Good moisturizers hydrate your skin and protect it from sun damage, free radicals, and other environmental stressors. These skincare superstars can even help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. And while it may seem pretty simple and straightforward, moisturizers can still be confusing for some. Ahead we share some common mistakes you might be making with your moisturizer.
You Apply It To Dry Skin
Moisturizers work best when they’re applied to damp skin. That’s because they work by pulling moisture in to hydrate your skin. So for best results, you want to apply your moisturizer to damp skin and lock in that moisture before it evaporates. Keep in mind your skin should not be wet, only damp. After washing your face or post-shower, pat your skin dry, use a toner to restore the skin’s barrier, and then layer on your moisturizer without delay.
You Skip It Altogether
If you have oily skin, it might be tempting to skip a daily moisturizer thinking that your oily skin will pick up the slack. The problem with this is that your skin will compensate—and then some. Remember that when your skin feels dry, it will produce more oil to keep itself supple. The problem with that is that it often produces more than it needs, which leads to your skin looking far more oily than you'd like it to. The bottom line here is that everyone needs a daily moisturizer, even if you have oily skin.
You’re Not Using The Right Formula For Your Skin
One of the biggest mistakes most people make with their skincare is that they don't use a moisturizer that suits their skin type. Just like your foundation, your moisturizer should be best suited to your skin's needs. A lightweight moisturizer should suffice if you have oily skin; however, if your skin is dry, you'll need something that offers a lot more hydration. Again like foundations, moisturizers are not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal.
You Use The Same Moisturizer For Day And Night
A one-and-done product for your skincare needs sounds like a nice idea, but the truth is when it comes to your moisturizer, you should be using two formulations—a daytime moisturizer and a nighttime moisturizer. Simply put, your daytime moisturizer is all about protecting your skin from the daily onslaughts of sun damage and environmental stressors. Your nighttime moisturizer, however, is all about repair and renewal.
You Don't Use A Separate Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes needs hydration too, but the moisturizer you use on your face may not be the best idea. Remember that the skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body, and most facial moisturizers are not formulated for such delicate skin. Also, the skin around your eyes has totally different issues than the skin on your face. So, while your facial moisturizer may address fine lines and wrinkles, it will do nothing to tackle puffiness and dark circles.
