Hydration, moisturization, saturation - these are all words for that one mantra which guarantees healthy and youthful skin. Every “skin care expert” swears by at least one good moisturizer cream or face moisturizerthat is part of their routine.
However, not all skin types are the same and the texture of skin varies often with hormonal changes, the weather and also any underlying medical conditions.
But one thing is pretty constant - a good face moisturizer is very important as part of one’s daily routine. We’ve compiled a few reasons why moisturization is so important -
Pamper dry skin
A face moisturizer helps restore moisture and also locks it in. The skin on our face, hands, feet and other exposed parts of the body is the most vulnerable and loses its natural oils and the skin barrier is also weak. A good face moisturizer is also a great idea after a hot shower as our skin is stripped of its moisture to a large extent. Using a Vitamin C Facewash for cleansing and then following it up with a good quality, vegan water based moisturizer will keep dry and dull skin at bay.
Help prevent wrinkles and age-related skin issues
Hydrated skin equals youthful skin. People who moisturize develop wrinkles more slowly compared to those who do not moisturize regularly and have dry skin. Moisturizing well, using gentle pressure massage leaves the skin supple, plump and firm and also negates the harmful effects of our daily lifestyle and pollutants in the atmosphere. It is also quite effective in preventing the occurrence of scaly skin, age spots and age-related pigmentation.
Soothe and calm breakouts and sensitive skin
You must be familiar with our Iba Green Tea Facewash and after cleansing and pat drying, using a mild water based moisturizer will prevent your skin from drying out while not leaving it oily. This helps calm and soothe any active acne as well as sensitive skin.
Breakouts happen due to the accumulation of sebum, dead cells and bacteria in our pores, clogging them and resulting in inflammation. Cleansing does help remove some of these nasties but an effective moisturizer cream will prevent the over-production of sebum resulting in less greasy and sensitive skin.
Sun protection
Many moisturizers also contain SPF which is essential to protect the skin from tanning, sun spots, excessive drying as well as certain types of skin cancer caused due to exposure to UV rays. Such a 2-in-1 product is also useful as a men's face moisturizer as they do not normally layer products on their skin. Any lightweight moisturizer cream with sun protection is great for everyday use during outdoors time.
Moisturizers & their formats
The type of moisturizer depends on the type of ingredient in it - whether it is a humectant or an emollient or if it is an occlusive.
Hyaluronic acid is a type of humectant - it draws moisture from the deeper layers of the skin up to the epidermis which is the exposed layer most vulnerable to both dehydration and damage. Our Vitamin C Facewash also contains this compound which definitely helps with skin nourishment and hydration.
Skin cells are arranged like a jigsaw puzzle but not quite - there are gaps in between those cells and emollients smooth and soften the skin by filling in those gaps, resulting in perceptively better skin texture and even skin. Vitamin E and jojoba oil are some examples of emollients.
Occlusive typically work better on dry skin as their molecules are larger and they lock in water thus repelling it. Shea butter is one vegan ingredient which is an effective occlusive.
Moisturization with Iba
Iba moisturizers are free from animal products like lanolin as well as harsh chemicals which damage the skin barrier. At Iba, We have light formulations which are non-sticky, not heavy and still work wonders. Some very nice examples are the Day & Night Skin Brightening Cream Combo as well as the hyaluronic acid-rich Dream Glow Sleeping Mask.
Depending on your requirement and your skin type, you can opt for an oil-based or water based moisturizer. A good face moisturizer should be applied after cleansing the face or after a hot shower for maximum benefits. It is always better to start with gentle pats when applying the cream and then a gentle massage in the upward direction when assimilating into the skin. Vigorous rubbing and dragging will not have the same effect as gentle and mindful application. Reapply whenever you feel the need.
Who should use moisturizer?
Moisturizer cream can and should be used by everyone - men as well as women. It is a necessity in today’s stressful times where all our lifestyle mistakes appear glaringly on our skin. No matter the skin type, a moisturizer will help nourish the skin by hydrating it and preventing issues with skin drying out. Moisturizer should be used before application of any makeup or foundation cream.
My skin is oily - can I still use moisturizer?
Yes, in fact, oily skin will suffer more if harsh chemicals and medicated products are used. Dry and sore skin is the perfect environment for germs and sebum to start multiplying again. A lightweight water based moisturizer is the best bet for oily skin as it does not clog the pores and absorbs faster than other formats.
The frequency for reapplication may vary depending on the degree of oiliness on the skin but at least twice a day is usually recommended. Take care not to use too many active ingredients all together as that might have an adverse effect on your skin instead of improving its overall health. Less is more when it comes to topical products and some of the best moisturizer are from Iba - a destination for clean, vegan and cruelty-free beauty.
