We all hear that we should never skip moisturizer. But why? We asked the experts
By Diane Small
Any good skincare routine has several steps and can take a little time to work through. There’s cleansing (double cleansing for some people), exfoliating, toning, serums, moisturizers, and SPF. And that’s if your skincare routine is a relatively simple one!
But sometimes even the most diligent of us can feel tired or overwhelmed. When we’re dead tired, we might just wash our face and crash out. No toning. No face cream.
Big mistake!
We’re here to tell you that we consulted an expert, Dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe, and learned that skipping moisturizer is a big no-no, for five main reasons.
Let’s look into them, shall we?
Why You Should Never Skip Moisturizer, Ever
1. You’ll Encourage and Worsen Wrinkles
If you’re looking forward to skin that ages well, you should never skip moisturizer! A good face cream, especially when used over long periods, can delay the aging process. But frequently leaving a face moisturizer out of your routine will encourage the formation of wrinkles. And, of course, exacerbate any wrinkles you may already have.
Dr Bowe says: “When the skin barrier is compromised, which is what we see when it becomes dry, there’s actually a low-grade chronic inflammation that occurs in the skin. Low levels of ongoing inflammation ultimately lead to collagen breakdown. This results in accelerated aging.”
In short, if your skin is dehydrated, it will pull tightly and show any lines in the same way sand dries and shows cracks in the desert.
2. Your Skin Will Lose Its Environmental Buffer
When we remove makeup and grime, we also remove beneficial oils and bacteria from our skin. Luckily, a moisturizer is one layer that protects your skin from the elements and external stressors. ‘Going without moisturizer, especially in extreme climates, means your skin barrier is exposed to more stress. When stressed, the fundamental structure of your skin can quickly weaken,’ says Dr Bowe.
‘The sun, cold and dry air, and pollution will attack defenceless skin at the first possible opportunity,’ she continues. ‘If you work or live in an environment where the air conditioning is on for much of your day or night, you’ll want to maintain your skin’s moisture level religiously.’
To sum up, never skip moisturizer after using other skincare, or you may end up with irritated, itchy, flaking, or even cracked skin.
3. Breakouts or Pimples Will Become Worse
Though it may sound counterintuitive to some, especially if your skin is naturally oily, you should never skip moisturizer.
‘It may seem counterintuitive, but a good face cream is essential in minimizing acne and breakouts, ‘ says Dr Bowe. ‘That’s because dry skin can lead to overcompensation. Your skin may become excessively oily as it attempts to stay hydrated. Excess oil leads to clogged pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and other unpleasant skin surprises.’
If you’re skipping moisturizer because you’re concerned your oily skin is getting worse, reach for an oil-free or gel-type moisturizer. But always use a moisturizer.
Another skincare expert I interviewed for this article, Dr Rebecca Kain says, “Creams are going to add more moisture to the skin and preserve more water than lotion, and ointments even more so.” So choose your moisturizer type (according to your skin type) with care, but always apply one.
4. Your Complexion Will Appear Dull and Blotchy
If you want a smooth-looking complexion, never skip using a moisturizer.
While a good skin cream will lend you a lit-from-within glow, without one, you’ll see inflamed and blotchy patches wherever your skin struggles the most. This is especially true if you live in an area where the weather reaches extremely low temperatures.
‘Remember that if you need a few layers of clothing, your skin probably does, too!’ says Dr Kain.
5. Your Makeup Will Not Go On or Stay On Well
Our final reason to never skip moisturizer is that your makeup won’t look right. When your skin looks blotchy, inflamed, dull or is covered in acne, makeup with look cakey and won’t last very long.
Foundation will look cracked as it catches on patches of dry and peeling skin, and eyeshadow and liner will collect in the wrinkles created by a lack of moisture.
What To Look For In A Good Moisturizer
Now that you know why you need a moisturizer every day, what should you look for in one?
Of course, we here at Eluxe always advocate for organic ingredients. That’s because chemicals and pesticides used in non-organic products can penetrate into your skin, entering your bloodstream and ultimately harming your health.
Other ingredients, such as mineral oil and petrolatum might feel moisturizing, but they can block pores and cause irritation.
We also recommend using vegan and cruelty free products. Because animals should never suffer for our vanity!
In addition, look for the following in a good moisturizer:
- Sun protection: All skin types should use a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. And that’s all year round, rain or shine. Dr Bowe suggests looking for one that is nanoparticle, oil, and fragrance-free.
- Antioxidants: Ingredients such as green tea, pomegranate, or licorice root extract or vitamin C are all antioxidants that can help protect all skins from free radical damage. These are molecules that break down skin cells and advance aging.
- Humectants: Look for ingredients that lock in moisture. These include:
- hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, and plant based proteins. These help attract water to your skin, and lock it in, too.
Tips To Maximize Your Moisturizer
Finally, here are some tips to ensure you’re getting the most you can out of your skin cream.
- Use more than one product: Different body parts require different products. For example, you may need a thinner lotion for your face and a thicker cream for your body.
- Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp: This will lock in more moisture.
- Make your moisturizer work twice as hard: It’s always a good idea to shop for a moisturizer that has at last two functions. For example, a skin cream, and SPF. Or a face cream and foundation all in one.
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