6 Beauty Benefits Of Tomato You Should Know

Belonging to the Solanaceae family, Tomato is a tasty fruit which is said to have come from Mexico and spread across the world. It is a rich source of nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants. While it offers a number of health benefits, it is known, particularly, for its beauty-enhancing properties. In this article, we are going to talk about the latter.

For the benefit of our readers, we have highlighted 6 major beauty benefits of tomato in the following paragraphs.

6 Beauty Benefits Of Tomato You Should Know

1. Treatment Of Acne

One of the major and highly persistent skin-related problems is acne. The exact source of acne is not certain, however, it is generally believed that acne results from clogging of skin pores by pollutants, oil, dirt,and impurities.

Regular consumption of tomatoes along with its application is highly effective in treating acne. Doing so will eliminate toxins from the skin, and tomatoes’ astringent abilities will absorb excess oil from the skin. Moreover, the salicylic acid found in tomatoes plays a major role in the treatment of acne due to its property to dry up acne.

2. Regulation Of Excess Oil Secretion

Tomatoes regulate the secretion of excess oil from the skin pores, and hence, are really helpful for those with oily skin. They tighten the pores, reduce oil secretion and combat blemishes and acne. Regular application of tomatoes will lighten up the skin and make it soft and supple.

3. Skin Exfoliation

It is in common knowledge that tomatoes are natural exfoliating agents, and due to their such nature, they help in the elimination of dry and dead skin cells.

In order to exfoliate skin with tomatoes, cut a piece of tomato in half and sprinkle sugar on one side. Then, gently rub it against your face and rinse it off after 10 minutes.

4. Prevention of Greying of Hair

Premature greying of hair is a huge concern, especially amongst young people. One can avoid this by eating tomatoes regularly or applying the same to the scalp.

Tomatoes comprise of essential antioxidants such as vitamin C which protect the hair from the harm caused by free radicals. Thus, your hair will grow stronger and longer, and greying will reduce with time.

5. Anti-Aging

If you wish to keep off premature aging, then you must include tomatoes in your daily diet. The various contents of tomatoes help in battling free radicals which result in oxidative harm to the skin cells—this way there are reduced fine lines, age spots, skin blemished, wrinkles and age spots.

While there is ahandful of ways of using tomatoes for this purpose, a face mask is considered the best for an anti-aging treatment. Just wear the mask on a weekly basis and you will notice the difference.

  1. Treatment of Suntan

Tomatoes guard the skin against the dangerous UV rays due to the presence of antioxidants such as lycopene and Vitamin C. These anti-oxidants balance out the free radicals and prevent them from damaging the skin cells.

The post 6 Beauty Benefits Of Tomato You Should Know appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

6 Beauty Benefits Of Tomato You Should Know Read More

Sales for the Week of March 9, 2020

The post Sales for the Week of March 9, 2020 appeared first on FutureDerm.

Sales for the Week of March 9, 2020 Read More

7 Remedies To Guard Your Skin Against The Sun

One of the fundamentals of skin care treatment is protection against the sun. The sun emits harmful UV rays which do a lot of damage to the skin and the damage is often such which cannot be easily controlled.

In this article, we will talk about 7 ways which can offer assistance against the sun. Follow each one of them regularly and you will have your precious skin protected and healthy without requiring you to cave in.

7 Remedies To Guard Your Skin Against The Sun

1. Layering

You must layer up before heading out. You must not go outside without putting on the sunscreen. Incorporate the sunscreen to everything you put on—whether primer or moisturizer. Look for the SPF value of minimum 30 to ensure that your skin is effectively protected.

2. Baby Sunscreen

Yeah, you read it right—we want you to apply baby sunscreen and we have good reasons for such recommendation.

Skin experts recommend that people with sensitive skin should use sunscreens having physical blockers such as zinc oxide. Baby sunscreens comprise of such blockers and are very effective on sensitive skin.

3. Sun-Protective Outwear

Do not go overboard with this tip. We want you to layer up reasonably and cover up your body enough to protect it from the sun. Go for long-sleeved shrugs or coats, hats, and shoes to guard your skin.

