Moisturizer 101

Moisturizing is one of the skincare steps that most people think is so simple, but unfortunately, it is SO easy to go wrong. Common errors range from choosing the right formula to application techniques - it so easy to cause more harm than good to your skin.  Don’t worry though, here’s a quick guide to moisturizing – follow these steps and you’ll see the difference in your skin in no time at all. 

What is a Moisturizer

 Every moisturizer is a combination of the following three things:

• Occlusives: Protect your skin and retain moisture
• Emollients: Repair damaged skin cells
• Humectants: Increase the water content in the skin

Finding the moisturizer that’s best suited for your skin starts with identifying what your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, etc.). Most people have skin that falls in one of the following categories:

• Normal
  • Your skin doesn’t get more oily or dry throughout the day
  • You only experience dry parches and oily skin seasonally
  • You rarely experience breakouts
• Oily
  • Your face is shiny or greasy by mid-day regardless of the season
  • You frequently experience breakouts
  • You have large visible pores
• Dry
  • Your skin experiences dry patches all over
  • You rarely experience breakouts
• Combination
  • Your t-zone is consistently oily and your cheeks are often dry
  • Your pores are typically in the t-zone.
  • Your experience acne and dry patches at the same time

Finding the best products for you starts with determining your skin type but other factors contribute to determining formula compatibility ie. skin chemistry. Everyone has unique skin, but certain oils may be more well-suited for some people than others. You can test compatibly by applying a small patch of moisturizer behind your ear.

Apply routinely

When your skin is dry It seems logical to moisturize it, but it is important to apply moisturizer even if you have oily skin. If your skin is on either too dry or too oily you want to hydrate to help your skin reach equilibrium. Aim to moisturize twice a day, once in the morning after you’ve cleansed and toned, and then again in the evening.

Don’t over-moisturize

Think about it like this: How many of you know someone (or are someone) that can’t start their morning until they have their cup of coffee? At first, they had a cup of coffee every now and then and then slowly, over time, there became a created dependence. If you over-moisturize your skin it stops creating sebum naturally, because it simply doesn’t have to. Just because you apply more moisturizer doesn’t mean that your skin is absorbing more. 

Massage  

This is one of the biggest game-changers in skincare. It may sound like a lot of effort but in reality, it takes two minutes and the benefits are unreal. By simply applying a small amount of pressure in a sweeping motion (as shown in the image below) you will stimulate blood flow, decongest your skin, reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, etc. 

Checkout our Kubra Kay Moisturizers! For more daily tips follow @kubrakayskincare on Instagram and Facebook!