Must I Moisturize?

What is a moisturizer, and why should I use one?

Moisturizers are products made to add moisture to your skin. By using a moisturizer you are aiding your largest organ...the skin! Moisturizers nourish the skin, balance your oil/water content and provide protection against the elements. Some formulas can even help certain skin conditions, along with repairing compromised barriers.

Moisturizers contain ingredients that help retain water in the skin's layers. The skin contains 64% water. That 64% percent is in jeopardy of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL)  if not protected. TEWL is the process of the water passing through the skin layers until evaporated from our epidermis. What happens if you don't drink enough water?
You're at risk of becoming dehydrated, and same for your skin. To combat TEWL you must stay hydrated from the inside while using a cream to keep that moisture from evaporating on the surface.

Even oily skin types need hydration and moisturizing. If a combination or oily skin type doesn't get enough moisture, it may become dehydrated causing your sebaceous glands (the ones that produce oil) to overcompensate, and produce more! Dehydration tightens the top layer of the epidermis, which can trap sebum in the pore. This becomes the perfect feeding ground for bacteria and Knockouts... this is how pimples are formed. 

There are different types of moisturizers. Lotions are usually water based and made for larger areas of the body, and I would put most sunscreens in this category as well. Hydrators are formulated with humectants that attract moisture to the skin. Hydrators are great to restore water loss from external or internal factors. Creams can be water based or oil based and are usually designed to aid a preexisting condition. Oil based creams contain emolients which cause them to be thick and occlussive. This keeps moisture from evaporating. Oil based creams are for dry, mature or compromised skin. Water based creams benefit most normal/combination or oily skin types. No matter what skin type you have, or skin condition you deal with, a moisturizer will benefit your skin. 

When choosing a moisturizer there are a few things you may want to keep in mind, Knockouts...

1. Your skin type and condition.
Your skin type will determine if you want a water based or oil based cream. Your skin condition will tell you what active ingredients you need to help improve said condition. 

2. The ingredients. 
You should always read the label of anything you ingest, or put on your body. Who knows, you could be allergic! 

3. The brand.
Most well known companies distribute products that use low quality ingredients with little to no actives. These brands do not care about the skin you're in, and are only concerned with making money.

4. Who you are purchasing from.
There are many sites where you can buy quality, professional grade products. Amazon for example has hundreds of sellers, and some of these sellers carry professional or medical grade skincare products, but they do so without concern for the expiration dates and without the knowledge of how to properly store these ingredients. If you buy skincare products from anyone except the manufacturer or a licensed professional, you are taking a gamble.

Every skin type needs hydration, Knockouts! And therefore every skin type needs a moisturizer. By determining your skin type and skin condition, and by looking into the products that you use and the places that you buy them, you'll be able to find the right moisturizer for you!