Are you Fussy about your Moisturiser?

Winter is the time of year when many of us need a good moisturiser. But will any do?

The answer is NO. Your skin concerns will determine which moisturiser is right for you.

What does a moisturiser do?

A moisturiser aids in the maintenance of correct moisture and hydration levels in the stratum corneum (top layer of the skin). A moisturiser helps to maintain the skin's barrier, preventing it from becoming overly reactive and sensitive. A moisturiser also helps seal your active serums and prevent them from evaporating on the skin's surface.

With so many moisturisers available, you may wonder if there is a difference between a supermarket moisturiser and a professional range moisturiser prescribed by your skin/beauty therapist. Yes, many moisturisers in your local supermarket may contain non-active ingredients and poor fillers. An example of a poor filler is Petroleum jelly, a synthetic wax with negative side effects such as clogging pores and promoting the growth of blackheads.

4 main ingredients to avoid in a moisturiser:

1. Propylene Glycol (the primary ingredient in Antifreeze) provides skin slip. Propylene glycol can cause skin irritation by breaking down the protein, a major component of skin cells.
   
   
2. Mineral Oil gives the illusion of moisturising due to the oily nature of this ingredient. However, the molecules are so large that they cannot penetrate the skin and sit on its surface. Mineral oils can also suffocate the skin and impairs the natural process of the skin. Mineral oils can cause acne, general congestion, irritation and premature ageing.
   
   
3. Artificial colours can be a skin irritant.
   
   
4. Perfume in moisturisers can cause photosensitivity which can create pigmentation and irritate the skin.

Which moisturiser is best for your skin type will be determined by your skin type as they all have different needs. The following will help you find the right moisturiser for your skin type.

Which moisturiser is right for you?

Oily Skin

If your skin is oily, a moisturiser may not be necessary. However, oily skins can also be dehydrated. In this case, you would be looking for a water-based moisturiser containing hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid binds 1000 times its water weight, keeping the skin hydrated, plump, soft and supple. Water-based moisturisers are ideal for oily skin because they hydrate without adding additional oil to the skin.

Examples:

• Waterlily Papaya Infusion
• Cosmedix Skin Thirst
• Synergie Hydrogel

Alternatively, oily skin can benefit from light oil-based moisturisers, which can help to rebalance and reduce oil production within the skin.

• Waterlily Moisture Balance
• Cosmedix Shineless
• Synergie BrightEnlite
• Hydraflore Moisturising Soothing Lightness Cream - Comb to Oily Skin
• Retreatment Botanics Light Hydrating Moisturiser

Skin with Breakouts

There are those skins that need a moisturiser but have breakouts. This type of skin is typical in the 30-40's age group. The concern is anti ageing while needing to address the breakouts. So we are looking for a multi-usage moisturiser that is a vitamin and antioxidant booster and not too rich in emollients. They will prevent the skin from further free radical damage while hydrating and providing just enough oil to prevent further breakouts.

Examples:

• O Cosmedics Rebalancing Cream
• Centella Hydra Plumping Cream+
• Waterlily Skin Boost
• Aspect Sheer Hydration

Teenage Acne Prone Skin

Teens would benefit from a moisturiser containing pre and probiotics to help reduce the amount of bad bacteria thriving on the skin's surface and increase the amount of good bacteria, thereby improving the skin's microbiome and reducing inflammation and further breakouts, thereby improving the skin's health.

eg. Medik8 Balance Moisturiser

Sensitive Skins including Rosacea

Rosacea and sensitive skins need a moisturiser that does not overstimulate the skin. These moisturisers need to be calming and hydrating while strengthening the skin's barrier.

Examples:

• Cosmedix Harmonize Microbiome Boosting Moisturiser
• Synergie Dermacalm
• Societe Calming Relief Balm
• Medik8 Calmwise Colour Correct
• Waterlily Omega Creme
• O Cosmedics Recovery Cream

Dry and Dehydrated Skin (Lipid Dry)

These skins require a lot of hydration and lipids in the form of an emollient and humectant. By using a good professional range of moisturisers, you can be certain that you are not only getting feel-good moisturisers but also ones that provide extra nourishment and hydration for this skin type.

Recommended for this skin type are:

• Aspect SMC
• Synergie Hydrolock
• Synergie Reclaim
• SpaCeuticals Plasma Repair
• O Cosmedics Youth Activating Oil-Balm
• Cosmedix Emulsion
• Retreatment Botanics Ultra Rich Moisturiser
• Societe Transforming Skin Complex
• Waterlily Peptide Perfect

Menopausal Skin

Menopausal skin is susceptible to a loss of elasticity and a decrease in collagen production due to decreased oestrogen levels. Collagen levels decrease by up to 30 percent in the first year of menopause and by approximately 5 percent annually thereafter. During this time, some moisturisers mimic oestrogen in the skin and moisturisers with peptide technology that helps to keep the skin firm and hydrated.

Examples:

• Centella Lift Firming Day Cream
• Centella Regenerating Night Cream
• Synergie Reclaim