Moisturizer is the OG of skin care and the bare minimum when it comes to a daily skin routine. But while your average hydrator may not receive the bells, whistles and accolades of treatments, oils, masks, and essences, it is still just as (or more so) important to that coveted healthy skin glow. Here, Renée shares her insight on why to never skip the moisturizer and how to pick the right one for you.
 
It Supports the Skin Barrier
 
A skin care hot topic, protecting and promoting a healthy skin barrier is vital to the skin’s health and appearance.  The skin’s barrier acts as skin’s bodyguard, keeping essential hydration and nutrients in while keeping irritants out. When this barrier becomes damaged, it creates tiny, invisible cracks in the skin allowing moisture to escape and potential irritants to penetrate more easily.
 
Thinking of Skipping?
 
Depending on your skin type, not using a moisturizer can have negative effects on your skin, specifically…
 
Oily/Combination Skin

• “Sometimes I see people with acne-prone skin skipping moisturizer to avoid clogged pores. Ironically, this can have the opposite effect because skin can become dehydrated from lack of moisture, causing the skin cells to dry up and die” says Renée. Instead, opt for a lightweight moisturizer like the Sheer Moisture Lotion

 
Normal Skin

• If your skin is neither very oily nor dry, you may think you don’t need to be using a moisturizer. But ALL skin types need hydration and not supporting the skin’s natural protective functions with moisturizer can lead to accelerated aging. . Try the Hydraboost Rescue Crème a multi-action moisturizer formulated to diminish the visible effects of environmental and lifestyle aggressors that can cause visible redness, dehydration and surface irritation.

 
Dry Skin

• If you struggle with dry skin, chances are you’re already using a moisturizer (which is a great thing!) Dry skin naturally produces little to no oil, which means it’s critical to compensate by adding both hydration (water) and moisture (oil) to the skin. Try the Glow Enhancing Crème to deliver vital lipid-rich oils to repair the skin's damaged moisture layers.

 
Top 5 Moisturizer Mistakes to Avoid
 
1. Not Using Enough Sunscreen on the Neck
This is one of the MOST common mistakes. Most people will apply an SPF moisturizer on their face and drag whatever is leftover down to their neck. Be sure to treat your neck with a full and separate application of sunscreen.
 
2. Compensating for Drying Acne Treatments with Heavy Creams
Many acne-fighting products include ingredients that dry out the skin. I’ve seen many clients react to this by compensating with thick, heavy cream to bring comfort to the skin, however this additional layer of oil can potentially cause more clogged pores. Instead, focus on finding a gentle routine that addresses acne without stripping the skin.
 
3. Waiting More Than 60 Seconds to Apply Moisturizer After Face Washing
Once you’ve washed your face, you have a 60-second window before water starts to evaporate from your skin, causing dehydration. Try to apply your toner, serum (if you’re using one), and moisturizer quickly after washing your face to seal in hydration.
 
4.Picking a Moisturizer Because It Claims to Be Anti-Aging
Many young people want to get a head-start on anti-aging skincare, which is great. But it’s important to know that moisturizer is already anti-aging even if it doesn’t include fancy active ingredients like retinol. Many anti-aging ingredients are meant for more mature skin, so would be unnecessary, or potentially harmful to a younger complexion. Stick with a simple moisturizer that’s skin type appropriate instead.
 
5. Using a Moisturizer Because It Worked for Someone Else
Just because a product worked for your friend doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you, even if you have similar skin types. Take Renee Rouleau’s skin quiz to find your skin type and what moisturizer would work best for you!
 

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As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. That experience is what led Renée to develop her 9 different skin type philosophy, which allows her to address a diverse set of skin issues. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why she’s been called “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”