We all know that skin needs moisture daily, right? But how much does it actually need – and what does a moisturiser actually do to help the look and feel of skin? Here we bust some key moisturising myths to help you boost the appearance and health of your skin.
‘All moisturisers are the same’
This is a big one – and its bandied around a lot. Surely most moisturisers contain the same ingredients – and even if they are different, don’t they work in the same way? Unfortunately the answer’s no – and although this may complicate your skincare shopping quest it’s worth understanding why. There are in fact many different types of moisturisers you can choose from depending on your skin’s needs. These can be roughly grouped into three – humectants (to attract water to skin’s surface and retain moisture), emollients (to soften and soothe) and occlusives (these leave a film on the skin to seal in any moisture). Most moisturisers contain a combination of all three – but be wary of too many occlusives (petroleum, lanolin) as these can stifle skin’s natural breathing process.
‘One moisturiser for my whole body will do’
If you believe myth number one, myth number two may come easy to you. Many people believe that one moisturiser for body and face cuts the bill – as the texture is similar, . The majority of moisturisers formulated for the body are far too heavy for the face. They can clog skin and exacerbate acne, breakouts and blemishes – but they can also be a cause of milia or ‘milk spots’ to form – hardened cysts of keratin. Always select a facial moisturiser for your face – and extend its use down to just below the breasts. The skin on your chest and décolletage is similar to that of your face – sensitive and thinner, often exposed to sun. It needs extra TLC to avoid characteristic lines and sagging as we age.
‘If I use too much moisturiser my skin will become dependent on it’
Some people believe that if you use too much moisturiser, your skin will eventually come to depend on it and can stop moisturising on its own. This then increases the need for product and affects skin health long-term. Thankfully this is a big fat myth – there’s absolutely no way that skin can come dependent on moisturiser, even over time. If your skin is dry, make sure you moisturise – especially during winter months.
