It’s almost summer again and we all know it’s important to keep hydrated and to use sunscreen and moisturizers, but what are all the benefits of applying moisturizer daily? We found numerous benefits for your skin you’ll want to know about. Check it out and get busy saving your skin!
1. Hydration
Maintains Skin Moisture: Moisturizers help to trap water in the skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness. Many moisturizers and serum also contain oils which won’t evaporate but also help hold in moisture throughout the day.
Prevents Water Loss: They form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing “transepidermal water loss” (TEWL), that's a fancy term for "not drying out".
Hydration: Okay, we have to mention this here because, of course, hydration also means hydrating from the inside. Drinking plenty of fluids is key and the best all-around fluid is simply water. Select sources which also include electrolytes to help keep your body’s functions running smooth and in balance all day. Infuse your water with lemons, limes, and cucumbers for added flavor and nutrients.
2. Skin Barrier Protection
Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Consistent use of moisturizers helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier including oils. This also helps protect your epidermis from environmental damage, pollutants, irritants, and even UVA rays.
Reduces Sensitivity: A stronger skin barrier can make the skin less prone to irritation and inflammation. Dry cracked skin is 5 times more likely to break and cause irritation or even bleeding, which can lead to infections and long-term discomfort.
3. Improved Skin Texture
Smoother Skin: Regular moisturizing can help to smooth out rough, flaky skin, making it feel softer and more supple. This also instantly diminishes the visible signs of any aging and simply feels better, removing tightness.
Minimizes Fine Lines: Well-hydrated skin can appear plumper, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – the other most noticeable indications of age and health.
4. Enhanced Skin Function
Optimizes Skin Function: Adequately moisturized skin is better able to carry out its functions, such as protecting against microbes and regulating temperature. This even benefits your immune system as your body can focus on saving you from other invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Supports Skin Renewal: Moisturizers can aid in the skin's natural repair processes, promoting faster healing and renewal. We’ve always hear the skin is your body’s largest “organ” and indeed it is! Your system is working 24/7 to replenish old skin cells in the various layers which also protect your muscles, blood circulation, oxygen levels, nervous system, and other organs.
5. Anti-Aging Benefits
Prevents Premature Aging: By keeping the skin hydrated and protected, moisturizers can help to delay the signs of aging. Every time we replace cells, our DNA in the new cells is a tiny bit more worn. Keeping your skin healthy helps extend the wear and tear on tissue.
Improves Elasticity: Moisturized skin retains its elasticity better, which can help to prevent sagging. This also helps to keep your body more flexible and feeling nimble.
6. Calming and Soothing
Reduces Redness and Irritation: Moisturizers with soothing ingredients can help to calm irritated skin, reducing redness and discomfort. This is especially important for those of us with sensitive skin and related allergies.
Comfort for Skin Conditions: For those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, regular moisturizing can provide relief and improve symptoms. Again, setting your body up for better health and feeling better actually increases overall health!
7. Better Makeup Application
Smooth Base: Moisturized skin provides a smoother base for makeup, allowing for more even application and a better finish. Your makeup shouldn’t be responsible for moisturizing your skin too. In some cases, untreated skin can be irritated and dried out from makeup applications.
Longevity of Makeup: Hydrated skin can help makeup last longer without caking or settling into fine lines. Let’s face it: makeup can be expensive! Moisturizers help it last longer and keeps makeup looking fresh throughout the day and night.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Skin Type Consideration: Select a moisturizer suitable for your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive). It’s a good idea to test a patch of skin with every new moisturizer to see how it feels and how long it helps to keep you feeling soft and fresh.
Ingredients: Look for beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, ceramides for barrier protection, and antioxidants for anti-aging. That’s why we pack our Hivessence skincare with botanicals, vitamins, and honey!
So what did we learn today? That incorporating a daily moisturizer into your skincare routine can lead to healthier, more resilient, and attractive skin over time. And it’s not just for your face. A really good practice is to apply moisturizer over your entire body - like your naked body - just after a warm bath or shower to lock in the H2O and feel refreshed all day and night. Oh, and don't forget to drink your water! : - )
Yay!