Skincare 101: Moisturizing Essentials
Hi everyone,
Now that fall has arrived, it's time to start preparing your cold weather skincare regime. Your number one priority should be, if it isn't already, moisturizing your skin thoroughly. Soon enough, we will be going back and forth between the cold outdoors and heated rooms, and this will drain our skin of much needed moisture.
These days, it can be difficult and overwhelming to find the right moisturizer, simply because there are so many different products on the market. They each have their own gimmick on what they're supposed to do for the skin, so it's important to identify what your specific moisturizing needs are before you head to the store. Hopefully this guide will help you with your search!
Here's my guide to moisturizing:
Moisturizers specifically create a barrier between the environment and the skin, adding an extra layer of protection from the elements. It holds moisture in the skin, making it soft and supple. The differentiating factor in moisturizers is the water to oil ratio. Even products claiming to be oil-free can still contain small amounts. Sometimes the ratio can be found on the product label.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15, Clinique Moisture Surge, Eucerin Daily Protection SPF 30 Moisturizing Face Lotion, Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, Dr. Hauschka Moisturizing Day Cream
There are two types of facial moisturizers:
Oil-in-water emulsion – These moisturizers often contain humectants, a substance that is used to maintain moisture content. Oil-in-water emulsions will attract water to your skin.
Water-in-oil emulsion – These moisturizers form a barrier that traps water on the skin's surface. A common ingredient is sodium hyaluronate, which will lock moisture into the skin and prevent it from going anywhere. 
Your skin type is crucial to keep in mind when choosing a moisturizer:
Normal – Look for water-based moisturizers with lightweight oils like acetyl alcohol or silicone-derived ingredients.
Dry – An oil-based moisturizer with a heavier consistency is best here to prevent water evaporation. Look for products that contain propylene glycol, urea, or even petroleum to keep the skin moist.
Oily – Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean that you shouldn't moisturize. Oil-free, water-based moisturizers work best, and make sure that the product is labeled "noncomedogenic," which means it won't clog your pores.
Sensitive – Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and dyes. Look for products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe or chamomile.
Mature – Look for products that will add an extra surge of moisture. Think oils, creams, and balms. Ingredients to consider are petroleum, lactic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids.
Make sure you are properly applying your moisturizer as well! Squeeze a nickel-sized dollop onto your hand, and warm the product between your palms. Then use firm, upward strokes and gently press the moisturizer into your skin until it's been completely absorbed.
But remember, the best way to keep your skin hydrated is to drink plenty of water each and everyday. If your lips are chapped, it's the number one sign that you need to hydrate more. Using lotions and balms won't be enough to solve your hydration problems if you're not taking care of your body from the inside out.
What are your favorite moisturizers for the cold weather? Share them in the comments section!
<3 Mish
Photo Credit: The BeautyNook, Allure
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37 comments
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I recently bought H20+ marine daily hydrator which was on sale, and since it was on sale, I wasn't expecting much out of it. Surprisingly, it worked really well. I have combination/very sensitive skin. This hydrator is very moisturizing and calming, yet not oily at all. -
Hi, Michelle. Here in the Philippines use of sunflower oil is becoming popular. It does not leave a sticky feel.
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Thank you so much, miss Michelle! You really help me a lot! Thanks for your sharing, miss Michelle! =D
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Why do people keep posting in the comments advertisements for their own blogs?! It's so rude, and it's cheap. Are you listing Michelle?
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I have oily and sensitive skin, Which moisture cream I should use? I'm from Viet Nam. The weather make my skin be acne easily.
Please help me Michelle Phan :) It's very difficult for me to find a moisture cream.
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It's kinda rude and annoying when people complain about FREE makeup and skincare advice. Do people in the Southern Hemisphere all lack manners?
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i'm using garnier and it works for me.. my dry zone is usually around the lips. http://chixylove.blogspot.com/2011/12/garnier-moisturizing-cream.html
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Yes!! I use Clinique dramatically different moisturizing gel during the warm weather and I ALWAYS switch to Clinique moisture surge during the cold months. It's a bit more pricey, but definitely keeps your skin looking great!
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when the seasons change my skin gets drier and i have to add a night cream into my daily ritual as well, instead of just using my normal moisturiser twice a day, like i usually do
http://cloudsandcuticleoil.blogspot.co.uk/
xx
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Michelle, you should never start your posts based on the upcoming season, like you did in this one. "Now that winter is coming..."
Or have you forgotten your website is avaliable all over the world and you have fans from all over the world? Here in Brazil, it's summer coming, the terrible time of the year which you get tanned inside your own house.
So please, stop making posts only for the north-hemisphere women.
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helpful tips! im oily skin lately now i know what kind of moisturizer to use :)
giveaway here ------> http://elinessete.blogspot.com/
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Amazing post!!! I have oily skin and it very hard to find a good moisturizer sometimes!
http://learningtobefree.blogspot.ie/
http://learningtobefree.blogspot.ie/
http://learningtobefree.blogspot.ie/
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Informative as always, thank you!
Please check out my blog if you have a few moments. Just posted my 2nd tip of no make up make up and now posting from Paris, so stick with me to keep up to date on my adventures here! http://emma-louwagstaff.blogspot.fr/
E-L xo
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I love Clarins' UV Plus moisturisers, works both as a sunscreen and moisturiser! <3
www.with-allmylove.blogspot.com
www.with-allmylove.blogspot.com
www.with-allmylove.blogspot.com
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Actually Michelle, I also wanted to know if aveeno would be good for 12 year olds who have sensitive and dry skin.
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Is it good to use aveeno ultra calming moisterizer for sensitive skin? Would it be good for 12 year olds who have sensitive skin, to use aveeno skin brighting daily scrub and then the ultra calming moisterizer as their beauty regimen day and night? I have bags under my eyes and purple dark circles, and I know I am really young to have that, but it runs in my family. Should I use eye cream for dark circles? PLEASE GET BACK TO ME MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!! Or, just answer my question in a blog post, or in an e-mail, or in a video tutorial.
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I LOVE the clinique moisture surge! i have pretty dry skin and at night i apply it and you will notice a difference in your skin! i just used it!
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Wonderful post! Interesting thing about the emulsion factor in moisturizers with the water and oil ratios. I think it speaks high of the relationship between one another. Love your posts as always! It's nice to see that you are a smart and eloquent woman as well as obviously silly and beautiful. :) <3 Looking forward to your next one!
Triana Melendez
Director of Severus Jade Productions
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