Along with regularly cleansing and wearing sunscreen, figuring out how to moisturize your face is one of the most essential steps of any skin-care routine. But skin experts say far too many people skip this essential piece of the skin-care puzzle.
“Most people are not aware of the importance of skin hydration,” Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, M.D., director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center, tells SELF.
Why is it so crucial to moisturize your skin? It comes down to the stratum corneum, the outer layer of skin. When this layer is functioning properly, it protects your skin from irritants and inflammation, and it also helps keep the deeper layers of skin hydrated. The stratum corneum is made up of a few different components, including fatty acids and ceramides, so supplementing your skin with moisturizers containing those ingredients can ensure that everything is working as it should—and that your skin will be at its happiest and healthiest.
And, yes, everyone can benefit from moisturizing—even those of you with oily skin. “Those with oily or acne-prone skin fear that moisturizing will only make [their skin issues] worse, so instead they use harsh products and cleansers to dry their skin out,” Dr. Imahiyerobo-Ip says. But this can actually be counterproductive because overwashing your skin can actually cause it to produce even more oil. Probably not the goal you’re hoping to achieve.
If you haven’t been able to find a moisturizing routine that works for you, know that you’re not alone. It’s just about choosing the right product, pairing it with your other steps in the right way, and applying it correctly.
So, are you ready to learn how to actually moisturize your face? Check out these easy ways to make sure you’re moisturizing your face to get the best results for your skin.
