When it comes to skincare, there are two things that you’ve probably heard more times than you can count. The first being to slather on the sunscreen without fail, every day (excellent advice, by the way), and to moisturize your skin regularly. Still, even with this advice, and the abundance of moisturizing skincare products on the market, there are still some inconsistencies in the story. We all know we’re supposed to moisturize, but aside from to keeping the wrinkles at bay, many of us don’t really know why we’re doing it.

This is especially true when you consider the advice that you should be moisturizing your skin daily, regardless of your skin type. Yes, this includes individuals with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. One would think if excess oil is a problem then an added moisturizer isn’t necessary, but it is – especially if you’re using harsh acne-fighting products that strip moisture from the skin.

The fact is that regardless of your skin type, daily moisturizing is important for a variety of reasons. So, let’s dive into a few of the most important reasons for not skipping out on this step of your skincare routine.

Moisturizer Prevents Acne from Getting Worse

I know it sounds counterintuitive but using a moisturizer regularly can be just as important for oily or acne-prone skin as it is for dry or maturing skin. First, your skin requires more than just the oils it produces to stay properly moisturized. Secondly, excess oil on your skin accumulates in your pores and mixes with dirt, debris, and dead skin cells – which is the foundational seed of every pimple you’ve ever had. A moisturizer not only helps smooth away dead skin cells, one that is formulated for your skin type will also help provide a protective barrier against the elements.

Added Layer of Protection Against Other Elements

Sunlight isn’t the only thing you’re exposed to every day that can damage your skin. The environment is filled with pollutants, dirt, and other toxins that can sink into your skin, causing inflammation, irritation, and weakening its support structures. A well-formulated moisturizer will contain antioxidants to add an extra layer of protection against the elements, helping to keep your skin healthy and radiant looking.

Moisturizers Help Your Skin Look Young and Vibrant

Moisturizers work in a couple of different ways to help keep that youthful freshness and glow to your skin. First of all, dehydrated skin accentuates fine lines and wrinkles. By moisturizing your skin, you’re providing a layer of hydration but also helping to draw even more moisture into the skin.

Secondly, even the most basic moisturizer is going to help slow down how your skin ages. Dry skin is more prone to inflammation, which can break down the skin’s support structures, and lead to premature aging.

Finally, many of the moisturizers that you’ll find today have added anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or retinol that help to keep your skin supple and radiant, regardless of your current skin type.  

Moisturizers Soothe Dry Skin

When you’re dealing with chronically dry skin or even the occasional rough patch, you might reach first for an exfoliator to slough all the dead skin away. This is a smart skincare move, but it shouldn’t be the only step you’re taking to combat dry skin. One of the classic hallmark signs of dehydrated skin is flaking. If your skin is dry and flaking in some spots, it might not be that you need more exfoliation, but rather more moisture and hydration. Moisturizers keep your skin soft and reduce the need to use an arsenal of other skincare products.

What Really Matters in Choosing a Moisturizer

Using a moisturizer regularly is one of the most important steps you can take toward healthy, beautiful skin. But grabbing just any moisturizer isn’t enough. A product that is filled with harsh, often unnecessary, ingredients is one that isn’t going to do the work your skin needs. Look for a quality moisturizer with natural, gentle ingredients that are formulated to hydrate your skin, smoothen its texture, and leave you with skin that is radiantly beautiful for years to come.

"Anti-Inflammatory;Environment " "Acneic;Dehydrated;Dry;Inflammatory Conditions;Mature;Oily " "Retinol;Sodium Hyaluronate "