Moisturisers are possibly the best recognised products in skincare. The skincare market is inundated with options, which can make it a challenge to find the moisturiser that fits your skin perfectly. 

To figure out what moisturiser is perfect for your skin, it is important to understand what a moisturiser does and how to use one.

A moisturiser is an emollient which can come in a range of different formulations. They are most often made as creams, lotions or gels.

Gels are non oily and noncomedogenic. They are quickly absorbed, especially on the face and are a good light weight option for anyone who has oily skin and does not want a heavy finish.

Lotions are generally light weight, non greasy, and are good for morning use as they are quickly absorbed. These moisturisers will suit normal and combination skins.

Creams are a heavier product which contain more lipids. They are good for dry skin, and for use on normal skin at night. 

Using a moisturiser provides a range of benefits; they increase the water content of the protective upper layers of the skin, soften the surface, make the skin more pliable, reduce moisture loss and boost the skin’s natural defences.

A good moisturiser will also improve and prevent skin barrier disfunction. An impaired skin barrier is indicated by dry, irritated or inflamed skin. Barrier disfunction occurs when the ‘resident’ lipids -ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids of the protective superficial layer of the skin are not present. A moisturiser can deliver the necessary lipids back to the skin, along with a nice dose of hydration. Without the right lipids present in the skin, moisture is quickly lost -we call this trans epidermal water loss, and it leaves us feeling tight and dry.

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier will provide many benefits. Less inflammation and irritation, reduced flakiness in dry skin and skin conditions associated with skin dryness, and improved wound healing are all observed in moisturised skin.

Recently, moisturisers with photo protective properties have become available by combining lotions and creams with appropriate levels of broad spectrum SPF. These moisturisers are easy and convenient to use, and are perfect for using before sun exposure.

Moisturisers work best with regular use, once in the morning and once and night. Forming a good skin care routine is the key to getting the best out of your product.

To keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and soft apply a pea sized amount of moisturiser to clean skin once in the morning and once in the evening. Your moisturiser will be one of the final steps in your routine - in the morning cleanse with water, apply serum and then moisturise. If your moisturiser does not contain SPF 30+ or higher, apply sun protection after moisturising. In the evening start with a double cleanse, exfoliate (one to twice weekly only, unless your daily serums have exfoliating ingredients), apply serum and then moisturise. If you would like to include an oil in your routine, apply it after your moisturiser, as it will act as a barrier to moisture loss -keep in mind that an oil will not ad moisture to the skin, but will deliver important barrier lipids. 

Finding the right moisturiser can be tricky as it often involves a lot of trial and error. The Dermal Clinicians at Skindepth specialise in skincare and can help you find the right moisturiser for your skin. Book a consultation by calling 95274209 or emailing cosmetic@skindepth.com.au