Benefits of Moisturizing Your Skin: The Secrets to Looking Young

Did you know that moisturizers can do more than simply hydrate your skin? Here is a quick look at the benefits of moisturizing your skin. 

The Benefits of Moisturizing Your Skin

Of course, the main benefit of moisturizer is that it can hydrate your skin. It can be especially beneficial for people with dry or aging skin.

Better hydration

Many moisturizers contain humectants, which are ingredients that work like magnets. They attract water to the skin to help the skin stay hydrated for a longer time.

Another benefit is that moisturizers can also contain emollients. Emollients help the skin feel smooth, which can help people if their skin feels dry and tight.

Certain alcohols, like octyldodecanol, work as emollients, and they are normally good for the skin. However, it may be best to avoid specific alcohols in some moisturizers, like isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol, because they may irritate your skin.

However, some people with oily skin may think that they do not need moisturizer, but that is not always the case. Many professionals agree that people with oily skin should still use moisturizer. Some moisturizers can even control how much oil your skin produces.

If oiliness is a concern, people with oily skin may opt for water-based and gel-based moisturizers, which are lighter than heavier moisturizers like creams.

Less skin problems

Unbalanced skin can lead to many problems, from acne to hyperpigmentation, and more. A key example of the benefits of moisturizing your skin is that it can lead to fewer skin problems.

For instance, skin that is too oily can cause acne. Skin that is too dry can lead to dry, flaky, and tight skin.

Choosing the right moisturizer for your skin type can help you address those concerns. Ideally, you should speak to a dermatologist to learn what moisturizer will keep your skin balanced.

Reduce blemishes

Depending on the moisturizer that you use, it could also reduce your blemishes. Moisturizers contain many ingredients, and you can find one that can help you reduce acne marks, hyperpigmentation, etc.

For instance, moisturizers that have the following ingredients can help fade acne marks:

• Jojoba oil
• Aloe vera
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Lactic acid

Another example of ingredients in moisturizers that can help you with hyperpigmentation are

Some people may avoid moisturizers because they feel oily due to their acne. Your body naturally produces more oil when it feels dry. So the extra sebum you produce may be your body’s response to feeling dehydrated. Therefore, using an appropriate moisturizer can help people with oily, acne-prone skin.

It is especially important to moisturize when you use certain acne treatments. Some acne treatments like salicylic acid can irritate and dry out your skin.

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Keeps skin looking youthful

Another great example of the benefits of moisturizing your skin is that it can help your skin stay youthful-looking. 

Our skin thins out with age, making it more fragile and susceptible to signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, etc.).

Moisturizing your skin can keep the dryness at bay, and many moisturizers can contain other beneficial ingredients to enhance your overall skin health.

One study found that people who used moisturizer developed wrinkles at a slower rate than people with dry, unmoisturized skin. Plus, it is important to note that not moisturizing your skin when you already have wrinkles can further worsen the appearance of your wrinkles.

When Will I See Results?

Keep in mind that moisturizers will not fix your problems overnight. You will need to find the right moisturizer for your skin first, so you may need to do some trial-and-error first. You may also need to use moisturizers for at least a few months before you notice a huge difference in your skin. 

If you notice irritation (redness, itchiness, burning, etc.) from trying a new moisturizer, stop using it. Give your skin a break first, then try to find a gentler moisturizer. Consult your dermatologist for the most suitable product for your skin type. 

You should also be wary of mixing too many ingredients. Mixing too many potent ingredients in your skincare routine can make your skin very irritated. For instance, if your moisturizer contains salicylic acid (which exfoliates), you might want to avoid another exfoliating ingredient.

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Key Takeaways

Everyone can benefit from moisturizing their skin, given that they use the appropriate moisturizer for their skin type and concerns. Consult your dermatologist to know the best products for your skin condition. 

Learn more about Skin Care & Cleansing here.