4. Big-Framed Shades

Your skin around the eyes is often exposed to the dangers of the sun, and therefore, it becomes all the more essential to cover it up with a nice, big-framed pair of sunglasses having polarised lenses and UV filters. You should avoid anything which is reflective because they reflect rays (of course!) and these rays hit your cheeks.

Always go for high-quality glasses in case you are serious about skin care!

5. Diet

You need to work on your diet and include certain foods to increase your skin’s natural protective abilities against the sun. You should go for citrus fruits, strawberries, carrots, pomegranates and green tea to enhance your skin’s self-protective properties.

Consumption of these foods on a regular basis can be of real help and even contribute to theminimization of expenses on skin protection products.

6. Seeking shades

The rays of the sun are the strongest around 10AM to 3 PM and therefore, when you are out, try seeking shade whenever possible.

7. A dermatologist’s help

Every skin type needs distinct skin care treatment—and a dermatologist is best placed to assist you in deciding what your skin needs the most right now. Get a full body scan once a year to know the health of your skin.

The post 7 Remedies To Guard Your Skin Against The Sun appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

7 Remedies To Guard Your Skin Against The Sun Read More

10 Ingredients You Should Look For When Buying Skincare Products

There’s a growing clamour for healthier and more organic skincare options today. In response, skincare companies are constantly coming up with ‘revolutionary’ ingredients to incorporate into their new stock. But how do you distinguish the useless fads from the truly effective products?

Skin care

In this regard, taking a hands-on approach and being critical of what you’re applying to your skin pays off in the long run. So rather than chasing the latest and trendiest ‘solutions’, here are 10 ingredients in skincare products that you should care about:

Retinol

This ingredient should be at the top of your list. Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that impressively reduces wrinkles. It’s also one of the top dermatologist-recommended ingredients for clearing up acne. Cosmopolitan warns that retinoids do tend to break down in direct sunlight, so it’s best to apply a high, broad spectrum sunscreen on top of products with Vitamin A.

Niacinamide

This ingredient is an essential nutrient and a form of Vitamin B3. Niacinamide helps build keratin and grow the lipid barrier — helping your skin retain moisture and stay firm. Because it regulates your sebaceous glands, it also prevents oily skin. Read the labels carefully as it is sometimes written as ‘niacin’ and ‘nicotinamide.’

Hyaluronic Acid

Best when used with retinoids and niacinamide, hyaluronic acid helps retain skin moisture. This works best with dry or sensitive skin, as it aids in keeping it hydrated and looking supple.

Omega 3 fatty acids

This essential acid can be found in flax seed and fish products. Aside from promoting good heart health, Omega 3 fatty acids also nourish the skin. Creams and oils that contain Omega 3 fatty acids maintain softness and increase skin elasticity.

Vitamin E

According to the National Institutes of Health, Vitamin E can help slow the ageing process. Face and body creams that contain Vitamin E can also reduce scarring and the risk of gaining facial lines. Asian beauty portal Pretty Me lauds Vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to combat free radicals, or molecules that aggravate skin ageing. While Vitamin E can also be found in kale or spinach, applying it directly on your skin promotes hydration and rejuvenates the cells.

Biotin

Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is an essential vitamin for the body. It can be naturally found in beef liver, pork chops, and some vegetables. Often referred to as Vitamin H for its benefit for hair and skin, biotin is necessary for cell regeneration. Deficiency in biotin leads to scaly skin and rashes. When applied to skin, studies suggest that biotin helps cells reach their full growth.

Vitamin C

Probably the most familiar item on the list, Vitamin C protects your skin from harmful UV lights. While it’s not a sunscreen, this vitamin helps increase keratinocytes, which in turn, prevent sun damage. Lower Vitamin C content in the dermis leads to wrinkles and drying out.

Caffeine

More than just a kick in your morning drink, caffeine contains antioxidants vital in fighting free radicals. Topical products that contain caffeine perk up the skin and stimulate blood circulation. It’s commonly found in eye creams as it’s also a vasoconstrictor — it narrows blood vessels, which reduces the appearance of puffy eyes and dark circles.

