1. The Importance of Moisturization
One of the most crucial factors in maintaining healthy skin is moisturization. When the skin becomes dry, it can lead to itching, redness, and flaking. In the long term, it accelerates aging symptoms such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Especially in environments with significant temperature differences between indoors and outdoors, maintaining skin hydration becomes even more critical. Proper use of moisturizers helps protect the skin barrier and keeps the skin hydrated.
2. Proper Use of Moisturizers
To maximize the effects of moisturization, it is important to follow the correct application methods:
- Apply immediately after cleansing: Applying moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp helps retain moisture effectively.
- Follow the correct order: The general order is toner → essence/serum → lotion → cream.
- Apply humectants before occlusives: This ensures maximum moisture retention.
- Allow sufficient absorption time: Let each product fully absorb before applying the next. Using gauze or a sheet mask can enhance absorption.
- Choose the right product for your skin type: Select a moisturizer with ingredients suitable for your skin type.
- Use sunscreen along with moisturizer: During the day, applying a moisturizer followed by sunscreen helps minimize moisture loss.
3. Types and Benefits of Moisturizing Ingredients
Moisturizing ingredients are broadly classified into humectants and occlusives.
humectants : PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide), Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
occlusives. : Urea, Ceramides
(1) Humectants
Humectants draw moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated.
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide)
- A key ingredient in the Rejuran skincare line, widely recognized in the cosmetics industry.
- Promotes skin cell regeneration and collagen synthesis, improving elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
- Often found in medical formulations like eye drops and used in anti-aging products for skin repair and hydration.
Recommended PDRN Concentrations:
- 0.01–0.05%: General moisturizing products (creams, lotions).
- 0.05–0.1%: For dry skin and skin barrier strengthening.
- 0.1–0.2%: For skin regeneration and elasticity improvement.
- 0.2–0.5%: High-performance anti-aging treatments.
- 0.5%+: Used in dermatological treatments (e.g., mesotherapy injections).
Usage Tips:
- Combine with hyaluronic acid and panthenol for enhanced moisturizing and skin regeneration.
- Use after dermatological treatments for maximum effects.
- Long-term use improves skin condition.
- Conduct a patch test for sensitive skin.
Potential Side Effects & Precautions:
- Low concentrations (0.05–0.2%) rarely cause side effects.
- Higher concentrations (0.5%+) may cause skin irritation—consult a dermatologist before use.
- Oily skin: Avoid excessive use, as it may increase oil production.
Hyaluronic Acid
- Can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water, delivering long-lasting hydration deep into the skin.
Recommended Hyaluronic Acid Concentrations:
- 0.1–0.5%: Regular moisturizers.
- 0.5–2%: Intense hydration.
- Above 2%: May feel sticky.
Choosing Molecular Size:
- High molecular weight: Moisturizes the skin surface.
- Low molecular weight: Penetrates deeper for hydration.
Usage Tips:
- Apply hyaluronic acid serum first, then seal with a moisturizer.
- Best applied to damp skin after cleansing for improved absorption.
- Use with other hydrating ingredients like ceramides to prevent water loss.
Glycerin
- Retains moisture in the skin and prevents evaporation, working synergistically with other ingredients.
Recommended Glycerin Concentrations:
- 2–5%: Regular lotions and creams.
- 5–10%: For dry skin.
- 10–30%: For damaged skin treatments (ointments, special creams).
Usage Tips:
- Pair with hyaluronic acid and ceramides for enhanced hydration.
- Apply to damp skin for optimal absorption.
- High concentrations (30%+) may feel sticky.
(2) Occlusives
Occlusives form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
Urea
- A key component of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) in the skin.
- Hydrates the skin while gently exfoliating dead skin cells.
Recommended Urea Concentrations:
- 1–5%: General moisturizers.
- 5–10%: For dry skin and barrier repair.
- 10–20%: For very dry, rough skin (elbows, knees, heels).
- 20–40%: For keratolytic treatment (thick calluses, corns).
- 40%+: Used in special dermatological treatments.
Potential Side Effects & Precautions:
- 20%+ concentrations may cause skin irritation.
- Frequent use can lead to sensitivity—use sparingly.
Ceramides
- Strengthens the skin barrier and prevents moisture loss.
Recommended Ceramide Concentrations:
- 0.5–1%: General skincare.
- 1–2%: For dry skin and barrier repair.
- 2–5%: For sensitive and damaged skin.
- 5%+: Intensive treatment formulations.
Usage Tips:
- Combine with hyaluronic acid and panthenol for enhanced hydration and skin protection.
- Works best when applied on slightly damp skin.
4. Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Selecting a moisturizer suited to your skin type is essential:
- Dry skin: Use cream-based products with occlusives like ceramides and shea butter.
- Oily skin: Choose lightweight, gel-based moisturizers with hyaluronic acid and panthenol.
- Combination skin: Apply a light moisturizer on the T-zone and a richer cream on the U-zone.
- Sensitive skin: Opt for fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and hypoallergenic formulas with panthenol and ceramides.
5. Key Considerations When Selecting a Moisturizer
- Long-lasting hydration: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- pH balance: Choose products with a pH close to the skin’s natural range (4.5–5.5).
- Trending ingredients: Consider modern skincare innovations like PDRN, panthenol, and sterile seawater.
- Ingredient check: Ensure the product contains suitable ingredients for your skin.
- Texture & absorption: Opt for non-sticky, fast-absorbing formulas.
- Skin irritation: Avoid alcohol, artificial fragrances, and synthetic preservatives if you have sensitive skin.
- Seasonal changes: Use rich creams in winter and lightweight gels in summer.
6. Additional Tips for Hydrated Skin
Aside from using moisturizers, adopting the right habits is key:
- Drink enough water: Consume 1.5–2L of water daily for optimal hydration.
- Maintain indoor humidity: Keep humidity levels between 40–60% using a humidifier.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include foods rich in omega-3, vitamin A, C, and E.
- Use sunscreen: Always apply an SPF moisturizer to prevent moisture loss.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing: This locks in hydration.
- Avoid over-exfoliation: Limit scrubs to 1–2 times per week to prevent barrier damage.
7. Top 10 Moisturizing Products
- Laneige Water Bank Cream – Lightweight yet deeply hydrating.
- Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream – Strengthens the skin barrier with ceramides.
- AHC Aqua Hyaluronic Acid Cream – Rich in hyaluronic acid for intense hydration.
- Innisfree Green Tea Seed Cream – Contains green tea extract for hydration and soothing.
- Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream – Herbal-based hydration and elasticity boost.
- CNP Propolis Ampoule Cream – Protects and nourishes the skin with propolis.
- Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Cream – Contains ceramides and lotus extract for hydration.
- Derma B Daily Moisture Cream – A gentle moisturizer suitable for sensitive skin.
- Physiogel DMT Cream – Strengthens the skin barrier and provides long-lasting hydration.
- Bioderma Atoderm Cream – A powerful moisturizer for extremely dry skin.