Do you use face moisturizers? If you are more than 20 years of age and have not yet started using one, it is time to do so. Moisturizing your face will help you look younger and make your skin softer. It hydrates the skin. It also prevents and heals dry skin. There are many types of moisturizers based on ingredients, formulations and usage. It all depends on your preference and your type of skin. In addition, most beauty brands offer two kinds of moisturizers or creams, one for morning and one for night. The question is day vs night moisturizer: do you really need both or is it just a marketing propaganda of cosmetic companies to make you buy more of their products?
Importance of Moisturizers
The importance of moisturizing in skin care cannot be overlooked. Moisturizing is an important step in your skin care routine. It keeps your skin healthy and it protects it from dryness and skin irritation. Those who started using moisturizers early in their lives benefit from having healthier and younger looking skin when they get older. Just like how the body needs water in order to be healthy, skin as the biggest organ in the body works the same way. A healthy and vibrant skin depends on its ability to retain moisture. Thus, by using moisturizers early in life, you are slowing down the aging process of your skin.
Day vs Night Moisturizer
How many times a day should you use moisturizer? Do you really need to apply both day and night moisturizer? Aside from the time of application, what is the difference between the two?
Day Cream
During the day, your skin is subjected to UV rays, pollution, make up and other chemicals that may harm the skin. Because of this, day creams are normally designed for protection. They also tend to be lighter and non-greasy in texture. They are also easily absorbed by the skin because they are designed to be worn underneath the makeup.
Night Cream
Unlike day cream, night creams are designed for repair, restoration and regeneration. As a result, night creams are often thicker, richer and heavier because they have higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients designed to penetrate your skin during the course of your sleep.
Do You Really Need Both?
Yes, it is possible to use only one kind of cream but you will not be able to take advantage of its maximum benefits. Using a day cream at night might not be as effective as a night cream because it does not contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients. The same is true if you use night cream in the morning. Since most day cream already contains the sunscreen needed to protect your face from the harmful UV rays; you will have to apply another product to get the much needed protection. And besides, you might not want to walk around looking all greasy if you use night cream in the morning, do you? Thus, it is advisable to include both morning and night creams in your beauty regimen.
Tips in Using Moisturizers
Whatever you choose to do, always remember the following do’s and don’ts in using moisturizers:
- Choose a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, extra dry, combination or aging?
- Refrain from using hot temperatures in washing your face.
- Moisturizer is best applied on damp skin. Don’t towel dry your skin completely.
- Apply it immediately after cleaning your face, preferably after applying a toner especially at night. A toner helps remove excess dirt, oil and make-up.
- Apply the moisturizer in gentle circular motion.
- Don’t forget to apply moisturizer on your neck and chest too.
- Don’t wait until you are old to start applying moisturizer. They can be used as early as 21 years of age.
- Do take your skin care regimen seriously. Apply them daily, not when you just feel like it.
- Do consider switching moisturizers when there is a change of season. In cold months, your skin tends to be drier so heavy creams are a must. In warmer months, it is recommended to use light creams especially when it is hot and humid outside.
- Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen or day cream with an SPF of at least 30.
Edited Version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 23.12.2018
Feature Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels