Do you really know how to use a moisturizer the right way? While this skin care step seems simple, there are a few tips and tricks to getting the most out of your facial moisturizer. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about moisturization in this Skin Care 101 guide to moisturizers.
Yes, everyone needs a facial moisturizer. There is a common myth that people with oily or acne-prone skin shouldn't use moisturizers, but this is completely false. In certain cases it can be even MORE important for those with oily skin or acne to moisturize because mass produced products geared towards those skin types can be very harsh and actually strip the skin of much needed hydration. Plus, those skin types tend to over-cleanse instead of treating the problem at the source.
PRO TIP: Do you have oily or acne-prone skin? Avoid stripping the skin in the first place – your skin does need a small amount of oil to protect itself. Stripping the skin by over-cleansing or using harsh cleanser can actually make the problem worse. Look for high qualityoily skin andacne products that treat the problem at the source instead of assaulting the skin.
Another perpetuated myth is that you can become addicted to moisturizer and your skin can become too dependent on it. Again, this is completely false – your skin can't become dependent on moisturizer, but you do need to moisturize daily. Your skin needs that daily hydration whether or not you decide to actually moisturize.
At the most basic level, a moisturizer's purpose is to hydrate and soften the skin. However, your moisturizer serves several other important functions as well. Natural Moisturizing Factor, or NMF, is a naturally occurring human function that maintains, protects and enhances healthy skin function. As we age, it becomes more and more difficult for the skin to hold onto its NMF and keep it in balance. Without proper hydration through a daily moisturizer, the skin becomes more vulnerable to attack from environmental and other extrinsic attacks.
Facial moisturizers help hydrate the skin from the outside and also moisturize and protect the deeper layers of the skin transdermally, helping the skin maintain a healthy NMF.
"Most moisturizer formulas are generally created to work with a particular skin type and solve the problems associated with that skin type. The less oil (sebum) the skin produces naturally, the more vulnerable it is to trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). So moisturizers usually contain ingredients that attract and retain moisture within the skin. They act as an occlusive barrier to replenish moisture and then protect it once absorbed." – Teresa Stenzel, Bioelements Director of Education
Some other benefits your moisturizer can provide:
How to use a moisturizer is fairly straightforward. Twice a day after cleansing and toning, apply an amount of moisturizer roughly the size of a chickpea and spread it in a thin layer to your face and neck. If you are exfoliating, masking or using skin serums and treatment cremes, apply your moisturizer after those products for the best results.
Always follow your morning moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
PRO TIP:Bioelements broad spectrum sunscreens double as moisturizers, so you can use them in place of your morning moisturizer.
Moisturizing your body is a similar process – simply spread a thin layer of a daily body moisturizer when you step out of the shower. Use a dry brush before showering or a cactus cloth in the shower to sweep away dead skin cells and boost the effectiveness of your body moisturizer.
It is crucial to find the right facial moisturizer for your skin type to effectively relieve dryness and provide balance and protection for the skin. Find your perfect moisturizer match below:
Designed to be pollution-neutralizing, this lightweight moisturizer defends against unavoidable pollution that causes lines, dehydration and irritation for all skin types. Plus it increases skin's moisture content up to 70% in just 15 minutes*.
Crucial Moisture is an emollient-rich formula for dry skin that sinks in fast and blurs lines without oily residue. It uses lubricating hydrators to smooth and soften while providing real relief to dry skin.
This refreshing lightweight formula keeps oily skin comfortable – never greasy. Beyond Hydration binds water to the skin to prevent moisture loss and balance water-to-oil levels without added shine.
Really Rich Moisture is an extremely rich creme that saturates very dry skin with incredible intense, flake-fixing moisture. This formula blurs the look of fine lines and leaves skin feeling comfortable – never taut or dry.
Absolute Moisture uses super smart, self-adjusting moisture-binders that work to balance confused combination skin. This lightweight facial moisturizer leaves skin smooth and soft while minimizing surface wrinkles.
Calmitude Delicate Skin Moisturizer 
This ultra-gentle formula hydrates and shields the most sensitive skin from stressors while it provides much needed dryness relief. It is formulated with NO artificial colorants, synthetic fragrance, parabens, DEA, phthalates or harsh irritants – just like all Bioelements formulas.
If you have any other questions about how to use a moisturizer, sign up for our email newsletter or comment below!
* Scientifically tested results of 69.87% based on a 15-woman biophysical measurement study
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