Guide

How to Moisturize Face: Best Tips and Tricks

5 minute read

You probably already know the benefits of moisturizing your face—soft, smooth skin and that healthy glow we all crave. However, achieving these effects takes more than just using any random product. So going ahead we’ll explore the best way to moisturize your skin so you can really see those benefits. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for the best moisturizers or just looking to step up your skincare routine, we’ve gathered expert tips and tricks to help you achieve your healthiest, most radiant complexion yet.

What Is Moisturizer?

Your skin thrives on a water content of 20%-30% to stay healthy and glowing. But factors like the weather, climate, or even your environment can cause this level to drop, leaving your skin feeling parched and less vibrant. That’s where moisturizers come in!

Think of moisturizers as your skin's hydration heroes. Whether it’s a lotion, cream, emulsion, ointment, or balm, they add moisture to the outer layer of your skin and form a protective barrier to lock in hydration.

To get the most out of it, it helps to know the key ingredients of the best facial moisturizers: 

Occlusives, like petrolatum, and propanediol dicaprylate create a shield on your skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and propanediol, draw moisture from the deeper layers of your skin and the air around you to keep things hydrated.

Emollients, like glycerin, smooth out rough patches and seal in moisture for that extra softness.

Barrier-repair ingredients, like ceramides, creatine, and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) gluconolactone, help replenish your skin’s natural fats, keeping your barrier strong and healthy.

How Should I Moisturize?

First things first: wash your face with a gentle cleanser, and while your skin’s still a bit damp, apply your moisturizer. This trick helps your skin soak up all that goodness and lock in the moisture.

Want to switch things up? Try exfoliating a couple of times a week. It’s like giving your skin a makeover by getting rid of dead cells and revealing a fresh, glowing complexion. A soft washcloth works wonders here.

Once your skin is prepped, how do you apply moisturizer? Grab a pea-sized amount of your favorite moisturizer. Gently massage it in using circular motions until it’s fully absorbed. And don’t forget your neck and décolletage—they need some love too!

Moisturizing is all about using the right techniques. Here’s a breakdown of different methods to ensure your skin stays moisturized and looks its best:

How to Moisturize Overnight

Want to wake up with a soft, hydrated look? Make sure you’re applying your moisturizer before bed. This gives it time to work its magic while you sleep—when your skin does most of its repairing and hydrating.

How to Moisturize Naturally

If you’re into natural skincare, you might have heard that aloe vera and milk can be great for hydration thanks to their soothing properties. But since these aren’t always scientifically-approved formulas, it’s a smart move to check with your dermatologist first. This way, you can avoid any unexpected reactions and keep your skin happy.

How to Moisturize Without Products

If products aren’t your thing, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to achieve that glow. Start by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated from the inside out. Alongside that, cutting back on alcohol and salt can help keep your skin’s moisture in balance. And don’t forget to snack on water-rich foods like cucumbers and tomatoes, which can also boost your hydration levels. Managing stress is key too since it can dry out your skin, so find ways to relax. Regular exercise boosts circulation and works wonders for your skin.

How Often Should You Moisturize Your Face?

For most people, applying moisturizer twice daily—once in the morning and once before bed—is ideal, even if you have oily skin. Yes, the oily type still benefits from regular moisturizing! When your skin is well-hydrated, it’s less likely to overproduce oil in an attempt to compensate for dryness.

However, it's important to adjust your routine based on your specific needs and environmental conditions. For instance, if you have dry skin or are exposed to harsh weather or dry air, you might need to apply extra moisturizer to particularly dry areas throughout the day. Just be mindful not to overapply, as using too much can clog your pores and potentially lead to acne or dermatitis.

Moisturizing helps to keep your skin soft, smooth, and balanced, reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving your overall complexion. It also aids in maintaining your skin’s natural barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your moisturizing skincare routine, check out our article on The Importance of a Good Face Moisturizer for Healthy Skin.

Expert Moisturizing Tips

Keep these essential tips in mind and ensure you get the best results from your moisturizer:

  • Start small: How much moisturizer to use? Begin with a small amount of product. If you experience any burning or stinging, it might be time to try a different formula.
  • Seasonal adjustments: Choose a moisturizer based on the season and your skin type. A light, gel-based moisturizer is great for summer, while a richer cream is better for winter.
  • For extremely dry skin opt for an ointment: Rather than a regular moisturizer. Ointments have more oil and offer better protection against moisture loss.
  • Sun protection: Look for a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Read the directions: Follow the product’s instructions to know how and when to apply it.
  • Order matters: Apply your skincare products in the correct sequence to get the most out of each one. If you're only using moisturizer, simply cleanse and apply. If you're using other products like serums, apply them first.
  • Hydration helpers: Support your skin's hydration levels by drinking plenty of water, using a facial mist, or incorporating a humidifier into your space.

Learn More About OffCourt´s Light-Weight Facial Hydrator

As we learned, to truly see the benefits of moisturizing your face, choosing the right product is key. OffCourt’s Lightweight Facial Hydrator is the perfect choice to seamlessly fit into your skincare routine. Whether you’re fresh from a morning workout or just looking for all-day hydration, this oil-free, lightweight moisturizer locks in moisture without leaving your skin feeling greasy.

Formulated with creatine, not only energizes your skin but also builds firmness and helps fight signs of aging. The addition of prebiotics and vitamin C works to smooth and brighten your complexion, making it a perfect post-sweat solution.

Clinically tested, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-approved for all skin types, OffCourt’s Lightweight Facial Hydrator can be the key to unlocking your healthiest, most vibrant complexion.

Light-Weight Facial Hydrator

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