Skin specialists explain why your moisturiser might be losing effectiveness:
Feeling Like Your Skincare Routine's Falling Flat? Let's Troubleshoot.
You've got your night cream, day cream, serum, and don't even get us started on hyaluronic acid. But still, your skin looks parched. Fret not, mate. We've got you sorted.
Here's why your moisturizer might be letting you down, and what you can do about it.
Three Reasons Your Moisturizer Is Letting You Down
1. Dry as a Bonese's Backbone
Moisturizer works best when your skin is ever so slightly damp. That's especially true for hyaluronic acid - it's got a superhero-like ability to draw in and keep water, but only when there's some moisture to begin with.
So, if you slap on HA while your skin's as dry as the Sahara and it's as barren as the Gobi, your complexion is gonna cry out for a drink. "Hyaluronic acid will suck up moisture from wherever it can get it, even from the deeper layers of your skin if there's no moisture in the air," says aesthetic doc, Dr Sophie Shotter.
So, tone up first with a gentle toner or face mist. This'll give your hyaluronic acid a dash of H2O to work with, and it'll ramp up the absorption of the rest of your skincare squad too.
2. Less is More
You might be thinking, "The more moisturizer, the merrier," but cut that thought right there! Over-moisturizing can send a signal to your skin that it's got enough moisture, lipids, and proteins. In response, your skin gets lazy and stops producing its own juices. And before you know it, you're in a vicious cycle, reaching for creamier and creamier products to fix the problem.
Sign up for our newsletter:
Wanna stay in the loop on the latest skincare news, trends, and tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss a beat.
3. Lacking Essentials
When it comes to hydration, not all ingredients are built the same. So if you've got your skincare routine on point, you won't feel the urge to overdo it.
As our skin ages, it loses lipids and the ability to produce hyaluronic acid. This leads to cracks appearing in your skin barrier, letting moisture seep out. But fear not! Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter can help prevent this. And to lock all that goodness in, you need a ceramide-rich cream.
"Your skin barrier is made up of ceramides, so a ceramide-rich cream will form a protective layer to prevent moisture escape," says Dr Sophie Shotter.
And there you have it, mate! Lush, hefty, moisturized skin that wouldn't look out of place at a Hollywood premiere. It's all in the balance, truth be told. So, don't be a stranger - pop by for more skincare wisdom any time you fancy.
- To enhance the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine, it's important to ensure your skin is slightly damp before application, as this allows it to draw in and retain water more effectively.
- Over-moisturizing can potentially hinder your skin's ability to produce its own necessary hydrating elements, creating a vicious cycle of requiring increasingly heavier skin care products.
- In addition to hyaluronic acid, other humectants such as glycerin and shea butter can help maintain skin hydration by preventing moisture loss, while ceramide-rich creams form a protective layer to prevent moisture escape from the skin.
- A well-balanced home skincare routine, combined with science-backed ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides, can lead to a radiant, healthy complexion that rivals Hollywood's finest.
