BeYOUtiful: Moisturizers
Written by Madeline Schmid, Contributing Writer
Hydration is the key to a healthy, happy you, so why stop at guzzling down water? Give your face a drink with the miracle of moisturizer. Moisturizer is a skin care essential that reduces lines, dryness, and gives your skin an overall healthy look and feel. The task of picking the right one, however, can be daunting. The first thing to remember is that finding a new favorite product is more like speed dating than a marriage. Everyone’s skin is different. One person might swear by a product, but it might not have the same effects on you. It’s okay to ditch a product after a week if it isn’t doing its job. Also, a little known fact is that many stores allow you to return used cosmetics; you won’t have to shell out hundreds of bucks to explore your options. Ask about your favorite stores return policy before purchasing and if they don’t take it back you can always give it to a friend.
Basic Beauty Terms 101:
SPF: Unfortunately, the sun causes wrinkles and discoloration. Look for a moisturizer with an SPF to keep your face beautiful and youthful. Beware: SPF can cause flashback in photos. Finish with a powder without SPF.
Non-Comedogenic: This word is the best friend for any girl with acne prone skin. It means that the moisturizer has been manufactured not to clog pores. If all the moisturizers you use cause your skin to break out, this is a great option.
Night Creams vs. Day Creams: Night creams are thick and dense, which makes your skin appear very oily. They are produced for extreme hydration while you sleep. Be cautious when using them because they have a tendency to clog pores. Day Creams are a lighter formula that can, and should, be worn under make-up. This is a great place for beginners. Start by applying it after washing your face twice a day.
BB, CC, and DD: These are all moisturizer with an extra kick. Be very wary because a lot of them don’t live up to expectations. If you are interested in trying one of these products try Skin79. They have a great North American website and they’re priced similarly to the high end products you would find at Ulta or Sephora. Despite the great creation of BB, CC, and DD, they only come in a limited number of shades.
DIY BB cream:
Most people don’t require a full face of makeup, so keep it simple. Use a moisturizer daily to keep your skin fresh and youthful. If you’re not ready to bare it all, mix a small amount of your favorite foundation in with your moisturizer. This evens out skin tone and reduces redness. The sheer coverage covers up problem areas without the need to buy a new foundation.
This method creates a custom DIY BB cream that looks flawless. Not enough coverage? Try using a concealer to touch up those stubborn spots that need a little more help. Only using a concealer still gives that no-make up look, perfect for everyday wear.
Moisturizer Myths:
Despite common belief EVERYONE should moisturize, but which one is right for you?
Oily skin: Even though your skin produces a lot of oil, you still need moisturizer. Don’t automatically reach for the “oil-free” option. Your face washes tend to dry out your skin, which makes your face even oilier. By using a moisturizer you add oil, which stops your skin from over compensating. Look for light moisturizers that have a thin, runny consistency.
Dry skin: Your face needs a moisturizer that packs a powerful punch. You’re the type of skin that should use moisturizers twice a day. Don’t be afraid to try a thicker moisturizer; night cream could be a game changer.
Normal: You don’t need too much of anything, but can still reap the benefits. Experiment to find the perfect balance. If you have combination skin, it may be beneficial to invest in multiple moisturizers. Use a thick, intense moisturizer on areas that appear dry and flakey (such as your T-zone and around the nose). Use a thinner, runnier moisturizer for oily areas (such as the cheeks and chin).
Sensitive: There are tons of moisturizers targeted towards sensitive skin. Look for moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and fragrance free to reduce irritation. The more natural the moisturizer, the better off you will be. Harsh chemicals tend to be the most irritating part of a product. As well, sensitive skin can benefit from “oil free” products.
Eau Naturel: The earth provides everything necessary when it comes to skin care. Moisturizer is directly absorbed into the skin and sometimes contains some scary sounding chemicals. If you are interested in a more natural route to skin care, look into the world of essential oils and carrier oils. The most universal carrier oil for the face is jojoba oil. A small amount goes a long way. Experiment with mixing in a drop of an essential oil for added benefits.
For more information about what moisturizer to use for what skin type The Mayo Clinic offers a great overview.