CoQ-10

Medical News Today highlights that directly applying coenzyme Q10 to the skin has been shown to reduce oxidative damage. This compound is normally found in your cell’s mitochondria and functions as a catalyst in energy production. Depleted levels of CoQ-10 in cells are also linked to having deep wrinkles and facial lines.

Alpha-hydroxy acids

AHAs are primarily used to exfoliate. While there’s a wide variety of AHAs out there, glycolic and lactic acids are the most effective. These acids help shed off dead skin cells and promote rejuvenation. It also aids in collagen production which makes your skin look plump and smooth.

So, there you have it! Being aware of what goes into your skincare products and how these ingredients affect your body is the best way to ensure that you’re taking proper care of your skin.

The post 10 Ingredients You Should Look For When Buying Skincare Products appeared first on Skin Care Beauty Zone.

10 Ingredients You Should Look For When Buying Skincare Products Read More

Sales for the Week of March 16, 2020

The post Sales for the Week of March 16, 2020 appeared first on FutureDerm.

Sales for the Week of March 16, 2020 Read More

Sales for the Week of March 23, 2020

The post Sales for the Week of March 23, 2020 appeared first on FutureDerm.

Sales for the Week of March 23, 2020 Read More

Sales for the Week of March 30, 2020

The post Sales for the Week of March 30, 2020 appeared first on FutureDerm.

Sales for the Week of March 30, 2020 Read More

Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore

Between working (on work) and hustling together some exciting book launch events (which are going to kick ass and I can’t wait to tell you about them), I’m not sleeping much these days. BUT. I’ve also been working on some kick-ass blog posts about beauty oils and body care routines!  In fact, I was hoping to post them this week, but my plans were foiled. They were foiled, however, for the very best reason, and that reason is that our Korean Beauty Secrets book started shipping 3 WEEKS EARLY!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

It was insane, actually, as we had absolutely no idea that was going to happen!  We found out about it when people started messaging us on Sunday to tell us their book had just arrived from Amazon. First we did a lot of squealing, and after that we panicked. The original release date was supposed be November 3rd. Coco and I have been working on a companion website, the URL of which is actually in the back of the book. But that website isn’t ready yet because we thought we had a couple more weeks to work on it! So I’ve been in a frenzy since this past Sunday, frantically trying to get the book website ready for prime time. I haven’t showered in a couple of days, I’ve been subsisting on cereal and black cherry seltzer, and sleeping for 8 hours in a row is my new life goal.  This is how the hot dogs are made, you guys!

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

But the good news is: books are shipping! And I finally got a couple of copies of it today, and they look really, really good! Not only is the content great, the actual production is amazing. The binding, the weight, the print quality are all absolutely gorgeous; better than we ever imagined it would be. I’m so proud of this book that I have to restrain myself from shoving it in people’s faces and saying, “Have you seen this? I wrote it. Look at it. I SAID LOOK AT IT!”

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Korean Beauty Secrets Book

Book-Related Instagram Giveaways

We’ve got a couple of pretty exciting Instagram giveaways surrounding this book going on right now! Here are the details for both:

Giveaway #1

Club Clio USA Book Launch Countdown Instagram Giveaway Event

Club Clio has been awesomely supportive of this book launch. They are doing a whole series of giveaways leading up to November 3rd (the original book launch date), with different bloggers getting to choose the giveaway prize. Today marks the start of my Clio giveaway, and the prize I’m choosing to bestow the winner is: Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil! This is a moisturizing oil blend with fermented rice yeast, so it combines a few of my favorite things: fermentation, beauty oils, and Goodal. It’s rich but light, and perfect now that cooler, fall weather is setting in.

Goodal Repair Plus Essential Oil
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Entry is easy! Just complete the following 3 steps:

Step 1: Post or regram the giveaway post from my Instagram account (@skinandtonics), with hashtags #beautywolfxclubcliousa #kerryxcoco #koreanbeautysecretsbook #clubcliousa #clio10dayskbeauty
Step 2:  Follow us on Instagram: Coco is @thebeautywolf, I’m @skinandtonics, and Club Clio USA is @clubcliousa
Step 3: Tag three friends you think might enjoy this giveaway

You can enter once a day, just tag three different friends each day!

