Welcome to MADEWITH’s second blog post in our Skincare 101 series. This series is meant to help educate you on the products in your skincare routine, how they should be applied, and when they should be applied. Additionally, we’ll tell you what these products do, what their benefits are, and which one is best for different skin states.
This post will help you better understand the most common second step in a regular skincare routine: Moisturizers!
SO WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE MOISTURIZERS?
While serums may contain the most active (exfoliating, brightening, collagen-boosting, etc.) ingredients in your regimen, they don’t stop your skin from losing moisture. That’s where moisturizers come in! Moisturizers act as both sealants, and as reinforcements for the acid mantle (the layer of oil that protects the skin from environmental damage and dehydration). This step usually comes after your serum, and before your mineral sunscreen.
The style of moisturizer that’s best for you is generally based on your skin state, the skin concern you have, and the type of formulation preferred. The most common moisturizer formulations are creams, gels, balms, and emulsions.
CREAMS
Best for: Most skin conditions
Creams are the most universal style of moisturizer. They are usually a combination of ingredients like oil, water, waxes and skin nourishing ingredients. They tend to have a thicker, denser texture due to the nearly equal ratio of oils to water. This 50/50 balance helps seal in hydration, and act as a protective layer against the elements, but still has the ability to absorb into the skin a bit. The reason creams are so universal is that you can formulate a moisturizer for almost any skin state or condition, depending on the oil you use. The textures go from lightweight and whipped, to almost butter-rich, and everywhere in between.
The best way to apply cream moisturizers is on damp, clean skin. For face creams, place product into hands and warm, then rub into face and neck (neck creams should be applied in an upward motion).
BALMS
Best for: Dry skin
Balms are the densest style of moisturizer. They are a mix of oils and waxes that solidify at room temperature. When they combine with body heat on your skin, they melt into liquid. Balms are the ultimate barrier against moisture loss. However, as they contain no water or humectants (moisture binders), they can’t provide hydration. Because of this, best results are achieved when balms are applied while your face is still damp from the shower or while your serum is still damp on your skin. Balms are excellent formulations if you’re exposed to an incredibly cold, windy climate, or you have chapped, dry skin.
The best way to apply balms is on damp, clean skin. For face balms, place product into hands and warm, then rub into face and neck (neck creams should be applied in an upward motion).
EMULSIONS
Best for: Normal to oily skin
Emulsions are lighter than creams, but contain similar ingredients (oil, water, waxes and skin nourishing ingredients). They have a higher water to oil ratio, making them thinner in texture; some have an almost milk-like liquidity. Since emulsions do contain more water than creams, oilier skin will benefit most from them, because this skin state is usually deficient in hydration. They’re also ideal for those who prefer a more lightweight formulation.
The best way to apply emulsion moisturizers is on damp, clean skin. For face emulsions, place product into hands and warm, then rub into face and neck (neck creams should be applied in an upward motion).
GELS
Best for: Normal to oily skin
Gel moisturizers are generally water-based moisturizers. They have a light, almost jelly like texture. Since they have either little or no oil content, they are most compatible with oily and combination skin. Hyaluronic acid is a favorite key ingredient in these formulations because it binds moisture to the skin, helps balance oiliness, and plumps skin full of hydration which smooths the appearance of large pores.
The best way to apply gel moisturizers is on damp, clean skin. For face gels, place product into hands and warm, then rub into face and neck (neck creams should be applied in an upward motion).
If you’re not sure of the different states of your skin, don’t worry – we spent months figuring out how our software can best capture the different states of your face. Make sure to set up your profile if you haven’t already by visiting our homepage, and we’ll be happy to help you find moisturizers + eye treatments that are best for your skin (plus, all of our new customers get a discount off of their first order)!
Hopefully we have made the variety of moisturizers a little easier to navigate, and piqued your curiosity into some formulations you haven’t previously considered adding to your routine. Stay tuned for the next blog post in our Skincare 101 series: Sun Protection!
To see any of the other posts in our Skincare 101 series, click on any of the links below:
