When it comes to face care, we like to focus on serums, care oils and special cleaning practices. What is all too easily overlooked is the importance of a good moisturizer. And that is the basis for any further treatment. Why? We'll tell you that and more now.
Let's get straight to the point: A good moisturizer is the be-all and end-all of skin care, the beauty routine and an essential must in the bathroom cabinet. If you don't regularly pamper your skin with the necessary moisture and care, you don't have to worry about serums, face masks and the like. You have to say it so drastically.
Skin aging, free radicals, which act on our facial skin around the clock, sun exposure – all of this can have an unchecked effect if we do not regularly support our skin with the basis of every care routine, however simple. Because even for creamy muffle and nature lovers who swear by "less is more", it should be a must to use a moisturizer. We'll also tell you why. At the same time, we looked at the different products that the different skin types need, what "problem cases" are and what you should pay attention to when buying a moisturizer.
Why is a good moisturizer important?
Our skin is naturally designed in such a way that it can take care of itself. Especially with moisture. But numerous (external and internal) influences can cause a kind of water deficiency in our skin. In summer this can be too high (for the skin) sun rays, in winter heating air and temperatures in the minus range. In such situations, our epidermis, which actually ensures that the skin's water reservoir is well filled, needs a little help from outside.
Of course, our age also plays a role in this topic. Because the older we get, the more the fat production of the sebum glands drops. Our skin loses elasticity and resilience; it gets drier. In short: It makes more sense to help with a suitable moisturizer or to support the skin.
Dry skin can have smaller to larger, sometimes very unpleasant consequences. A lot is possible, from a slight feeling of tension to varying degrees of itching to dandruff or even cracks. Germs and other pests also have easy play on dry skin. But that need not be. These problems can be easily avoided with skin-appropriate care.
Different care for day and night
The term "moisturizer" actually stands for two beauty products that should not be missing in any household: a day cream and a night cream. Often, more attention is paid to day care – perhaps because we "get" more from it. This means, for example, that people with very dry skin feel more naturally during the day whether their skin is adequately moisturized than at night when they are asleep. But at this point we have to point out once again the importance of a good night cream. Especially at night, even if we don't notice much of it, a moisturizer can work particularly well. Because not only our body collects new energy and regenerates during sleep – our skin also uses these hours to recover from environmental influences and the stresses of the day. So if we go into the different skin types and the corresponding needs, as well as suitable products, we will always keep an eye on the time of day.
Which combination skin cream?
Combination skin is a problem in many ways. Because while people with dry skin "only" have to worry about regularly moisturizing their skin, mixed skin is faced with the problem: how does the part of my skin that is too dry get enough moisture and the part that tends to shine and excess fat does not additional incentive to produce sebum and fat? Fortunately, this problem has been known to the cosmetics industry for a very long time, so there is a sufficient selection of moisturizers that meet both requirements. The most important purchase criterion should be that the product contains as little oil as possible or is completely oil-free.
For example, hyaluron helps regulate the skin's moisture storage, while, for example, extracts of the nettle influence the excess sebum production. If you want to be on the safe side, you can of course also use two different products for the T-Zone – known for example the area of the forehead, nose and chin, which is too oily in combination skin – and the dry areas. With the right moisturizer, this is actually superfluous.
Our tips:
Which moisturizer for dry skin?
If you tend to have dry skin, you should make sure that the care is rich enough and above all avoid ingredients such as alcohol or perfume, which only remove moisture if the product is too high. Rich vegetable oils can easily balance the alcohol required in the care product (if the balance is right). Good examples of this are jojoba oil, argan oil or the oil of avocado.
Our tips:
Which moisturizer for oily skin?
Facial skin that shines constantly, tends to blemishes or feels greasy is very uncomfortable. Of course, you don't want to promote this effect by applying a heavy, rich moisturizer that greases unnecessarily. If you have oily skin, you should prefer light products, such as gel and water-based, rather than oily creams. The distinction between fat and moisture is crucial here.
Our tips:
Which cream for sensitive skin?
There are also special care products for sensitive skin that are tailored to special needs and, for example, do not use fragrances. It is also advisable to use products that rely on as few effective ingredients as possible instead of mass. Because sensitive skin can quickly become stressed and irritated due to too many components. Something we want to avoid as far as possible.
Our tips:
Which cream for mature skin?
As already mentioned above, the demands of our skin change with age. Tension, elasticity, more moisture is then more in demand. Smaller or even noticeable wrinkles cannot be completely avoided in the long run, but certain ingredients in moisturizers for mature skin can counter this somewhat. (Even if, admittedly, one's own lifestyle, eating habits and sun worship are much more influential.)
Our tips:
Which moisturizer for blemished skin or acne?
Caution should be exercised with oily, impure or even acne-prone skin. Many products that "handle" such problem cases are sometimes quite aggressive. In addition to the positive effect that the impurities or the like. disappear, also have negative consequences. The skin reacts roughly and irritated. Therefore, a particularly thorough look at the ingredients is required here. Some such agents work with too much alcohol. This removes fat and sebum, but in the worst case dries out the skin too much. The rule also applies here: the further ahead an ingredient is listed, the more it contains.
Our tips:
What to do if the skin is damaged?
Damage to the skin can have many causes – wanted and unwanted. The best examples here are probably minor injuries such as cuts or abrasions on the skin, sunburn or even slight burns. For minor injuries or sunburn, a cream with aloe vera can provide wonderful help. The small wonder plant combines many good properties. For example, it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, cell-regenerating properties and contains enzymes, vitamins and minerals.
Our tips:
How do I apply a moisturizer?
There is actually not much to consider when it comes to using a moisturizer – regardless of whether it is day or night care. Nevertheless, we have summarized a few basic things that you should consider to get the most out of your care.
- Before you buy, take a close look at your skin. What does she need? Which "problem" would you like to deal with if necessary?
- If you are unsure, get advice from a dermatologist.
- Just make sure that you use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type, so as not to "over-care" your skin, to prevent pimples and impurities or, conversely, not to dry your skin.
- Too many ingredients can overwhelm some skin types. If in doubt, choose a cream with few ingredients.
- Creams without preservatives are preferred, but carry the risk that germs are deposited during use. If you choose a cream without preservatives, you should either use a cream in the dispenser instead of a jar or choose the smallest possible jar size.
- Always apply the cream to thoroughly cleaned skin.
You should avoid these ingredients if possible:
- synthetic preservatives such as formaldehyde, parabens
- Mineral oils, paraffins, synthetic glycerin
- Benzophenone
- Plasticizers, especially phthalates
- Silicones
These moisturizers can do more:
As mentioned earlier, a moisturizer is a must for everyone. But for some people that's not enough. So the cream only forms the basis for further beauty steps, such as applying make-up or similar. Others expect more from a good moisturizer and may also want to save one or two subsequent steps or offer their skin additional protection. Here are two examples of moisturizers that can do more:
- Tinted Day Cream: A tinted day cream can replace a foundation or powder. However, there is such a large selection of different creams – have you ever heard of BB / CC / DD / EE cream ?! – that we cannot go into that here. If you want to learn more, take a look at this article.
- Moisturizers with SPF: a good idea not only in summer or on sunny days. If you don't want to use sunscreen right away, you should pay attention to a sun protection factor that is already integrated in your everyday moisturizer.
If a moisturizer is not enough – what is there as a supplement?
Now and then take some time for yourself, give your skin some extra attention – many women love that. And they have a free choice: whether they opt for a rich serum, regular moisturizing masks or a nourishing oil, such as argan or castor oil is at your own discretion. Depending on what is good for your own skin and what it needs most at the moment.