MOISTURIZING CREAMS AND WATER-BASED GELS, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM
Benefits of water-based moisturizers. What are their advantages over conventional moisturizers?
INNA CODRU , OCTOBER 14, 2018
Today we see a huge variety of different types of moisturizers made for different skin types. In our opinion, one of the best options for both sensitive and oily or combination skin types are WATER-based moisturizers. Helping to boost skin's hydration, water-based creams and gels won't clog pores. This is a big plus for any skin, as it helps to reduce the number of bacteria that settle in the pores of the skin and reduce the likelihood of acne.
Moisturizing gels and water-based creams are gaining popularity. And in fact, such products are ideal for any type of skin. Even dry skin can feel softer and more hydrated with these gels. When using water-based products, you can reduce the irritation caused by dry skin.
But what do we need to know about these moisturizing gels and creams? How to use them if you already have them? Here's our all-in-one guide to water-based moisturizers so you can get the most out of them.
THE POWER OF HYALURONIC ACID
Most gel moisturizers include HYALURONIC ACID . While you might be alarmed by the use of the word "acid" in its name, there's nothing to be afraid of. In fact, it is a very beneficial skin compound that helps maintain the skin's natural moisture levels. This is the ingredient that you will definitely want to see in the composition of your cosmetic preparations in sufficient quantities. However, the presence of large amounts of other acids is not desirable, and most gel moisturizers contain just a minimum of such substances.
Hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin elasticity and maintains its youthfulness. It rejuvenates skin cells and accelerates their production of collagen. It can also help repair some UV damage (although that's definitely not a reason to skip sunscreen!) and help improve skin elasticity. Fine lines, wrinkles and even stretch marks can become a thing of the past.
WATER-BASED CREAMS FOR OILY AND COMBINATION SKIN
If you have oily or combination skin, you should really look into water-based moisturizers. The water-based versions of gels and creams are made without the addition of any oil, which can react with your natural fats and cause more problems.
While your skin needs hydration, it doesn't need extra oils. After all, it is very difficult for the skin to absorb excess oils, and this leads to clogged and inflamed skin pores. Dirt gets there and is covered with oils from above, bacteria in the pores begin to grow and this leads to various inflammations, irritation and acne.
Oily skin is the most problematic, but combination skin also has its own nuances. With combination skin, you definitely have to deal with dry patches on it too, right? And then the natural oil produced in oily areas of the skin can become useful when you use water-based products. How? Using this gel, you get rid of excess oils in oily areas and transfer it to areas of dry skin that are in great need of additional natural oils, helping to relieve irritation in these dry areas of the skin.
WATER-BASED CREAMS FOR DRY SKIN
There is a problem for those with dry skin, which manifests itself in the fact that the skin is even more irritated due to the use of water-based gel moisturizers. However, this will still depend on the type of moisturizer you buy, and today we will look at the best uses for such products. (Earlier, we have already considered the options for TROUBLESHOOTING DRY SKIN PROBLEMS )
The question arises - "What's the problem, because water gels saturate the skin with moisture?" Of course, this is true, but rather it applies to the deeper layers of the skin, and not to its upper layer. When you choose water-based gels or creams, you may notice that the top layer of the skin dries out very quickly. There are no residues of fats or oils left, which can lead to dryness and damage to the skin. It can even cause some irritation if your skin is really dry.
However, if you purchase a gel moisturizer that sticks to the top layers of the skin a little more, then you will find that the problem is gone. Gel creams tend to be helpful for dry skin where the cream stays longer in the top layer of the skin. You can also use an additional specially selected night cream, which takes a little longer to pass through the upper layers of the skin than regular night creams.
Not all moisturizing gels are suitable for sensitive skin, even water-based ones. This may be due to the fact that after using them, the skin may still remain irritated. The best option for sensitive skin is a cream suitable for use at night. In addition, you will need a cream that contains many vitamins and antioxidants that help repair skin damage.
JUST ADD MOISTURE, NO OIL
The great thing about water-based moisturizing gels is that you add moisture to your skin without adding extra oils. All you need to use this benefit is a basic moisturizing gel. Most of the manufacturers of these products claim that their gels are oil-free, which further contributes to the fact that they are ideal for skin that is prone to acne and has excess oil.
Water is a key ingredient: the gel helps push water through the pores and add hydration to the underlying layers of the skin. Without oil, you'll also find that the moisturizer dries quickly and leaves skin fresh.
By getting rid of excess oil, your pores stay clear, which helps reduce clogged pores that lead to bacteria buildup. It is these bacteria that lead to the formation of acne on the face.
However, there are drawbacks to basic gel moisturizers. Water lingers in the lower layers of the skin, and not on the surface. This can cause some problems for people with dry skin.
Therefore, you can purchase a moisturizer mixed with a water-based gel. This mixture of gel and cream helps to hydrate this top layer of skin. You get exactly the kind of protection that can help get rid of the feeling of dry skin. Gel cream options are ideal for people with excessively dry skin too.
