Navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming. There's the amount of brands, products and ingredients out there, and then there's the how, how much, and how often questions added in too. One of those questions, "how often should I moisturise my face?" is what we're breaking down for you today (among related questions). So, you'll have much less to worry about and much healthier-looking skin too!
How often should I be moisturising my face?
The general rule of thumb is twice a day - once in the morning and once before bedtime. This ensures a consistent level of hydration for your skin throughout the day, and overnight while your skin is in its restorative phase.
When and how do I apply a moisturiser to my face?
Any time you cleanse or tone your face, you need to moisturise it too. For maximum hydration, apply your moisturiser to slightly damp skin. We recommend dampening your skin with a spritz of mist or toner. Applying your moisturiser to dampened skin helps to lock in moisture and creates a barrier to prevent water loss.
Do I need a different moisturiser in the morning and evening?
This one is entirely up to you, and your skin type. Some people opt for lighter gels and lotions in the morning, with heavier creams at night. Some people with dry or mature skin types may prefer to use a cream both morning and night. It's really about understanding your skin, and giving it what it needs. If you're not sure about your skin type, you can discover it here.
What are the different types of moisturisers?
It's worthwhile understanding the different types of moisturisers out there.
Gel moisturisers are lightweight and water-based, making them suitable for oily and breakout-prone skin. They absorb quickly and dry without leaving a greasy residue. Lotions have a slightly thicker texture, often a mix of water and oil, making them more suitable for combination skin. They offer a balance between hydration and nourishment. Creams are richer and more emollient, containing higher amounts of oil. They are perfect for dry and mature skin, providing deep moisturisation and helping to lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration too.
What skin type benefits from a moisturiser?
In reality, all skin types benefit from the properties of a moisturiser. From hydration, barrier function, preventing dryness, reducing irritation, anti-ageing benefits, balancing skin, enhancing makeup application, recovery and healing, to supporting overall skin health, moisturisers do a lot! It's one of a handful of products considered an everyday essential, for everyone.
What moisturiser do I need for my skin type?
Dry skin
Dry skin is characterised by its rough texture, a tendency to feel tight, and the potential for fine lines and wrinkles to become more prominent. This skin type struggles to maintain a moisture balance due to its naturally low lipid levels. Dry skin types should opt for a rich and nourishing cream to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin's moisture barrier.
We recommend Luna Vitality: Restoring Moisture Cream
Oily skin
Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum, often appearing shiny, particularly in the T-zone (forehead and nose). This skin type is more susceptible to breakouts and acne, and requires a lightweight moisturiser that won't clog pores.
We recommend Sol: Hydrating Gel Moisturiser
Combination skin
Combination skin is a blend of dry, oily, and normal skin. You may experience oiliness in certain spots, dryness in others, and some areas of your skin will be considered "regular". To cater to combination skin's diverse needs, opt for lightweight lotions that provide adequate hydration, without feeling too heavy on oily areas.
We recommend The Limelight: Brightening Probiotic Lotion
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is prone to inflammation, a concern that can affect any skin type but is most commonly associated with sensitive skin itself. Dry skin, in particular, can be more susceptible to inflammation due to micro-cracks that can develop. To soothe signs of inflammation and minimise irritation in dry, sensitive skin, opt for products specially formulated for sensitive skin, without synthetic fragrances.
We recommend The Limelight: Brightening Probiotic Lotion
Understanding how to choose the right moisturiser for your skin type, how to moisturise correctly, and how often to moisturise your face are fundamental steps toward achieving healthy, glowing skin. A consistent skincare routine that is tailored to your skin's needs will leave you with a complexion that's well-nourished and beautifully balanced.
