Keeping Skin Moisturized Year Round
Many people use a moisturizer daily, so choosing the right product is crucial. A facial cream is essential any time of year. During the winter, cold outdoor air and dry heat indoors work together and skin becomes extremely dehydrated. During the summer months, the heat can wick away moisture very quickly. The underlying skin type often dictates what moisturizer product will work best. Knowing how to pick the right lotion is vital to keeping skin hydrated and looking great all year.
Treating dry skin
A cream or serum is the best choice for people with naturally dry, flaky skin. Facial creams add moisture to the skin, locking in hydration but serums are lighter and more absorbent. Look for a product containing both humectants to draw in moisture and oil ingredients to retain moisture. Apply a thick layer to the entire face both morning and night for best results. Many facial creams also offer SPF for added protection.
The preferred approach for oily skin
People with skin that runs on the oily side may hesitate to use moisturizer as the product can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Instead, a gel-based formulation can be helpful, especially during those colder winter months. Most gel products are applied as a thin layer and are only left on the skin for a few minutes before being wiped off. This approach adds moisture while avoiding the promotion of acne.
What’s best for combination skin?
A targeted approach is required when the skin is dry and oily. Treat the dry spots with a cream or regular moisturizer and skip the oily areas. Oil often concentrates in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin. Avoid treating that area or apply a light oil if needed. Some people may have oily skin in the summer and dry skin in the winter. In this case, a seasonal switching out of products when the temperature changes will offer the most benefit.
Vital ingredients
High-quality ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids, kojic acid, retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3 are available in many skincare products. These ingredients can provide benefits like helping with age spots, wrinkles, fine lines and promoting collagen production.
Other healthy skin tips
Purchasing a good moisturizer is just the first step. Skincare products must be applied consistently and correctly for noticeable change. Although a moisturizer will always offer some benefit, try applying the product to the skin immediately after a shower. This approach traps water in the skin, locking in moisture. Other tips include avoiding products with added fragrance, ensuring the moisturizer contains sunscreen, and applying the product in an upward motion.
Exfoliate for best results
The occasional exfoliation treatment can also help remove dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin. Although a professional aesthetician can perform this service, many people can easily exfoliate at home. Scrubbing away any dry, dead skin provides a clean palate for the moisturizer to be applied to.
A good moisturizer is your friend
With so many products on the market, choosing the right moisturizer can be difficult. Start by assessing skin type to determine whether a gel or cream is better. A dermatologist can help select the perfect product if additional expertise is needed. With correct and consistent application, the skin will be dewy and glowing in no time.