LIGHTEN PIGMENTED SKIN
Using a gel moisturizer that has a water base, you can achieve some lightening of the skin. While this gel is mainly used to moisturize the skin, often its ingredients also help to brighten the skin. (Of course, there are many other WAYS TO LIGHTEN SKIN )
Moisturizing gels and water-based creams have a light-reflecting effect. By moisturizing the skin, they make the pigments in your skin brighter and healthier without changing (!) anything in the very structure of the skin. Your skin takes on a luxurious hue, which is especially good if you have a party or a date planned 😉.
Some of these moisturizers are great for daytime use. They are designed to make your face look fresh and radiant, so you won't need to do any special makeup.
GOOD TONIC FOR SKIN
Alternatively, you can consider using a water-based gel as a tonic. While it's technically a moisturizer and works primarily as a humectant, it also helps keep skin supple. Herbal ingredients are great for softening the skin and reducing inflammation and redness.
There are no dangerous acids in the compositions of such gels and creams, so you apply them with your hands. You can apply the mixture directly to your skin without fear of discoloration or damage.
Toning moisturizing gels are great for oily, combination and dry skin. Thanks to herbal ingredients, these products help to remove redness of the skin and nourish the skin with moisture in all its layers. The only skin type it is not suitable for is sensitive skin. However, even this will depend on the degree of sensitivity.
MOISTURIZING THE SKIN FOR THE NIGHT
When you're looking for a night cream suitable for all skin types, try the Hydrating Gel Mask. Again, water-based, helping to remove excess oils from your skin. Of course, it will feel a little thicker on the face than your regular night cream. But on the other hand, it will nourish the skin of the face all night. It turns out that your skin will be like in water all night, which will help the cells to recover throughout the night.
This is one of those procedures that can be used after all other evening procedures. The gel will retain the effects of the products you put on your skin before using this mask, helping them to continue working on your skin while you sleep.
Being water based, this type of moisturizing gel will work on any skin type (with the exception of particularly sensitive skin). Their oil-free formula prevents oily skin from worsening, while deep hydration helps improve the health of dry skin. Irritated skin will also be protected, as other cosmetics you use to treat it will retain their properties and also work more effectively throughout the night.
REMOVING REDENESS WITH COOLING GEL
Look out for water-based moisturizing gels and creams that have a cooling element. They are ideal for sensitive and dry skin as they help relieve redness and inflammation. The cooling element helps to reduce skin temperature and get rid of heat from reddened spots or skin irritations. This cooling element can also be useful if the skin has suffered from sunburn, a cotton pad can be used if sunburn is too severe.
Cooling gels can be excellent for oily skin as well. Without excess oils, quickly absorbed, the skin remains soft and hydrated. No need to worry about the problems of mixing it with natural fat. At the same time, hydration will help regulate sebum production.
You can also choose a soothing gel instead of a cooling one. It will also bring a lot of benefits to your skin. It may feel a little thicker during application, but you will still get all the nutrients you need when the gel is completely absorbed by your skin.
HOW TO USE WATER-BASED MOISTURIZERS CORRECTLY
Like any other type of moisturizer, you should use water-based moisturizers as part of your regular skin care routine. It is best to use the gels twice a day, whether you use the same gel day and night, or choose different products for twice a day, one daytime, one nighttime. Choosing an additional option will help you get the most benefit, as you will be sure that you have a quick daytime option and another that rejuvenates the skin throughout the night.
Start your routine by cleansing your skin with a cleanser suitable for your skin type. A water-based cleanser also tends to be best for oily skin, but you can use a gel-based option for dry skin as well. Whatever you use should penetrate your pores and completely cleanse your skin to help get rid of the dirt and oil accumulated from the day.
After that, you can use a toner to improve skin elasticity. It also helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and lightening PIGMENT SPOTS .
There are other products you can use to help your skin. If you want your skin to recover better at night, you can use a night cream. It helps to add more collagen, which helps reduce the signs of skin aging. After that, you can apply a water-based moisturizing gel on top of the cream. This will be especially effective for chapped dry skin, as it increases the skin's ability to absorb nutrients and creams and gels, keeping the skin's pores open.
The only thing you can put on top of your water-based moisturizer is sunscreen. It will help protect your skin from the sun's rays. Whether it's summer or winter, you need to use sunscreen daily. The only time you don't have to do this is when you go to bed! After all, you can apply your makeup, if circumstances so require.
In general, this whole procedure with a gel moisturizer takes very little time, which leaves more time for other equally important things.
CHOOSE A WATER-BASED MOISTURIZING GEL
Now you know why you need a moisturizing gel or cream and it's time to choose it. A basic gel moisturizer is a great option to start with. You can try it and see if it works well for your skin. Then you can already try other options, those that tone the skin or pick up a good nightly moisturizing gel or water-based gel mask.
Of course, if you have sensitive or dry skin, you will need to weigh everything correctly, consult a dermatologist. Try using a cooling gel moisturizer. This will help reduce skin irritation and inflammation while reducing heat and redness. It is also ideal for those who suffer from CUPEROSIS as it will reduce skin redness to a minimum.