When choosing a moisturiser, remember that hydration starts with ingredients known as humectants which provide long-lasting moisturisation. Humectants include glycerin, hyaluronic acid and propylene glycol. So, be sure to check the ingredients list for at least one humectant before buying a moisturiser.
Application
Layer
products that work together in the most effective order: start with the
thinnest consistency and work your way up to the heaviest. Serums first,
followed by oils, then creams. The one exception is sunscreen, which should be
applied last.
If you need more hydration, try layering moisturising serums or face oils underneath. Look for serums that contain hyaluronic acid.
When?
The best time to lock in moisture is when skin is moist – ie after a shower. And when applying moisturiser, don’t stop at the jawline. Cover your neck, chest and hands with the same product because all these areas show signs of ageing. Use a gentle massaging technique when applying – it increases circulation, helps minimise puffiness and ensures that your skin absorbs the maximum amount of moisture.
As a makeup base
Remember, you can buy the priciest foundation and the most popular concealer, but it won’t matter if your skin underneath that makeup isn’t prepped properly. One of the most important steps when doing your makeup is exfoliating and moisturising your skin beforehand. The smoother and more hydrated your complexion, the better your makeup will look. So, having a really good moisturiser to wear underneath your makeup is key.
Avoid fragrance in moisturisers
Take note that when you apply a fragrance product on your skin, especially on sensitive skin, it eventually causes inflammation because it’s a skin allergen. And inflammation leads to flakiness and itchiness.
Plant-derived and ‘organic’ botanicals are thought to be better for your skin because they’re found in nature. Sadly, fragrance is like sugar. We all crave it but it’s bad for our skin.
Watch
out for ingredients such as: fragrance mix, lavender, lemon or limonene, lime, citrus
oils, peppermint oil, rose oil, tea tree oil, thyme and ylang-ylang.
Recommended moisturisers:
• Skin Tech Actilift
• Avéne Antirougeurs Plus Concentrate
• NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream
• Dermastine Crème Ultra Riche 3%
• Obagi Hydrate Luxe
• Bioderma Sensibio Rich Cream
