We all know that dry skin not only can be rigid and brittle but it can also look bad and make us feel uncomfortable. Dryness, particularly in winter time, causes fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of aging. To prevent this kind of problems we need to keep in mind that any increase in the water content of the skin can improve the skin quality and this is exactly the purpose of moisturizing products.
So, what is a moisturizer?
Moisturizers are complex cosmetic products made of various ingredients designed to hold water in the skin, to attract moisture and to help smoothing the skin. By preventing the evaporation of water from the external layers of the skin, moisturizers protect the sensitive skin, they improve the texture and the tone and they can mask some imperfections.
Some moisturizers form a thin film on the surface of the skin, preventing this way the water evaporation while other moisturizers attract the water vapor from the surrounding air and use it to hydrate the skin.
What is a moisturizer made of?
We like chemistry lessons. But we don’t want to bore you to death. If you’re curious about the type of substances that moisturizers contain, check out our article on How to build a skin care routine. We’re sure you’re going to find other precious info there.
Long story short, moisturizers contain some oily substances - called occlusives - the ones that keep the water from going out, some hydrating substances - called humectants - which increase the water in your skin, some substances which smoothen the skin - called emollients and some substances that protect the skin from damage cause by free radicals - called antioxidants.
Looca Beauty wants to offer women the best natural cosmetic products while being environmental friendly. We think it’s very important to keep a healthy skin care routine and to avoid polluting your body even more through the cosmetic products you use. Because we also care about the environment, we strive to keep it as green as possible and reduce the amounts of plastic we use. That’s why all our products are based on pure natural ingredients and our recipients are made of recyclable glass. Our natural moisturizer is infused with plant stem cells which boost cell production resulting in firmer skin that simply looks younger.
Among the moisturizers' ingredients, hibiscus, known as the ‘botox plant' is particularly important as it has the ability to increase the elasticity of the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Blended with Shea butter to hydrate and moisturize the skin, our stem cell active moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and is especially beneficial for skin showing signs of aging and dehydration.
For more information about the ingredients we use and their benefit, check out our ingredients page.
Did you know that our moisturizer also contains sunscreen which will protect your skin from the dangerous UV light?
Should you use a moisturizer?
Human skin is naturally designed to produce self-moisturizing substances but as we grow older, the natural process of sebum production tends to slow down. All skin types are affected by water evaporation and therefore a daily dose of moisturizer is recommended to keep a hydrated, soft and supple skin. Everyone, regardless of age or skin type can benefit from the smoothening and protective properties of moisturizers.
- If your skin is oily, it is recommended to use a light moisturizer addressed to oily or combination skin
- If your skin is rather dry, you will certainly benefit from the effects of applying a richer moisturizer
What is my type of skin?
To maintain that natural baby-skin look the first step is to choose the right moisturizer product for you and your skin type. Don't depend on makeup to cover or even cure dry spots or wrinkled areas and pick instead the most suitable cream treatment to supplement your skin's requirements. You don’t know what type of skin you have? No worries, just look out for our advice and identify your skin type.
Dry skin
Taking care of dry skin is the most challenging. Among the signs of dry skin we mention a reduced elasticity, the presence of dry spots visible especially after having a bath or pores with a very small size.Oily skin
Oily skin is characterised by a higher production of sebum than needed, large pores and shiny complexion.
Combination skin
Although easier to manage than dry skin, the combination skin type is more prone to acne and black heads. The most obvious sign of a combination skin type is the oiliness of the T zone (forehead, nose and chin) and the dryness of the cheeks.
Sensitive skin
This type of skin is the most uncommon and it's characterized by red skin, itchy and burning sensation after using even the most common beauty products.
Normal skin:
It is the most common type of skin with few or no imperfections at all and no particular sensitivity while being not too dry and not too oily.
How to use the moisturizer?
Although applying the moisturizer might seem an easy job as often seen on Instagram, it's an essential step in your daily skin-care routine. Be it any skin type, the most basic role of a moisturizer is to help in treating a dry skin and prevent it from becoming dry again.
Now that you have identified your skin type, you will be able to choose the right moisturizer product for your skin type, by following some useful recommendations:
- If your skin is rather dry, you are more prone to dehydration and without proper care, your skin risks to fall easier victim to aging signs particularly during cold periods. To combat this, choose a moisturizer based on natural oils (olive oil, coconut oil). Shea butter will help in hydrating the skin and Vitamin E will protect it. This combination of ingredients will leave your skin soft and hydrated.
- For oily skin we recommend using an adapted moisturizer, light and fragrance free.
- For a combination skin type you will need a moisturizer that can help in normalizing it by providing moisture on the dry parts (cheeks) and balancing the oily skin in the T-zone. Dermatologists recommend a moisturizer that is not too oily and neither greasy for this type of skin.
- Since the sensitive type of skin is harder to take care of, we recommend choosing a moisturizing product based on natural, calming and non-irritating ingredients. The less ingredients there are in the products, the less chances of getting an outbreak on your skin. Opt for lightweight ingredients such as aloe vera or lemon oil.
- If you tend to have a balanced, normal skin type, opt for an anti-aging focused moisturizer
Always apply the moisturizer on a cleansed face, as doing the contrary can cause the moisturizer to seal in oil, sweat or other various impurities from your pores. Ideally you should apply it few minutes after taking a bath or a shower and then make sure you pat your skin dry.
Apply the moisturizer evenly on the surface of your face. Don't focus only on the middle of the face but treat with the same importance the extremities of your face such as the skin around the hairline or around the years. Don't neglect your neck as this is an area very prone to wrinkles and aging lines development. Protect it properly with a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen protection.
Don't apply several layers of moisturizer even if your skin is very dry; that would only waste your money as soon you will need to buy more of the same product. Instead, focus on picking a quality moisturizer that can help your skin when applied in a thin layer over the entire surface of your face.
After cleansing, don't wait for too long before applying a moisturizer as you risk to dehydrate your skin. Ideally you should apply immediately the moisturizer especially during the cold weather months.
Tips and Tricks about moisturizers
- If you have a rather sensitive skin type, avoid as much as possible artificial colors and scents that might cause irritation. Simply said, any product with unnecessary use of color or fragrance must be avoided.
- It is very common recently for products to claim having antibacterial ingredients. Excessive use of such products may deprive your skin of its naturally produced sebum, resulting in dull and dry skin.
- Moisturizers suggested for both face and body use have several ingredients that might damage your skin such as lanolin and mineral oils. These ingredients can clog pores and cause acne on the face. This is the reason why Looca Beauty only uses vegetal oils in its moisturizer
- Certain acidic ingredients may cause severe damage especially to dry and sensitive skin types. That is why we recommend avoiding ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoic acid and skin creams/lotions with alcohol.
With love for you and for the planet,
Looca Beauty Team