Giveaway #2

Kerry & Coco’s “Show us Your Book” Mega-Hardcore-Balls-Out K-Beauty Giveaway

Okay, you got me, I actually just made the name up for this giveaway just now. It could be a little tighter! We thought we had a couple more weeks to think of a name! Luckily, we already had the prize all ready to go. Hold on to your hats:

Show us Your Book Giveaway Price Package

One lucky winner will get an insane prize package that includes the following full size products:

• Acwell Bubble Free pH Balancing Cleanser (a recent favorite, review forthcoming)
• S:um37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Tea Tree 90 Essence
• Leejiham (LJH) Cosmetics Vita Propolis Ampoule
• Graymelin Hyaluronic Acid 100% (Serum)
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil (This oil changed my life)
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color OR601
• I’m Lip Liquid by XO Memebox in color VL600

and the follow deluxe sample/travel-size products:

• Illi Total Aging Care Body Oil
• Illi Total Aging Care Body Lotion
• Goodal Moisture Barrier Cream
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner
• Whamisa Organic Flowers Cleansing Oil

This prize is serious. We did not want to mess around, and we hope you’re as excited about it as we are!

How to Enter:

It’s super easy! All you have to do is post a picture on your Instagram of an in-person copy (preferably your personal copy) of Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting-Edge Skincare & Makeup. You can style the photo however you want, but it has to be a picture of the physical book or e-book (as opposed to a picture you found on the internet). For e-books, just show us a shot of the book on your e-reader! Then follow and tag @kerryandcoco, @thebeautywolf, and @skinandtonics, and add hashtag #showusyourbook.

Once you’ve done that, voila! You’re entered! We’ll be choosing a winner at random on November 15, 2015 and announcing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. This giveaway is open internationally!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, now is a great time to do it. It looks like it’s only ~$14 on Amazon right now, which is a fantastic deal. It will also be available from a huge number of other retailers in the U.S. and internationally on November 3rd; Amazon just happens to be the only one I know is already shipping right now.

It’s an amazing book; we’re really proud of it, and we can’t wait for all of you to read it and tell us what you think!

The post Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore appeared first on Skin & Tonics : Skincare Guides & Product Reviews.

Lots of Updates, Featuring Some (Surprise!) Book News & Giveaways Galore Read More

COMMUNITY REVIEW: Doll 10 T.C.E. Treatment Concealer

 

Concealers are one of those makeup products that I usually use for my “full glam” makeup days. You know, like going out nights, big meetings or events, or if I’m just feeling like being extra cute. Because concealer isn’t on my list of must-have products, I never really splurge on expensive ones. So I was pretty much ecstatic when I was asked to review the T.C.E. Super Coverage Treatment Concealer from Doll 10. I had reviewed the Doll 10 Effortlash XL Lash Expanding Mascara a few months back and fell in LOVE with it, so I had really high expectations for the concealer.

The Claims

The T.C.E. in the Doll 10 Concealer stands for “this covers everything,” which is a common claim for most concealers, so I was half-expecting to hear something like this. I was more interested in the “treatment” aspect of the product.

On the website, the concealer “provides concentrated coverage with a real-skin finish while wrapping your skin in a cocoon of repairing, soothing ingredients.” Digging a little further, the Doll 10 T.C.E. Super Coverage Treatment Concealer is made without parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, as well as being formulated with vitamin C, cucumber extract, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera extract.

These ingredients are commonly used in skincare, and for good reason! Let’s take a look:

Vitamin C – To be specific, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, which is a form of vitamin C that has been found to be the best for brightening and sunspots. In a clinical skin lightening test, a solution containing just 2% 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid was found to improve skin whitening and radiance after just 28 days of twice-daily application.

Cucumber extract Cucumber extract is used in this product to help de-puff under the eye. Cucumber extract contains ascorbic and caffeic acid and has significant antioxidant activities due to its DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging abilities. In short — it may actually help de-puff your eyes!

