The Step that Seals Everything
If you have been following our previous posts, you can probably guess what this one is all about. This blog took us the longest to complete, as we wanted to make sure most of the areas are covered in order for you to fully understand the moisturizer / cream step.
Many variants come into play when selecting moisturizers. First of all, you should always be familiar with your skin type. It is very common that your skin changes when the weather shifts, so the first key is to know your skin condition at all times. It is also very unlikely that one single type of moisturizer will get your through every season - always have a few different textures (light to thick) on hand for different days.
Now let's break it down even further. We suggest using separate moisturizers between morning and evening routines. During the day, you probably want a lightweight cream that absorbs quickly so you are not left with a thick, sticky feeling throughout the day. If you are not sure what level of texture your skin desires, start with a gel typed moisturizer. If your skin seems to be hydrated enough throughout the day, then you have yourself a winner. Always remember to apply SPF before you head out (rain or shine!). We prefer to apply moisturizer and SPF separately as we haven't found a 2-in-1 product that will do the job effectively. As SPF is so important, why bother looking for a shortcut? Using a product that is designed for its single purpose will always give better results. We mentioned in our previous blogs that your skin usually starts to "regenerate" while you sleep, therefore using a thicker cream for your evening routine will also help the regeneration process along the way. There are also sleeping packs, which are designed to be applied to the skin before bedtime. Who doesn't want to wake up with soft, hydrated skin? Start with a thin layer first, as a little can go a long way! Assess your results in the morning, and if you can't spot any differences, try applying a thicker layer the next evening.
Besides textures, there are also many beneficial ingredients that should be noted. Although there is hardly one cream that will do it all, we will pinpoint some star ingredients you can familiarize yourself with, for the next time you're on the hunt for a new cream.
Niacinamide - Well known for its brightening & antioxidant effects, perfect for those looking to improve dark spots (hyperpigmentation) and redness, as well as improving the skins barrier.
Aloe Vera - Popular ingredient that calms and soothes irritated skin.
Peptide - Very popular ingredient that fights against aging. If you are looking to tackle fine lines, most of the anti-aging creams should include some type of peptides in their formulation.
Ceramides - Very popular for its ability to restore the skins barrier while sealing in moisture. Think of this ingredient as the "glue" that holds everything together.
Hyaluronic Acid - Best known for its hydration ability and perfect for those looking to increase the skins moisture barrier.
Snail Filtrate - Well known for its ability to repair damaged skin and restore hydration.
The list can go on and on, but these are some of the most popular ones you should definitely be looking out for. As part of moisturizing, we have previously stated the importance of eye creams in our blog, as eye creams go hand in hand with the moisturizing step.
Another important lesson we've learned is the consistency of skincare routines. Think of it like watering a pot of flower, your skin will continue to thrive when "water" is added on a regular basis.
Last but not the least, be sure to check out our Moisturizer & Cream section, as fall is just around the corner!