One of the most crucial parts of any skin care routine? The moisturizer. While it may be an easy step to skip on your way out the door in the morning, it's a crucial part of keeping skin looking healthy and feeling great.
A moisturizer can range from a lotion to a cream to an ointment or balm that helps to keep the skin hydrated. Most moisturizers help to seal the skin, lock in moisture and protect it from irritants. Let's take a closer look at how moisturizers work and why they are so crucial for a healthy skin care routine.
In this article:
- How do moisturizers work?
- Benefits of using a moisturizer
- Types of moisturizers
- Key components of moisturizers
- How to use a moisturizer
- Frequently asked questions
How do moisturizers work?
Our skin has different layers: the outer layer (epidermis), the middle layer (dermis), and the lower layer (hypodermis).1 The water in our bodies travels through our blood vessels and delivers moisture to the middle layer of our skin, the dermis. From there, the water travels up and out through the epidermis and evaporates into the atmosphere.2
Face moisturizers and body moisturizers aim to do two things: trap the moisture in our skin and restore moisture in the epidermis that’s been lost.3 When we moisturize our skin, not only are we replenishing moisture, but we’re also helping our skin barrier’s ability to protect against environmental stressors.4
Benefits of using a moisturizer
There are multiple benefits to using a moisturizer, including:
- Combating aging skin. Without moisture, our skin starts to crack, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizer helps keep our skin hydrated, plump and fresh and can help reduce the signs of aging.5
- Protecting sensitive skin. If you have red, irritated or itchy skin, moisturizers can help repair your skin barrier and reduce sensitivity. Aloe vera, chamomile, niacinamide, oatmeal and honey are ingredients that may help calm sensitive skin.6
- Preventing dry skin. No matter the weather, the environment can zap the moisture away, leaving your skin feeling dry and tight. Moisturizers help manage dry skin by replacing lost moisture and preventing future moisture loss.7
Types of moisturizers
Let’s break down the different types of moisturizers and how they can work with a seasonal skin care routine.
Creams
Moisturizing creams tend to be thicker and harder to absorb in the skin; however, they're ideal for those with normal, dry or sensitive skin. Creams can also work well in colder seasons.8
For example, consider a moisturizing cream like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Body and Face Moisturizer.
Lotions
Moisturizing lotions contain a higher percentage of water and are usually thinner and lighter.9 When used on the skin, they tend to spread more easily and absorb more quickly. Lotions are better suited for use all over the body.
Consider moisturizing lotion products like the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Body and Face Moisturizer.
Ointments
Thicker than creams, ointments are the thickest of moisturizers.10 They can also be used on top of a lotion to trap in moisture or on dryer areas of the body such as your hands and feet. Avoid using an ointment over the face, unless specifically recommended by your dermatologist.11
Try the Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment to help lock in moisture in dry areas.
Gels
Gels tend to be lighter, nongreasy and less viscous than creams or ointments.12 Typically water based, they work well for oily skin types.13
A few examples of moisturizing gels are the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel or the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Facial Gel with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid for All Skin Types.
Key components of moisturizers
When looking for a new moisturizer to use, keep an eye out for these categories of ingredients:
- Water. On average, up to 60% of an adult’s total body weight is water,14 meaning we need a regular supply for our bodies to function properly. The same goes for our skin. Water is the most basic form of moisture, and many moisturizers generally have water as a primary ingredient.
- Occlusives. These help increase the water content of the skin by slowing down transepidermal water loss (the evaporation of the moisture on your skin). Common occlusives are petroleum jelly, mineral oil and beeswax.15
- Emollients. Emollients help smooth out dry patches on your skin, lubricate the skin and improve barrier function. These include isopropyl palmitate (palm oil derivative), stearic acid (animal or plant fat), oleic acid (olive oil derivative) and linoleic acid (vegetable oil derivative).16
- Humectants. Humectants work by drawing water from the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) into the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) and in humid conditions from the environment. They help keep the skin moist and plump and include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).17
- Ceramides. Ceramides are emollients and are important for keeping our skin barrier healthy and intact. They work to seal in moisture and seal out harmful elements. These include ceramide 1 (ceramide EOS), ceramide 3 (ceramide NP) and ceramide 6-II (ceramide AP).18
- Antioxidants. Sometimes antioxidants are added to moisturizers to help brighten the skin, fight sun damage and reduce signs of aging and wrinkles. These include ascorbic acid (vitamin C), retinol (vitamin A) and vitamin E.19
How to use a moisturizer
Now that we’ve covered all the basics regarding moisturizer, let’s break down how to use it in your skin care routine. Here are some tips from Dr. Sanober Pezad Doctor.20
- After cleansing or applying any treatment, while your skin is still damp, gently massage one to two pumps or drops of moisturizer onto your face using circular motions.
- You can apply creams all over your face or on certain key areas like around your eyes, mouth or nose. The use of ointments isn’t typically recommended on the face unless you have specific skin lesions like eczema or psoriasis and were to do so directed by a health care provider.
- Don’t forget to rub your moisturizers down your neck as well.
- Wait about 5 to 10 minutes before applying makeup.
- The best times to moisturize your skin are in the morning after cleansing and at night after cleansing and before bed.
The right moisturizer can help combat the appearance of aging, enhance the skin barrier and encourage healthier skin.
Frequently asked questions
What does a moisturizer do?
A moisturizer helps replenish skin and prevent moisture loss. It helps improve skin hydration, repairs the skin barrier and helps prevent the appearance of premature aging.
Is a moisturizer the same as a lotion?
Lotions are a subcategory of moisturizers. Other types of moisturizers include gels, creams and ointments.21
What are the common ingredients found in moisturizers?
The main ingredients in moisturizers are divided into four categories: water; occlusives such as petroleum jelly; emollients such as stearic acid, squalane and oils; and humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.22
How often should I apply moisturizer?
It’s best to apply moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and at night. In the morning, it’s beneficial to apply moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher to help protect against sun damage. At night, your skin cells start repairing themselves from the damage incurred during the daytime and your skin is more permeable.23
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.
