We’ve all been told that we should pick the right moisturiser based on our skin type — dry, oily or combination. The truth is the condition of our skin changes not only at different phases of life, but also during the same day.
Tipsukon Pongluelert, training manager of La Mer, explains that what makes a moisturiser work is not the texture, but the active ingredients in it. The texture — gel, lotion, cream or heavy cream — only matters in terms of feeling and absorption time.
“Instead of considering your skin type, which changes more often than you think, it is better to pick the moisturiser that feels good on your skin,” said Tipsukon.
If you are the type who does not want to wait five minutes for your moisturiser to dry, it might be better to choose gel or lotion instead of heavy cream, even if your skin is dry. Heavier texture is better for night use as you are not going to put make-up on top of it afterwards.
“If you don’t like how your moisturiser feels on the skin, your skincare ritual won’t be much fun,” she said. “This is why at La Mer, we always ask our clients what texture they like, and what their lifestyle is like. That way, we can help them choose a product that they can use habitually.”
Make-up does not go well on heavy cream, so if you put some on later, lighter textures are better. However, if you like a heavier texture, spare a few extra minutes to make sure it has completely absorbed before adding a layer of make-up.
In addition to choosing the right product, how you use it also matters. Here’s La Mer’s guide on how to get the most benefit from your moisturiser.
Apply it while the skin is damp
Skin is most receptive to hydration when there is some water on the surface, so moisturise within a minute of washing your face or stepping out of the shower. And to make any moisturiser absorb more fully, hold a warm, wet washcloth to the face for a minute, and then follow immediately with moisturiser.
Moisturise twice daily
Don’t wait until your skin feels dry to use moisturiser. Hydration is most effective when applied daily to maintain continuous levels of moisture and to help the skin barrier stay healthy. Other perks to moisturising daily include suppler, softer skin and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Use a humidifier
Your skin needs more than 30% humidity in the air to retain hydration, and in cold weather and forced air environments, such as in an air-conditioned room, that level can plummet. Look for a cool water ultrasonic humidifier, which increases atmospheric moisture by propelling droplets of mist into the air. Sleeping with one on will help your moisturiser seep in and work better. Your skin will feel good in the morning.
Exfoliate skin
If dead skin cells and oils are clogging the surface of the skin, moisturiser can’t effectively penetrate through and hydrate properly. Once a week, use a gentle exfoliator to reveal a fresh complexion. Rinse and follow with your moisturiser.
Treat eyes with care
The delicate skin around your eyes shows both your age and levels of dehydration by revealing wrinkles. Moisture here should come from a thicker formulation with ingredients targeted to the unique concerns of the area, like puffiness and dark circles. A good eye cream can help dissolve the appearance of surface discolouration and unevenness as well as soften wrinkles.
Anywhere, any wear
Clinique’s Wear Everywhere Neutrals include two collections of eminently wearable, mix-and-matchable hues. Each eight-shade eye shadow palette explores a different colour family in Nudes and Pink. Mistake-proof combinations exist within every palette. Go matt, go shimmery and get creative.
Rice, rice, baby
Banyan Tree Gallery launches a new facial range as an extension to its well-loved Jasmine Rice Collection of hair and body care products. Infused with jasmine rice extracts, the new Banyan Tree Jasmine Rice facial range features the antioxidant and moisturising properties of vitamin E, shea butter, essential and botanical oils and hyaluronic acid. With a subtle scent, the gentle yet rejuvenating formula helps to protect against free radicals, retains natural moisture and enhances radiance and youthfulness of the skin.
