Moisturiser Basics: Types, Benefits, & Ingredients

Everyone knows that moisturisers are skincare products to condition the skin and lock in hydration, but their identity and abilities function beyond the basics you know. 

Once you get to know the real truth behind these highly essential skincare products, you won’t want to skip them. In this blog, we’re breaking down the fundamentals and sharing all the insights you need to find your ideal moisturiser.

What is a Moisturiser

Moisturisers are commonly used skincare products blended with hydrating ingredients to moisturise the skin. They have humectants that draw moisture from the skin layers and the surroundings to the skin, and emollients that also lock in moisture and prevent dryness. 

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin B5, also known as panthenol, are the most common examples of humectants. Popular examples of emollients include ceramides, shea butter, and squalene. 

With consistent use, moisturisers can help keep your skin healthy, plump, and supple. At the same time, moisturisers combine additional substances to target your skin concerns apart from merely hydrating it. 

What Does Moisturiser Do

Moisturising is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine for all skin types. Let's see how a good moisturiser imparts benefits to your skin. 

Reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier

Your skin has a natural defence system that lies in the outermost layer called the skin moisture barrier. It is made up of cells that bind together with fatty acids and lipids. A moisture barrier can trap the hydration and prevent roughness. It also shields the skin against environmental aggressors. 

The consequences of the broken or damaged barrier can range from breakouts to very dry skin. So, it is of utmost importance to keep this barrier strong and well-hydrated. A good moisturiser helps keep the skin’s moisture barrier intact by inducing hydration into the deeper layers of the skin. 

Regulates sebum levels

It is a popular myth that oily skin does not need moisture as it is itself greasy. There is no truth behind this misconception, as the skin’s grease cannot hydrate the skin and its layers. Your skin needs moisture regardless of its type. In fact, moisturiser can regulate the sebum production and help maintain a harmonious balance between hydration and natural oils.

Soothes and calms the skin

Factors, including pollution, UV, and extreme weather conditions, can negatively affect your skin and make it feel flaky, reactive, and irritated. This is where moisturiser steps in to help. It replenishes the skin by hydrating it deeply and calming the condition. Choose a moisturiser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and ceramides to comfort the skin. 

Targets visible signs of ageing

Ageing is inevitable. Our skin tends to lose moisture and elasticity with time. Some factors can accelerate the ageing process, like excessive sun exposure and stress, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. 

Your moisturiser with the right anti-ageing ingredients can help to reduce these visible signs of ageing. A well-hydrated and supple skin makes fine lines less noticeable. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin C, green tea extract, and antioxidants can boost collagen production in your skin and contribute to its elasticity and volume. Moisturiser can also protect against free radical damage and strengthen the skin's protective barrier. 

Types of Moisturisers 

Not all moisturisers are created equal. From thick creamy moisturisers to gel-based, oil-free moisturisers, one can have a variety of options to choose from based on their concerns and skin type. Let's see a few of the common types of moisturisers that are readily available in the market. 

Cream-Based Moisturisers

Cream moisturisers are thick and able to provide deep hydration and long-lasting comfort. They can repair the skin barrier and are often infused with emollients and occlusives. If you're dealing with mature skin, dehydrated or dry skin, these are the ones to look for.  

Gel-Based Moisturisers

Oily and acne-prone skin types can benefit from gel-based moisturisers as they are lightweight and grease-free. Based on water-based formulas, they can deliver moisture without clogging the pores and adding any extra oil to the skin. 

Lotions

If you are looking for something lighter than creams but heavier than gels, lotions can be an ideal option. They can maintain the optimal balance between long-term correction to hydration and skin repair. Lotions are suitable for normal to combination skin types, allowing it to breathe freely.

Ointment & Balms

Very dry to sensitive, and flaky skin types require thick formulations to heal the compromised and irritated skin conditions. Ointments and balms are nourishing and protective. They are composed of soothing ingredients to heal the skin while moisturising it. Balms are certainly good options for treating under-eye circles and smile lines. 

How to Apply Your Moisturiser The Right Way

Just choosing the right moisturiser is not enough. The way you apply your moisturiser can make a difference to your skin condition. Here’s how to get the most out of your moisturiser:

• Ensure your skin is clean and dry. Start with cleansing with a gentle cleanser according to your skin type. Pat your face dry.
• Use your targeted treatment in the form of serum. Applying serum before moisturiser helps trap in the moisture and maximise the benefits of both products.
• Apply evenly by using upward and circular motions. Be gentle around the eye area and neck to avoid tugging on delicate skin.
• Use moisturiser in your morning and evening skincare routines. Be consistent for effective results, as it can take a healthy amount of time to achieve results. 
  

Also Read: How to Choose a Face Cleanser For Your Skin

Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturiser 

Choosing the right moisturiser requires attention to ingredients. Right skincare actives, including humectants, emollients, and occlusives, can hydrate, protect your skin while targeting concerns. 

Here are a few ingredients that suit most skin types, and a moisturiser enriched with these components is often considered high-performing.

1. Peptides

Peptides are short amino acid chains that encourage collagen and elastic production, which helps to improve elasticity, firmness, and radiance. Hydrafusion is a luxurious, lightweight moisturiser for dry skin with SNAP-8 peptides, biomimetic lipids, and hyaluronic acid to provide your skin with anti-wrinkle benefits. 

2. Ceramides

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that hydrate and plump the skin. It's a crucial ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

It's a powerful humectant that retains the moisture in the skin to maintain youthfulness. Hyaluronic acid suits all skin types. 

4. Aloe vera

A popular skin-soothing ingredient that is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It can relieve reactive skin and help with sensitive skin symptoms, including eczema.

5. Vitamin B5

Also known as Panthenol, it's a deeply hydrating and soothing ingredient that has the ability to enhance skin softness while reducing roughness and other signs of dehydration. 

6. Niacinamide

Niacinamide can do a lot for skincare, including balancing sebum production, brightening the dull skin, and strengthening the skin's barrier. 

Wrap Up 

A moisturiser is one skincare essential that everyone should use, no matter their skin type. It keeps the skin hydrated and helps prevent various issues caused by a lack of moisture. Even if your skin is naturally oily, you still need a good moisturiser; it prevents your skin from becoming dry on the surface and overproducing sebum to compensate.

References 

• Zoe D Draelos, "The science behind skin care: Moisturizers", 2018 Jan
  
• Jeffrey Rajkumar, Neha Chandan, Peter Lio, Vivian Shi, "The Skin Barrier and Moisturization: Function, Disruption, and Mechanisms of Repair", 2023 Sep
  
• Marie Lodén, "Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders", 2003
  
• Esther J van Zuuren, Zbys Fedorowicz, Robin Christensen, Adriana Lavrijsen, Bernd WM Arents, "Emollients and moisturisers for eczema", 2017 Feb