Hyaluronic acid – This ingredient has been popping up in skincare products everywhere, probably because it can bind moisture in up to 1,000 times its own weight when topically applied to the skin. In addition, hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally found in both the epidermis and the deeper dermis, where it plays a key role in hydration, skin repair, and protection against free radicals and UV damage.

Aloe vera extractAloe has both anti-inflammatory and healing properties for the skin, and it acts as a moisturizing ingredient in the concealer.

Personal Use and Opinion

I haven’t been wearing makeup during the COVID-19 quarantine, mainly just focusing on my skincare and completely re-doing my boyfriend’s room. So I had to dig out my makeup bag to try the Doll 10 T.C.E. Super Coverage Treatment Concealer, and I’ll admit I was pretty excited to do my makeup after like, what, 2 weeks? 3 weeks?

Anyways, we were sent the color “light-medium”, which I immediately knew would be too dark for my offensively white skin. I’d probably be better off with a “fair” or a “fair light” looking at the website. The shade is a really beautiful light sand color, though, and would look gorgeous on medium complexions. However, given that no one would see me during the quarantine anyways, I gave it a whirl.

The applicator is unique and felt great under the eye, it’s like a rounded metal lip gloss applicator. It reminds me of the old trick to put cold spoons on your eyes in the morning to de-puff but put into practical use. The “T.C.E.” in this is not lying, it covers everything. The formula itself is creamy without feeling heavy and blends super well either with a sponge/beauty blender or your finger. (I tried both, for science.) Another note is that once it dries down, this concealer does NOT budge. I tested a swatch on my hand and tried rubbing off the pigment but there was barely any transfer, exactly what you want from a full-coverage concealer. I will also say that a little goes a long way, and the color slightly oxidizes after drying down.

Bottom Line

The Doll 10 T.C.E. Super Coverage Treatment Concealer is no joke. With a truly full-coverage formula made with proven ingredients and a really cool applicator that feels great under the eye, it’s a win-win for your face. Plus, Doll 10 is a really great company with an inspiring backstory that contributes to charitable organizations.

I think I will be purchasing the Doll 10 T.C.E. Super Coverage Treatment Concealer in my actual color once we can all start being in contact with other people again! Totally recommend.

The post COMMUNITY REVIEW: Doll 10 T.C.E. Treatment Concealer appeared first on FutureDerm.

COMMUNITY REVIEW: Doll 10 T.C.E. Treatment Concealer Read More

What You Should Know About Your Moisturizer

Why Is It So Important for Everyone to Use a Moisturizer?

Moisturizer seems like such a basic step that a lot of people take for granted, but have you ever stopped to wonder what it’s actually doing for your skin? Here are a few key reasons you’ll never want to skip moisturizer again!

Moisturizer Improves Skin Health by Supporting a Healthy Barrier

So many skin conditions—including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, sensitivity, and dehydration—can be attributed (at least in part) to a compromised moisture barrier. A healthy barrier is truly one of the cornerstones of skin health, regardless of your skin type.

Simply put, this barrier acts as a bodyguard for our skin, keeping essential hydration and nutrients in while keeping irritants out. When this barrier becomes damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin. This means moisture escapes and irritants can penetrate more easily. 

So, what is this protective barrier actually made of? It’s made of protective skin cells, which are held together by lipids (fatty oils). If skin cells are the bricks, lipids are the mortar, and together they create a wall that defends your skin against external aggressors. Moisturizers help fortify the lipids that make up your moisture barrier, making them the key to healthy skin aging. Learn how to repair a damaged moisture barrier.

Moisturizer Helps Prevent Transepidermal Water Loss

Throughout the day, our skin naturally loses moisture through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is when the outermost layer of our skin loses water to the surrounding air through evaporation. In dry environments, this process is accelerated. The water in your skin evaporates too quickly for your body to replace it, which leads to dehydration (lack of water in the skin).

When you’re dealing with living cells, it’s important to understand that they’re like fish and need water to live. Not every skin type requires topical oil (moisture), but ALL skin types require water (hydration) so the skin can act in a healthy way. Moisturizer creates a seal over the skin to keep water from escaping, which is essential for preventing TEWL and maintaining a healthy moisture barrier.

