Oman today_ In a skincare routine, three basic products play a crucial role: cleanser, sunscreen, and a moisturizing cream or lotion. Other products, such as serums or specialized treatments, are complementary, but these three essentials form the foundation of healthy and beautiful skin.
Our skin naturally loses moisture through a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Additionally, washing the face or taking a shower removes the skin’s natural oils, making it essential to use a moisturizer to replenish lost hydration and maintain a healthy protective barrier.
Dry skin can result from various factors, including hormonal changes, aging, or environmental conditions. Regular use of a moisturizer can help alleviate these issues. As we age, collagen and elastin production decreases, and the signs of aging gradually appear. Therefore, moisturizing not only provides hydration but also helps slow down the aging process.
How to Properly Use a Moisturizing Cream
To achieve the best results, the order and method of applying moisturizer are important:
1. Cleanse the skin thoroughly: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Pat your skin dry with a soft, clean towel.
2. Apply toner: Toner helps balance the skin’s pH, remove residual impurities, and improves the absorption of moisturizer.
3. Take an adequate amount of moisturizer: Due to the lightweight consistency of most moisturizers, use a generous amount to ensure it is fully absorbed into the skin.
4. Dot the moisturizer on different areas: Apply small dots of moisturizer to the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Using clean fingertips helps distribute the product evenly across the face.
5. Spread the moisturizer evenly: Massage the cream gently in circular motions. Use light upward strokes and ensure the moisturizer is fully absorbed. If you apply too much, remove the excess with a clean tissue.
6. Allow the moisturizer to absorb: There is no need to rinse. Wait a few minutes for the product to be fully absorbed before applying makeup or other skincare products.
Frequency and Amount of Use
For most people, applying moisturizer at least twice a day—after washing the face and after showering—is recommended. If the skin is very dry, an additional application during the day with a lighter product or a hydrating spray can be used.
Each application should be about the size of a coin to cover the face and neck evenly, ensuring sufficient hydration.
Moisturizers for Different Skin Types
All skin types—dry, normal, combination, or oily—benefit from moisturizer, but the level of need varies:
Dry skin: Has the highest need for hydration and is more prone to wrinkles and other skin issues if moisture is lacking.
Oily skin: Moisturizers designed for oily skin help control sebum production, minimize pores, and provide deep hydration while protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
At What Age Should You Start Using a Moisturizer?
Moisturizing is not limited to a specific age; people of all ages and genders should include it in their skincare routine. However, from around age 30, as natural collagen production slows down, using a moisturizer becomes increasingly important to prevent dryness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and maintain skin vitality.