Is it important to moisturise?
When it comes to skincare, there is so much to choose, so many products, so many techniques, and so much advice. But one step that always seems to stand out: moisturising, no matter what age you are, what type of skin you have, what kind of skin concerns you have. No matter dry, oily or sensitive skin, moisturising is the fundamental part of any skincare routine. Why, in particular, is it so important? We’ll explore the science of moisturising, its benefits and why not moisturising can be bad for your skin.
What Is Moisturising?
Generally, moisturising means applying creams or lotions to the skin to maintain or recover its hydration. Moisturisers are these products, also called moisturisers that are designed to trap water in the skin and act as a barrier to prevent water loss. The moisturisers are available in different forms i.e. cream, lotion, gels or oil and act as protective barrier for the skin making it healthy, hydrated and supple.
The Science Behind Skin Moisture
The epidermis is the layer of our outermost skin that keeps us hydrated. It is a protective barrier and helps maintain water loss. The barrier is made up of skin cells, corneocytes, embedded in a lipid matrix, frequently referred to as ‘bricks and mortar’. But it’s the ‘mortar’ (lipids) that keeps the ‘bricks’ (corneocytes) in place and sets up a strong protective wall to hold moisture. In other words, when this barrier is compromised—whether from the inside (diet, stress) or the outside (pollution, weather) it begins to leak moisture out of the skin and results in dryness, irritation, and flakiness.
In some cases moisturising plays an important role in maintaining this barrier. It helps strengthen the lipid layer, replaces moisture lost, and helps prevent any further water loss. The fact that a moisturiser is not just putting water on the skin – it’s keeping the water in – means that even those with oily skin need one.
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Why Moisturising Is Essential
Hydration and Skin Elasticity
The most significant benefit from moisturising is preserving the skin’s hydration. Elasticity and smooth texture of the skin depends on proper hydration. Your skin looks more youthful when it’s well-hydrated. Hydration is one of the keys to younger looking skin, and a lack of hydration can result in a dull complexion and can exaggerate fine lines and wrinkles.
As you get older, your skin naturally begins to lose its ability to hold in moisture. The sebaceous glands that produce oils which keep our skin supple, become less active. That is why we need to moisturise that much more as we grow older. Products that include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds water, can be particularly effective in hydrating and maintaining skin elasticity in older skin.
Prevention of Dryness and Skin Conditions
If you suffer from dry or flaky skin, then not moisturising can make it worse. Cracked skin without proper moisture can be uncomfortable, but it also lets bacteria in, potentially resulting in an infection. Use of a good moisturiser regularly will prevent this by keeping the skin barrier intact and improving the overall health of the skin.
In addition, moisturising regularly can ease skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which are associated with having a damaged skin barrier and excessive dryness. This means you help to reduce flare ups and irritation caused by these conditions by ensuring that your skin stays moisturised.
Balancing Skin’s Oil Production
Though it might sound counterintuitive, even people with oily skin need to moisturise. Dehydrated skin can actually cause your skin to overproduce oil in an attempt to balance out your skin’s lack of moisture. However, this can result in clogged pores and likely breakouts. You can balance your skin’s oil production, and reduce the chances of acne by using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser.
Protection Against Environmental Damage
Pollution, UV rays, and harsh winds — every day our skin is fighting these aggressors. These elements can cause the skin’s barrier to become too weak, allowing it to become more susceptible to damage and premature ageing. A good moisturiser acts as an armoured wall, protecting the skin from the attack of these external stressors.
Moisturisers that many modern people use today also contain ingredients that go beyond moisturising, such as antioxidants (vitamin E) to fight free radical damage, and SPF to protect against harmful UV rays. Using a moisturiser that protects from the sun also helps to reduce skin cancer risk and slow down the earliest signs of ageing.
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The Role of Moisturising in Different Skin Types
Dry Skin
Moisturising is an absolute necessity if you have dry skin. Dry skin doesn’t have oil and a healthy skin barrier needs oil. Lack of oil can make your skin tight and flaky and prone to irritation. Emollient moisturisers — like shea butter, oils (such as jojoba and almond) — can help seal in moisture and soften the skin.
Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Moisturisers are typically frowned upon by people who have oily or acne prone skin as they fear making their skin worse. Now, as I mentioned above, if the skin is too dry,it leads to the skin producing more oil which results in more breakouts. If you are using a water-based moisturiser, opt for one that is lightweight that won’t clog your pores and still provide hydration for your skin. Ingredients like salicylic acid and niacinamide in these moisturisers can also help reduce oil production and improve skin texture.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you really need to moisturise to combat irritation. A good moisturiser can soothe inflammation and calm redness, and help strengthen the skin’s barrier to prevent future sensitivity. Look for products that are fragrance-free and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or colloidal oatmeal.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin (some parts are oily, some are dry), the right balance in moisturising can be hard to find. All this means is that you need to choose a moisturiser that is enough to hydrate the dry areas while not making the oily parts greasy. In terms of combination skin, you should look into any moisturisers that are gel-based or oil free.
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Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturiser
When choosing a moisturiser, think about the ingredients with which your skin type and concerns will be best served. Here are some key ingredients to look out for:
Hyaluronic Acid
It’s a humectant (a substance that draws moisture into the skin from the environment) that’s particularly good for dehydrated skin.
Glycerin
Another really powerful humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin.
Ceramides
Naturally found in the skin’s barrier lipids. They aid in keeping your skin healthy and help restore a healthy skin barrier.
Dimethicone
Silicone-based ingredient that seals the moisture in and gives a silky smooth feel, without clogging the pores.
Antioxidants
Vitamin C and E are ingredients which protect skin from environmental damage due to free radicals.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Choosing a moisturiser that contains broad spectrum SPF is essential to protect your skin from premature ageing and skin cancer.
Skipping Moisturiser: What Happens?
Some people don’t use a moisturiser and some skincare fanatics have even done away with it from their routine. Some people may be able to get by without moisturiser for a while, even in the most humid of climates, but eventually most will suffer the consequences of not using it. Skin that lacks moisture tends to become dry, flaky and easily irritated. This can all eventually wear away at the skin barrier over time, leaving your skin vulnerable to increased sensitivity, as well as acne and exacerbated skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
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Conclusion: Yes, Moisturising Is Important!
Moisturising is crucial for your skincare routine. It helps keep skin hydrated, supports the skin’s protective barrier, helps balance oil production, and shields the skin from environmental damage. Whatever your skin type or age, a moisturiser that suits your individual needs is an essential way to retain and develop healthy, glowing skin. Taking this one small step will not only help address your short term skincare needs but also promotes healthier skin in the long run. And with products like USANA’s Celavive Luminous Moisture Cream, you can elevate your skincare regimen to new heights!
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