Learn the difference between dry and dehydrated skin and how this can help you choose the right moisturizer.

What Happens If You Don’t Use Moisturizer?

Oily/Combination Skin

Oily skin can develop closed comedones if it doesn’t get enough hydration. Sometimes I see people with acne-prone skin skipping moisturizer to avoid clogged pores. Ironically, this can have the opposite effect. If your skin becomes dehydrated because you’re not providing it with enough hydration, your skin cells dry up and die. These dead skin cells can then end up sloughing off and falling into the lining of your pores, causing a blockage. This blockage may eventually become a blemish. 

Normal Skin

If your skin is neither very oily nor dry, you may think it’s already balanced, so you don’t need to be using a moisturizer. But as I said, all skin types need hydration, and not supporting your skin’s natural protective functions with moisturizer could cause your skin to age more quickly. 

Dry Skin 

If you struggle with dry skin, chances are you’re already using a moisturizer. This is definitely a good thing. Dry skin naturally produces little to no oil, which means you have to compensate by adding both hydration (water) and moisture (oil) to the skin. This will help supplement your lipids, which are part of your skin barrier’s scaffolding. 

What’s the Difference Between Humectants, Emollients, and Occlusives?

Not all moisturizers work in the same way, and it’s important to know which types of ingredients to look for based on your specific concerns.

Humectants

Humectants are ingredients that help increase hydration levels by attracting water and drawing it into the skin. Common humectants include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, propylene glycolic, and allantoin. Humectants are a great way to treat dehydration (lack of water) in the skin and can be a good option for those with oily skin since they tend to be lightweight. 

There is one caveat to humectants, though. Since they are always looking to attract water, they’ll start pulling it from the deeper layers of your skin if they can’t find any in the surrounding air. Remember TEWL? When used incorrectly, humectants can accelerate this process because once water has been pulled up out of the deeper layers of your skin, it can evaporate into the surrounding air. All this will leave you more dehydrated than when you started. The solution? Be sure to pair humectants with occlusive ingredients, especially if you’re in a dry climate. This will create a seal over your skin to keep water in. 

Emollients

Emollients are lipid-based ingredients meant to help fortify and imitate your skin’s natural oils. Remember that your moisture barrier is made up of skin cells, which are held together by lipids. Emollients help fill in any gaps in your natural lipid barrier to keep it fortified and intact. They ultimately help enhance smoothness, softness, hydration, and flexibility within the skin.

Examples of common emollients include shea butter, squalane, cetyl alcohol (not all alcohols are drying, ya know!), and jojoba oil. Some emollients can also have occlusive properties.

Occlusives

Occlusives are ingredients designed to create a barrier between your skin and the surrounding air. This is helpful for keeping water in the skin as well as protecting the skin from irritants. Occlusives can also be good for healing and protecting damaged skin (dimethicone, a common silicone and occlusive, is sometimes used for wound-healing). 

Learn the correct way to use a facial oil to create a seal on your skin.

What Does Comedogenic Mean? Do I Need a Moisturizer That’s Non-Comedogenic?

“Comedogenic” really means “pore-clogging.” The idea is that the less comedogenic an ingredient is, the less likely it is to cause comedones (clogged pores). Unfortunately, there is no standard of measurement for comedogenicity. In fact, comedogenicity of an ingredient can vary from person to person. An ingredient might also cause you to break out when included in one formula, but not cause you to break out when included in another. It all depends on how the ingredient is used in a specific product. All this to say, “comedogenic” is a somewhat outdated term that’s more marketing than anything else. 

The reality is, you can’t judge whether or not a moisturizer will agree with your skin based on the ingredient label. For example, if you’re prone to breakouts, you may assume that shea butter and sunflower oil will be greasy and pore-clogging. These assumptions can be invalid because product results largely depend on ingredient percentages, which is something you’ll never learn from looking at the list on the back of a bottle or jar. 

How Important is Oil-Free If I Have Oily Skin?

