10 things you should know about moisturizing your face

1. Every Skin Type Needs Moisturizer

Moisturizer is a non-negotiable no matter what your skin type. Even the oiliest skin needs to be hydrated. Don’t fall for the common misconception that oilier skin types should not be moisturized or worse yet, should be “dried out”. The opposite is the case and your skin may try to overcompensate for a lack of moisture by producing more oil. Look for the right moisturizer for your skin type. Dry skin benefits from moisturizers formulated with humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Sensitive skin benefits from alcohol and fragrance-free moisturizers. Oily skin is best suited for non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer formulas. For dehydrated skin look for hydrating facial creams and skin care designed to address this skin concern.

2. More Isn’t Always Better

Moisturizing is great for your skin, so it’s easy to think that applying a lot of moisturizer will be even better for it. There is however a limit to how much you should be applying. “More is not always better,” says Garnier consulting dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes. “There is a point if you apply too thick of a layer, it wont be absorbed. It’s a good rule of thumb to apply a pea-size amount to your cheek, forehead, chin and nose.”

3. Your Moisturizer Can Become Ineffective

Have you been using the same product for years only to find that it’s not getting the same results? You’re not imagining things; products can lose their efficacy for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons could be that your skin has changed. Another factor that can affect effectiveness is age. “As we age our skin’s barrier function decreases,” says Dr. Madfes. “Using products formulated with glycerin or hyaluronic acid can surge your skin with hydration.”

4. Antioxidants Can Help Protect Your Skin

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, retinol, ferulic acid and green tea can help protect your skin from free radicals. If you want to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible make sure you’re using a moisturizer formulated with antioxidants such as Garnier Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Moisturizer Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 which is infused with an antioxidant complex of Vitamin C and E, pine bark essence, and gentle exfoliating Lipo-Hydroxyl Acid (LHA).

5. Moisturize In the Morning And In the Evening

Moisturizing is important in the morning and in the evening for different reasons. At night your skin restores itself and needs moisture to replenish skin cells and its barrier function. In the morning moisturizer formulated with SPF and antioxidants can help to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and outside environmental aggressors.

6. You Can Switch Moisturizer Seasonally

Sure you love your moisturizer but you should probably change your products up from season to season as your skin’s needs can change. “With weather changes, switch to a lighter moisturizer when the temperature and humidity rise,” says Dr. Madfes. “For those with dry skin, the same moisturizer may no longer be moisturizing enough.”

7. An Overnight Mask Is A Deeply Hydrating Moisturizer In Your Sleep

Looking for extra hydration for your skin? Look no further than an overnight mask also known as a sleeping cream. Garnier SkinActive’s Miracle Anti-Fatigue Sleeping Cream formulated with antioxidant lavender essential oil, hyaluronic and hydroxy acids can renew, firm and even reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

8. Moisturizer Can Help Fade The Appearance Of Dark Spots

If you have dark spots a moisturizer formulated with brightening Vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time. Garnier SkinActive’s Clearly Brighter Anti-Sun Damage Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 is formulated with an antioxidant complex of Vitamin C and E, and gentle exfoliating Lipo-Hydroxyl Acid (LHA). It has a fast absorbing, non-greasy formula that helps reduce the look of visible sun-damage, revealing radiant, more even-toned, younger-looking skin.

9. Moisturizer Can Counteract Fine Lines

Have you noticed fine lines forming on your face? Moisturizer can help. With the right product your skin can look firmer, more radiant and also hydrated so that your fine lines are less visible. Garnier SkinActive’s Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisturizer formula is infused with Vitamin E, pro-retinol (a form of Vitamin A) and Rice Peptides to deeply hydrate skin. It helps fight the appearance of fine lines and can help restore that youthful look to your skin.

10. Massage Your Moisturizer Into Your Skin

You don’t have to just quickly slather on moisturizer on your face. With the right technique you can actually massage your skin which can give you a glowing complexion. You should massage all regions of your face and can use a variety of pressure levels. Pay special attention to your neck area which deserves a little TLC. Additionally massaging that area can help work some of the muscles against the inevitable gravitational pull. Learn about the right moisturizer application, massage techniques and energizing facial tapping (yes, tapping can make your skin look better) in our article here.