One of the most essential elements of a solid skincare routine—after SPF, of course—is using moisturizer. And while you may be wondering, “What does moisturizer do?” You’ll soon see that it’s a vital step when it comes to the health and hydration of your skin.
If you’re new to the world of moisturizers, don’t worry. Read on to uncover all the benefits of using moisturizer and how it transforms your skin, so you have healthy, hydrated skin.
The Vital Role of Moisturizers in Skincare
The most important role of a moisturizer is to infuse and maintain hydration in your skin. It does this by hydrating the outer layer of your skin, and can work in a couple different ways:
- By creating a temporary seal that keeps moisture in your skin
- By restoring lost moisture in your skin’s outermost layer
But how does moisturizer work? By using a combination of moisturizing ingredients called humectants that draw in and trap moisture and water content in the skin while working to soften skin texture. Additional active ingredients like ceramides and oils protect the skin from moisture loss and environmental stressors.
Understanding Moisturizer Formulations
Now that we’ve defined what a moisturizer is, let’s discuss the variations in moisturizers. There are four different types of moisturizers: lotions, creams, ointments, and balms, ordered from least to most hydrating. Each of these formulations caters to a different skin type, or skin’s varying needs or preferences.
Key Benefits of Regular Moisturizer Use
No matter the type of moisturizer you find works best for your skin, there are common benefits of integrating moisturizers into your daily skincare routine—that go far beyond just skin hydration.
- Build a Stronger Skin Barrier: Your skin’s outer layer, called the skin barrier, is made from cells that are tightly bound together with fatty acids and ceramides. A healthy skin barrier protects against environmental aggressors and keeps moisture and water content locked in. When compromised, it can lead to sensitivity and dryness. Moisturizers help strengthen and restore this barrier.
- Help Reduce Signs of Aging: Dry skin can cause dullness, skin texture, and even fine lines. Moisturizer helps to reduce these conditions and restore bounce and volume to dehydrated skin.
- Soothe Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin can be a sign of a breakdown in the skin barrier. Using moisturizers helps restore and repair your barrier, in turn soothing sensitive skin, dryness, and redness.
Hydration and Your Skin's Health
The primary job of a moisturizer is to hydrate your skin. And while that may seem like something that only those with dry skin will care about, skin hydration is vital to every skin type.
Hydration affects your skin in many ways, including:
- Appearance: Hydrated skin looks softer and feels smoother
- Feel: Dry skin feels tight and uncomfortable
- Health: Dehydrated skin can lead to inflammation and even breakouts
Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Although all skin types need moisturizers, not every moisturizer works for everyone. Here’s a rundown on what to look for in a moisturizer for each skin type:
- Dry/Mature Skin: Look for a heavier moisturizer with an oil base to preserve moisture
- Normal/Combination Skin: Try a water-based moisturizer with a lightweight feel
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Use an oil-free, non-comedogenic formula that feels light on the skin
- Sensitive Skin: Look for a moisturizer with soothing ingredients (like Aloe)
COOLA's Moisturizing Solutions
At COOLA, we have a range of moisturizers tailored for different skin types, each featuring organic and moisturizing ingredients to give your skin exactly what it’s craving.
For a bit of a sheer glow and lightweight hydration, try Rosilliance Tinted Moisturizer.
If your skin needs deep, lasting hydration, you’ll love our Refreshing Water Cream, with 24+ hours of hydration plus SPF 50 protection.
And for your night-time skincare routine, Great Barrier Cream provides lightweight hydration while reinforcing your skin’s natural barrier.
Common Myths About Moisturizers Debunked
There are some commonly held myths around moisturizers that have been passed around for years, maybe even stopping you from adding this essential step to your skincare routine.
Let’s debunk the most common:
- Myth: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturizer. If your skin is oily, it may feel like you don’t need to add any additional hydration, but that’s not true. Not using a moisturizer can trigger your skin to overproduce oil to keep it hydrated. Using a moisturizer actually helps balance your skin.
- Myth: You only need to use moisturizers when your skin feels dry. All skin types need to use moisturizers. If you have dry skin, you may indeed need to moisturize more frequently than those with oily skin, but everyone should add a moisturizing step to their daily skincare routine, even if your skin doesn’t feel dry.
The Truth About Moisturizers and Acne
Speaking of myths, if you have acne-prone skin, you may have heard the misconception that moisturizers cause breakouts.
If anything, the opposite is true. Using a non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer can balance your skin’s oil production while preventing irritation and soothing your skin, helping to calm or even prevent breakouts.
Integrating Moisturizer into Your Skincare Routine
Now that you know how essential moisturizer is for your skin, how do you integrate it into your skincare routine?
Whether it’s morning or night, start by washing your face.
Next, if you use toners or serums, apply those.
Then, if it’s daytime, apply your moisturizer with sunscreen, or without sunscreen if you’re getting ready for bed. Be sure to treat your skin gently, and don’t rub too hard.
Moisturizers are also helpful as a base before makeup application to ensure you have a fresh, hydrated canvas.
Perfecting Your Skincare Routine with COOLA
At COOLA, we always aim to provide you with the best resources to create a skincare routine for teens and adults alike, that’s why we prioritize the health of your skin with our healthy, innovative formulas.
Protecting your skin is our focus, and we’ve been working for decades to create skincare and SPF that feels so good, you’ll love wearing it every day.
Why Choose COOLA Moisturizers?
Moisturizers are a vital part of the health of your skin, and we want to help you achieve your healthiest skin yet. We’re committed to providing you with innovative skincare options crafted with quality, natural ingredients.
Choosing COOLA means choosing effective, gentle skin- and suncare. For your best and healthy skin.
