Moisturizer 101, Episode 207
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Today we are digging right in to tackle a BIG skincare topic.
A topic that can cause overwhelm in even the most experienced skincare product lover.
Moisturizer.
With so many Moisturizers on the market in so many different forms and delivery systems it’s hard to know where to even start.
In this 7 Day Glow Podcast episode we are covering the basics with a Moisturizer 101.
In the last two episodes we got up close and personal with cleansing. I thought we’d bookend today with Moisturizer.
Cleanser and Moisturizer are the very basic essential foundations to your daily skincare routine.
Why do you need moisturizer?
Moisturizing supports healthy skin cells and helps protect skin from irritation. When your skin is dry and irritated it can actually cause breakouts and skin conditions to arise. Keeping your skin well hydrated by applying moisturizer will help avoid breakouts and skin issues.
Moisturizing should be part of your daily skincare routine and applied morning and night. Some very oily skin types may find that moisturizer is too much, that is fine but these skin types should keep a close eye on their skin throughout the year as our hydration needs change with the seasons. Also keep in mind that proper sky hydration will help balance your natural oil production and may actually calm oily skin and help prevent break-outs.
Men and women both benefit from moisturizing (no - men’s skin is not “tougher” - men need skincare too!). Moisturizing is an important step for both women and men.
What is moisturizer?
A moisturizer is any skincare product formulation that is designed with the intention of protecting, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin.
I hear you - you are saying, “But that is about every single skincare product ever made!”
And you are not wrong - moisturizers are among the top selling and most popular skincare products.
Good moisturizers work to strengthen the skin barrier with beneficial ingredients. They are meant to bring added hydration to skin and work to seal in the serums and specialty creams applied before them. And moisturizers provide a protective layer on the skin against bacteria, touch, and pollution.
When skin is lacking moisture it is difficult for the skin to regenerate cells. This can lead to dry, flaky skin. When your skin is healthy and well hydrated it can more efficiently regenerate cells and give you that glowing complexion we all long for.
Who should use moisturizer?
Moisturizing should be part of your daily skincare routine and applied morning and night. Many people do not use moisturizer as they do not believe it is an essential step. This could not be farther from the truth.
Moisturizing protects the skin, it sends the message to the body that the skin is adequately hydrated - which can balance natural oil production and prevent your body from making excess oil, it protects against environmental influences, and many moisturizers contain added ingredients to support skin health and battle aging and sun damage.
Some very oily skin types may find that moisturizer is too much, these skin types should keep a close eye on their skin throughout the year as our hydration needs change with the seasons. Also keep in mind that proper hydration will help balance your natural oil production and may actually calm oily skin and help prevent break-outs.
Men and women both benefit from moisturizing (no - men’s skin is not “tougher” - men need skincare too!). Moisturizing is an important step for both women and men.
Start using moisturizer at a younger age than you think you may need it. By using moisturizer from a young age you 1) instill this as an essential part of your skincare routine, and 2) support healthier, stronger skin that will show the signs of aging later and have less signs of aging than if you did not moisturize.
Moisturizer Product Types:
A product counts as a moisturizer if it’s primary purpose is to moisturize, protect, and lubricate the skin.
There are countless types of moisturizers on the market. Look for a sound, all-natural formula that includes plenty of antioxidants and ingredients that boost collagen and elastin. Check the ingredients to ensure they only use plant-based oils.
This leaves the door wide open for many products to fit under the label “moisturizer”. The three basic product types for moisturizers are:
1. Creams - Creams are the typical product that comes to mind when we say “moisturizer”. They are water based, meaning they are made primarily of water. They can come in a pump bottle or jar. They are typically applied as one of the last steps in your routine. Typically creams will work to seal in moisture with an occlusive top layer. Many creams are made added anti-aging boosters to help address a variety of issues.
2. Oils - Face Oil is just what it sounds like. It is an oil that is applied to the face for the purpose of moisturizing, lubricating and protecting the skin. Face Oils are a great option for those of us who prefer not to use water based creams as they do not use water in their formulation. Because there is no water in a face oil formula they can use much lighter and safer preservatives (in fact many use no preservative or opt for vitamin E for preservative, which also supports skin health). And they do not need the emulsifiers that are required in cream formulas. Emulsifiers can actually break down the skin barrier. Face Oils come in a huge variety of options and combinations. Because this is such a big topic I’m going to refer you here to our other blogs and podcasts that tackle face oils.
Episode 204 Oily Skin and Oil Based Skincare Products
Episode 003 Pros & Cons: Water Based vs Oil Based Skincare Products
Blog: Understanding Oil Based Skincare Products
3. Liquid Moisturizing Mists and Moisturizing Waters - These are relatively new to the skincare market. Many of these products make use of ingredients that draw water from the air to skin. They are much lighter and feel more like a mist or toner than a moisturizer. Moisturizing Mists and Waters are especially popular with oily skin types as they provide some layer of protection and moisturization but are not heavy. They are also great during the hot summer months or for those in high humidity climates.
Choosing A Moisturizer
Choosing which type works best for you is a highly personal decision.
I personally prefer to use Face Oil, and specifically 7 Day Glow’s INFUSE Retinoic Moisturizer with added natural Collagen and Ceramides. I designed this oil to act as a face oil, moisturizer, and serum all in one.
As a rule of thumb - opt for lighter weight formulas such as Liquid Mists, light creams or applying face oil over a wet face in months that have higher humidity. Choose heavier creams and layering in face oil during the Fall and Winter months when home heating and sub-zero temperatures are especially drying to skin.
When choosing products be sure to avoid the ingredients listed in our top ten ingredients to avoid. I’m going to refer you here to our podcast dedicated to ingredients. Head over to our show notes for today’s episode to find a link to the podcast with our recommendations for ingredients to avoid and words to know when shopping for skincare products.
I recommend purchasing a moisturizer separate from a sunscreen. These should be applied as two separate products. Moisturizers are meant to sink into skin to provide support to the upper layers while sunscreen is intended to sit on top of the skin to protect against UV rays. For the greatest sun protection purchase an all natural sunscreen specifically formulated for the face. Opt for natural ingredients with an SPF of 30 or more.
In the end, while moisturizing is not as important as cleansing your skin, it is still an essential step. It’s a step that is easy to apply and provides immediate protection along with long-term benefits. If you start moisturizing now you’ll see less prominent signs of aging and have great protection against environmental damage as you age.
Do you have trouble sticking to a skincare routine? Does just washing your face feel like more than you can handle right now? Does your selfcare fall by the wayside when you get busy? Join us for the free 7 Day Glow Get Glowing Challenge where I share my foolproof four step blueprint to adding any selfcare step to your life with confidence and commitment. Find the link on our homepage at www.7dayglow.com or in today’s show notes.
Thank you so much for sharing your time with me today. I hope you gained a little insight into moisturizers, why they are important and which might be best for you in this episode. Next week we are switching it up and talking about skincare and weddings! We are all about preparing for the big day including gifts and glowing routines in our next 7 Day Glow Podcast episode.
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I'm Alyssa Van Doorn.
I am the natural skincare formulator, biologist, certified clinical aromatherapist, and obsessed self-care advocate who founded 7 Day Glow's holistic, simple skincare approach. I'm on a mission to empower women with the tools they need to find and maintain their Glow simply and with confidence.
Notice: These statements and blog content have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in our articles and podcasts are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice. The content of these blogs, podcasts and associated products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using products or following blog/podcast advice.
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