When it comes to a moisturiser, most of us assume it to be a creamy-textured product to keep skin hydrated. But in fact, a moisturiser holds a superior position in your skincare routine as compared to a serum, or face mist, among other products. Using a moisturiser daily, as part of your daily AM and PM skincare regimen, reduces dryness, treats fine lines and fades blemishes. There are a few things you have to keep in mind while adding a moisturiser to your shopping cart, as per your skin type.Â
The Channel 46 caught up with Vedika Sharma, Founder of Mantra Herbal, a skincare brand from the house of Baidyanath, to guide you with 11 hacks you should keep in mind while selecting a moisturiser as per your skin type.
1. Understand Your Skin First
To understand this, wash your face and pat it dry. Sit back to see how it feels. If your skin feels dry and uncomfortable, then you have dry skin. If it feels fine, then you have oily or combination skin.Â
2. Choose A Moisturiser Accordingly
Once you understand your skin type with the above simple exercise, choose a cream-based moisturiser if you have dry skin. On the other hand, if you have oily to combination skin then look for a gel-based moisturiser.
3. Look For A SPF-Rich Moisturiser
Sun protection is as important as drinking water. For the Indian climate, an SPF range from 30 to 50 is ideal. For the evening or night care regime, look for ingredients with anti-ageing properties such as Bakuchiol and Niacinamide. For oily skin, seek cooling ingredients like aloe vera and sandalwood.Â
4. Consider The Season
Based on the season of the year, choose a light moisturiser for the humid, summer months, so it does not feel heavy on your skin and makes you perspire even more. On the other hand, a heavy moisturiser is best suited for the winter months, to give your skin the deep hydration it needs. Look for ingredients such as avocado, shea butter and Hyaluronic Acid (HA), especially for the dry and cold season.
5. Consider Your Age
Choose a moisturiser that regulates sebum production in your 20s. As you age, opt for a repairing and regenerative moisturiser with anti-aging properties, especially if you are in your 40s, …
A moisturiser which was suitable in your 20s might not be useful in your 40s. Skin changes with climate, environment and age. Choose a moisturiser that regulates sebum production in your 20s. As you age, opt for a repairing and regenerative moisturiser with anti-ageing properties, especially if you are in your 40s, to replenish your skin with the nutrients that are available only in low reserves in your skin.
6. Check For The Fragrance
… it is important to look for natural fragrances as artificial fragrances cause skin allergies and breathing problems.
A moisturiser is placed very near the nose. Hence, it is important to look for natural fragrances as artificial fragrances cause skin allergies and breathing problems. Thorough check for the presence of harmful chemicals like Parabens and SLS, and artificial fragrances and colours.
7. Read The Label Carefully
Go for a skincare brand that undertakes a “transparent labelling policy” by ensuring that a customer knows every ingredient and compound that goes into the product. Toxic chemicals such as Parabens, Petrochemicals, Silicones and artificial colours result in increased skin sensitivity and carcinogenic effects. A moisturiser with natural ingredients, without any toxic chemicals will be effective and gentle on the skin – exactly what your skin deserves.
8. Dampen Your Skin Before Moisturising Your Skin
Apply a moisturiser while your skin is still damp. This will lock in moisture and prevent any elements of damage that may be caused otherwise.
9. Mode Of Application
Start applying the moisturiser from your collarbone, gradually moving upwards towards the face. Always remember, your face doesn’t end with your chin, but somewhere in the mid-chest.
10. Golden Rule Of Product Layering
Introduce yourself to the art of layering your skincare products the right way. The golden rule is that you start with lighter products such as serums and then move on to thicker products like moisturisers.Â
11. Go For A Tinted Moisturiser In Summer
A moisturiser with a tint of skin helps to cover blemishes and acts in the same way as that a foundation. Such products are useful in summer as heavy makeup may lead to pore blockage and breakouts.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and needs to be taken care of as much as we pay attention to our internal organs. Following the above tips while choosing a moisturiser is one of the hacks you need to keep in mind to take care of your skin the way it is meant to be.
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