Skin moisturizers are skincare products that help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. They work by increasing the skin's water content and reducing evaporation of water from the layers.
Moisturizers come in a variety of forms, including creams, lotions, and gels, each designed for a different skin type. Moisturize your skin on a regular basis to make it feel smoother and softer.
When does your skin need a moisturizer?
Not everyone needs a moisturizer in their skincare routine, but dermatologists recommend its use due to its significant benefits for various skin types and conditions.
Here are some situations and signs that your skin needs a moisturizer:
When your skin feels dry
Dry and tight skin, especially due to weather, after washing your face or after bathing, is a primary sign that your skin needs moisture. Various factors, including weather, harsh soap formulas, or hot water use can cause dry skin.
Moisturizers help dry skin retain moisture by forming a protective layer on the surface, which reduces dryness and discomfort while leaving the skin feeling smooth and comfortable.
Seasonal changes
Seasonal changes have a significant impact on the skin. Cold air typically has low humidity, causing the skin to lose moisture fast. Cold winds can damage the skin's protective barrier, causing additional irritation and dryness.
It is crucial to use moisturizers during seasonal changes to keep the skin from becoming dry and chapped.
Skin peeling
Skin peeling indicates that the outermost layer of your skin is losing its moisture. Overuse of scrubs or exfoliating products can strip away the protective layer, leading to dryness and peeling.
Exposure to sunlight
Prolonged sun exposure can dry out and damage the skin's natural moisture barrier. As a result, moisturizers are essential for caring for your skin after sun exposure.
After bathing and washing your face
Bathing or washing your face with hot water can remove the skin's natural oils, which protect and retain moisture. Similarly, using soaps or facial cleansers containing harsh chemicals can remove natural oils and disrupt the skin's pH balance.
Applying moisturizer right after bathing or washing your face helps to seal in the remaining moisture and prevents skin dryness.
Itchy or scaly skin
Seasonal changes, harsh soap formulas, psoriasis, eczema, and dehydration can all leave skin itchy or scaly. Moisturizers help to soothe itchy skin, restore moisture, and repair the outer layer of skin.
Using products that can cause dry skin
Some skincare products contain active ingredients such as retinoids or alcohol and can dry out the skin. Applying moisturizer can reduce irritation and maintain skin moisture after using such products.
Use moisturizers at least twice a day (morning and night) to keep your skin's hydrated throughout the day. Dry skin is more prone to irritation, so use a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin condition.
If you experience severe or persistent itching, unusual rashes, redness, swelling, or skin color changes as a result of using moisturizer, see a doctor or dermatologist.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
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American Academy of Dermatology Association (2022). How to Pick the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer
The University of Tennessee (2022). The Importance of Moisturizing. Available from: https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/blog-post/importance-moisturizing
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