Growing up, we were often told – by whatever teen magazine or TikTok trend was going around at the time, depending on when you came of age – that the ideal skincare routine included at least three steps; cleanser, toner, and moisturiser. While cleanser’s role in the whole shebang is pretty evident (because no one likes going to sleep with makeup on), toner and moisturiser were a little more enigmatic. And, if you grew up with acne-prone, oily skin like many of us did, moisturiser in particular may have felt like the right step to skip, out of fear that loading on the hydration could make your complexion look greasy and feel downright gross.
Well, if you’ve made it to adulthood and moisturiser still isn’t a consistent part of your skincare routine, we’re here to tell you that the jig is up. Moisturiser was important back then, but it’s even more crucial now, especially if your skin type is changing or you’re looking to wind back the clock on physical ageing signs. In case no one told you, keeping your skin nourished and hydrated can have a huge (and we mean massive) range of benefits, both for the health of your skin barrier and the overall appearance of your complexion.
Need a little more convincing? Or, perhaps you’re just curious what happens when you go a couple of days without slathering your skin in moisturiser – fair play. Let’s explore some of the top ways moisturiser can help your skin look and feel better. Plus, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the best face moisturiser on the market, the Remake Skin OJ Antioxidant Moisturiser.
How do moisturisers work?
Most moisturisers contain a potent combination of three types of ingredient – humectants, emollients, and occlusives – and together these work to hydrate, smooth, and plump the skin for best results. Let’s break down each of these ingredients and how they work to deliver and maintain nourishment in the skin.
What happens when we moisturise?
If you want glowing skin, a good moisturiser is perhaps the most important step in your skincare routine – period. But, what actually happens when we consistently apply the right moisturiser for our skin type?
Well, you might be surprised to know that there are more benefits than just combating dryness and dehydration, however this is definitely the most apparent and all-encompassing one. If you experience any kind of dryness, including flaky skin, dry patches outside of the T-zone, or even some skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, moisturiser is a must, and will help to improve the moisture levels in your skin to either completely erase or positively affect these issues.
Moisturiser is also critical if you are seeking to prevent or reduce the physical signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, or uneven skin tone, as it adds water back into the skin and spurs a plumping effect as a result. Plus, many moisturisers have added protection against free radicals through the inclusion of antioxidant ingredients, such as vitamin C. This makes them super effective at not just addressing existing damage, but preventing further damage from occurring when we step out into the world and inevitably encounter free radicals, UV rays, and pollution.
Finally, regular moisturiser application can actually help control excess oils and sebum production in oily and acne-prone skin, too, and consequently can return the skin’s moisture levels back to ‘normal’ and even minimise the occurrence of breakouts. Many people with oily or acne-prone skin are experiencing dehydration without knowing it, which results in dead, dry skin cells littering the pores and causing regular breakouts. But, with a quality moisturiser in your routine, clogged pores will become a thing of the past, leaving dead skin cells in the dust and revealing a fresher, newer and more balanced complexion in their place.
And, what if we skip the moisturiser?
If you don’t include a moisturiser in your daily routine, then adverse effects will come knocking pretty quickly. Some of the most obvious physical consequences include dull, dry, or uneven skin that looks lacklustre and has no life to it, more regular breakouts that are harder to banish, and very pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. Some of the harder-to-see side effects of not moisturising include a damaged skin barrier, less protection against environmental stressors, and uncomfortable, itchy, or tight skin that simply doesn’t feel good.
Moisturisers vs serums vs face creams
A question on everyone’s lips when we talk about moisturiser is “why do I need to add another product when I already use a hydrating serum?” The most obvious difference between these two products is that moisturisers are always designed to hydrate the skin, whereas serums aren’t – your serum of choice might work to control a different skin issue, such as breakouts or hyperpigmentation. Texturally, serums are often lighter, whereas moisturisers feel thicker due to occlusive ingredients. So, what’s the tea – do you actually need both? Our recommendation is a resounding yes, especially if your serum isn’t solely designed to hydrate the skin. Even if it is, moisturiser will help to lock all of those juicy actives from your serum in so that they are more effective for longer.
Another common question about moisturiser is “what’s the difference between a moisturiser and a face cream?” Well, this one’s simple – we’re here to tell you that the difference is a big, fat nothing, at least when it comes to traditional classifications. However, you might find that creams are more commonly laden with occlusives and emollients, giving them a heavier texture, whereas moisturisers can technically come in all weights and feels, as long as they are delivering hydration to the skin.
What to look for in a moisturiser
When it comes to finding the right moisturiser, it’s all about listening to your skin type and taking cues from your biggest skin concerns. These must-use products come in all kinds of formulas nowadays, making it super easy to find something that suits your needs down to a tee. For instance, a brightening moisturiser might be the go-to for dull skin, whereas an oil-control moisturiser will give greasy or breakout-prone skin a hit of hydration without going overboard.
Hot tip: it pays to know a little about the right kinds of ingredients for different skin concerns, such as hyaluronic acid for dry and dehydrated skin, or antioxidants for pretty much everyone (but particularly mature and sensitive skin). Do a bit of research on your skin type, and you’ll really notice the difference when you’re shopping for skincare and can directly understand how a product will help improve your skin.
All about the Remake Skin OJ Antioxidant Moisturiser
One ingredient in particular that most skin types loooove (yes, it’s that serious) is vitamin C. As an antioxidant, vitamin C gives the skin unparalleled protection against free radical damage. But, what really makes this ingredient shine is its ability to make the skin glow from the inside out, through brightening, skin-plumping properties. It’s the perfect pairing with humectants and occlusives, making it a great ingredient to look for in your moisturiser of choice.
The Remake Skin OJ Antioxidant Moisturiser draws on all the juicy goodness of vitamin C, which is derived from citrus fruits like orange, to deliver a product that hydrates, nourishes, and boosts the skin for the glowiest complexion of your life. In our humble opinion, it’s the best moisturiser around if you’re looking for a hydrated, radiant appearance and a better chance at warding off environmental damage. With this product in your routine, you can skip the serum if you’re so inclined, as Skin OJ delivers all the benefits of both in one little (biodegradable) package. Better than a cup of OJ in the morning, but with the exact same pick me up.
Totally vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated with sustainable ingredients in eco-friendly packaging, Remake will transform your skin without impacting the environment. It’s all low impact, high reward ‘round here. Shop the range of Remake products today to simplify your skincare routine and help your complexion glow, baby, glow.