If you have oily skin and you pick up a jar or tube of moisturizer and see an ingredient with the word “oil” in it, you might hesitate to buy it. Unfortunately, it’s not quite this simple. The reality is that, like “comedogenic,” “oil-free” is more of a marketing term than anything else. While it can indicate that a moisturizer doesn’t technically use any oils, chances are it includes some type of emollient that provides a similar function for the skin (fortifying your lipid barrier and making the product easier to spread). 

That said, if a product is labeled “oil-free,” it’s probably been formulated specifically with oily, acne-prone skin in mind. For this reason, it may be safer for those with oily skin types to use, but it’s not a guarantee. Like I said, you can’t judge a product by its ingredient label. It’s ultimately about experimenting a little and finding the right moisturizer for your skin type

Do I Need More Than One Moisturizer?

Everyone should have at least two moisturizers. Your daytime moisturizer should include SPF 30 or higher, and nighttime moisturizer should be sunscreen-free. Don’t worry about looking for something labeled as a “night cream,” any moisturizer can be used during your evening routine so long as it doesn’t include sunscreen. Learn why you should never skip moisturizer at night.

Beyond that, using multiple moisturizers may be beneficial if you have a condition like eczema that causes dryness or flaking in certain areas. An oil-based moisturizer can aid in the healing process when applied to these areas but may be too thick for other areas of the face that aren’t naturally as dry. Think of this as “spot treating” with moisturizer. 

Depending on the climate where you live, you may also need to switch up moisturizers to accommodate seasonal changes.

Do I Need to Use a Serum and a Moisturizer?

When using a serum, it’s important to use a moisturizer over the serum to seal it into the skin. While most serums will provide some hydration to the skin, their main goal is to deliver active ingredients deep within the skin to help correct certain skin issues. They don’t provide a protective shield between your skin and the environment like moisturizers will do.

Top 5 Moisturizer Mistakes to Avoid

These are the top five mistakes I see people making and how to correct them.

Not Using Enough Sunscreen on the Neck

I’ve seen so many people make this mistake, which is why it comes in at number one. Most people will apply an SPF moisturizer on their face and drag whatever is leftover down to their neck. Be sure to treat your neck with a full and separate application of sunscreen.

Compensating for Drying Acne Treatments with Heavy Creams 

Many acne-fighting products include ingredients that dry out the skin. I’ve seen many clients react to this by compensating with thick, heavy cream in an effort to bring comfort to the skin. The problem is, they’re giving their skin oil it doesn’t need and potentially causing more clogged pores. This isn’t doing them any favors when it comes to eliminating their acne. Instead, focus on finding a gentle routine that addresses acne without stripping the skin. Learn more about how to get rid of dry skin caused by harsh acne treatments.

Waiting More Than 60 Seconds to Apply Moisturizer After Face Washing 

Once you’ve washed your face, you have a 60-second window before water starts to evaporate from your skin, causing dehydration. Try to apply your toner, serum (if you’re using one), and moisturizer quickly after washing your face to seal in hydration.

Picking a Moisturizer Because It Claims to Be Anti Aging 

Many young people want to get a head-start on anti-aging skincare, which is great. But it’s important to know that moisturizer is already anti-aging even if it doesn’t include fancy active ingredients like retinol. By supporting your skin’s natural barrier and protective functions, you’re setting yourself up for healthy aging. Many of the anti-aging ingredients commonly included in moisturizers are meant for more mature skin and are actually too active for young skin (which is still very metabolically active). This could end up doing more harm than good in the long run, so stick with a simple moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling healthy and moist. 

Instead, try these 10 ways to prevent wrinkles from a young age.

Using a Moisturizer Because It Worked for Someone Else

Just because a product worked for your friend doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you, even if you have similar skin types. 

I hope you learned something new from this post! Moisturizer often gets overlooked because it seems like such a simple product, but finding the right one for your skin type is crucial to achieving your skin goals. Read more about my best advice for moisturizer dos and don’ts (including how much moisturizer you should be using). 

The post What You Should Know About Your Moisturizer appeared first on Expert Skin Advice from Renee Rouleau.

What You Should Know About Your Moisturizer Read More