gels, lotions and ointments.
Hydrate and locks water into your skin.
Known as lightweight oils.
Oil-based.
Rebuild the lost lipids in your skin.
Smooths your skin texture.
Strengthens your skin barrier and prevents water loss.
Examples of Emollients: Alcohol Benzoates, Capric Triglycerides, Ceramides, Cholesterol, Fatty Alcohols, Fatty Esters, Plant oils and Squalene.
Suggestion: Use RehLa’s Hydra Essential Moisturiser as it contains Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.

3. Occlusives:Help create a layer over the skin and prevent water from evaporating.
Highly recommended for dry skin or those experienced with severe dryness like Eczema.
Protect the top layer of your skin to keep the water in.
Much thicker than Emollients.
Examples of Occlusives: Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Lanolin, Dimethicone, Mineral Oil, Paraffin, Petrolatum, Plant Waxes, Shea Butter and Silicones.

You should always think about whether your moisturizer is water-based or oil-based. Water-based are light-weight and oil-based are creamier and thicker, specifically meant for drier skin.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FORMULATIONS

There are different benefits and textures based on the different types of formulations used in moisturizers.

1. Creams:Contains Humectants, more Emollients and Occlusives.
Has a lower water percentage.
Thicker in consistency and texture.

2. Gels:Contains Emollients and full of Humectants.
Has a higher water percentage.
Lightweight in texture.
Usually oil-free.

3. Lotions:Contains Emollients, more Humectants and fewer Occlusives.
Easily absorbed.
Has a high water percentage.
Lightweight in texture.

4. Milks:Contain Humectants and Emollients.
Fast absorption.
Has a high water percentage.
Similar to lotions but has more flow and runnier.
Thinner in consistency and texture.

OTHER TYPE OF MOISTURIZERS

1. Moisturizer in Sunscreens:Choose a non-greasy formula so you can wear makeup on top of it comfortably.
Consider physical sunscreen rather than chemical sunscreen as physical sunscreen deflects UV rays and doesn’t use chemicals to absorb for it to reach your skin.
Known as Mineral sunscreens, it includes Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Look for a sunscreen that has SPF 30 or higher.

2. Natural and Organic Moisturizer:To be safe, look for a moisturizer that includes at least 95% natural or organic ingredients.

3. Tinted Moisturizer:Choose the closest or right shade to your natural skin tone to obtain a glowing complexion.

HOW TO APPLY MOISTURIZER ON YOUR SKIN?

1. In upward motions, lightly spread on your cheeks and chin.

2. In upward directions, apply to nose then layer on your forehead.

3. In upward motions and using gentle strokes, apply to your neck.

4. Avoid pulling or tugging your skin downward.

5. Don’t rub the moisturizer too hard on your face.

6. In upward motions, lightly spread on your cheeks and chin.

Different moisturizers worked differently based on your skin type. Credit Image: Loreal Paris’s website

HOW TO FIND THE IDEAL MOISTURIZER?

Before deciding what moisturizer is suitable for your skin, you must first identify which skin type your skin belongs to.

Let’s uncover more about what moisturizer goes best by skin type!

1. Acne and Oily skin:Avoid heavy Emollients such as Lanolin, Mineral Oil and Petrolatum as it can clog up pores and develop acne on your skin. Don’t forget to avoid Occlusives as well!
Avoid Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid because it will produce more oil on your skin.
Choose non-comedogenic products as it’s less likely to clog pores.
Look for active ingredients such as Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs).
Look for oil-free labels, with Humectants like Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine and Urea.
Those who have acne and oily-prone skin should choose a lighter texture or water-based gels and lotions.

2.Combination skin:Choose a moisturizer that fulfils your cheek and T-zone areas on your face.
Choose a lightweight moisturizer.
Limit the number of products and steps.

3.Dry skin:Avoid alcohol and too many acids like AHAs and BHAs.
Choose oil-based moisturizers like Jojoba or Safflower as it will preserve and help maintain water in your skin.
Choose thicker texture creams.
Humectants such as a gentler form of AHAs or Lactic Acid will help preserve your skin’s natural moisture.
Look for a combination of Humectants, Emollients and Occlusives.
Ceramides, Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid, Lanolin, Oatmeal and Propylene Glycol are excellent for drier skin types.
Urea is great at softening toughened Keratin and helps retain water on your skin.

4.Mature (Aging) skin:Anti-oxidants, AHAs and Retinols help reduce flaky and scaly skin.
Anti-aging moisturizers can hydrate and make your skin look youthful.
Choose oil-based moisturizer as it helps to maintain moisture. Don’t forget, cream moisturizers and night creams to revive your skin while you sleep.
To balance aging skin, remember to limit the use of moisturizing products on the skin.

5.Normal skin:Choose a simple moisturizer with a few ingredients.

6.Sensitive skin:Aloe or Chamomile in moisturizers is good as it relieves your sensitive skin.
Avoid Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Colorants, Formaldehyde, Essential Oils, Paraben, Witch Hazel and Vitamin E.
Avoid Allergens if you experienced Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema or Psoriasis.
Check labels for Ceramides and Niacinamide. It’ll help restore your skin barrier.
Look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizers.
Keep the list of ingredients below 10!

RehLa’s Hydra Essential Moisturiser. Image Credit: RehLa

For those that struggle to find the right moisturizer for your skin type, don’t worry! You are recommended to use RehLa’s Hydra Essential Moisturiser. Rich with antioxidants, excellent in nourishment and protect your skin well from free radicals, RehLa’s Hydra Essential Moisturiser is a great solution to help moisturize your skin!

You can purchase RehLa’s Hydra Essential Moisturiser in RehLa’s Skincare Set, which consists of:Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Hydra Intense Face Serum
Hydrating and Nourishing Face Oil
Hydra Essential MoisturizerDaily UV Skin Défense SPF 50

Moisturizing is a crucial step in your skincare routine. You should identify your skin type and concerns first. Then you can explore which type of moisturizer is suitable for you. Sometimes, your skin reacts to the product. While doing so, you may develop a skin allergy or it can break into acne. Therefore, it is crucial to choose and understand what type of moisturizer is suitable for which skin type. The wrong moisturizer won’t give your skin moisture.

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