Skin Therapist Describes Moisturizing Mistakes You Might Be Making
“Just use a moisturizer” – Honestly, it seems like a pretty simple task, but have you ever tried just buying a moisturizer? (It’s as overwhelming as being forced to pick out a new nail polish at a nail salon.) Not to mention how irritated your skin will be if you choose the wrong nail polish.
The moisturizer you choose and use for your skin is important. Plus, it’s not a skincare product that you can just throw away in your daily life. Skin loves moisture, and a good moisturizer can help you replenish moisture to your skin and prevent it from evaporating.
Yes, you still need to use a moisturizer even if you have an oilier skin type, all skin types need a moisturizer. You just need to find a solution that solves your problem. For a skin therapist, that’s easier said than done. I want to share with you some important things to consider when buying the right moisturizer.
First of all, the word “moisturizer” can be used to describe several different consistencies, including: gels, creams, and even occlusive ointments. However, the emollient properties of these products ensure that your skin stays soft.
If you have drier or more sensitive skin, you should go for an occlusive ointment, while creams (which may have a higher oil content) are suitable for most skin types, and lighter gels (usually water-based) are better for skin that tends to produce more oil or is prone to acne/congestion.
If that wasn’t confusing enough, you can also switch up the type of moisturizer you use morning and night based on personal preference. But not everyone has to do this. Only if you like it and it fits your budget and lifestyle.
I would like to mention here that the term “night cream” is mainly used as a marketing ploy and has no real meaning, unless your “night cream” contains active ingredients like vitamin A. Aside from the fact that these night creams may contain a higher concentration of ingredients to provide more hydration before bed, it is important to note that the term “night cream” is mainly used as a marketing ploy and has no real meaning.
So what should we look for in a moisturizer?
Dry skin: You can go for a richer moisturizer with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, as well as occlusive ingredients that may contain lanolin or petrolatum to lock in moisture.
Oily skin: You may prefer a water-based gel with ingredients like clover flower extract, which balances oil production. Even mild alpha hydroxy acids can be beneficial for these skin types.
All skin types can benefit from additional anti-aging ingredients like antioxidants and/or ceramides, or even soothing ingredients like green tea and/or niacinamide and licorice root.
Sensitive skin should avoid fragrance.
Ps. Moisturizers with SPF 30+ or higher are ideal for mornings (also for those who are pressed for time).
But what about common hydration mistakes?
If you feel like you’re using the right moisturizer but a) still break out or b) feel like it’s not working, there could be a number of reasons:
Maybe you’re using too much hydration and the wrong products and/or layering too many things on top of each other. This can lead to blackheads, clogged pores, uneven skin, and even excess oil production. This is the most common problem with oily skin, as too much hydration can lead to excess sebum production. (Proper cleansing and makeup removal, as well as proper exfoliation, are important components here. Your skin can only absorb so much!)
If milia form from your moisturizer, it’s a sign that your moisturizer is too heavy for your skin and you need to switch to a lighter product. (You also shouldn’t try to “squeeze” these spots; they will go away on their own. If not, it’s best to have them removed at a clinic.)
Your other skincare may not be working. You may be using too many irritating active ingredients, so your skin barrier is compromised. Maybe you’re not using the right products, or even over- or under-exfoliating, which means your skincare can’t absorb properly and work as it should.
Moisturize only with a humectant or occlusive. Most skin types need both.
However, we can’t always blame our products. Lifestyle and diet play a role in how hydrated and moisturized your skin is. So it’s best to seek expert advice before changing your product range and routine.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
