A daily face cream is a staple of many women’s beauty regimes. Not only does it enhance the look of your skin but also protects your skin and keeps it healthy. How do you know if a moisturizer is right for you? 

Undoubtedly, moisturizing your skin daily is critical for protecting and nourishing your skin. However, we’re here to debunk a few old wives’ tales about moisturizers. Here’s some myths you should stop believing right now!

What are the myths about moisturizers?

Myth 1: All moisturizers are the same.

Truth: There is a moisturizer for every skin type. Every formula is different. Some formulations contain humectants, such as glycerin and lactic acid, attract water and help retain skin moisture. Some moisturizers contain synthetic ingredients which are made in a lab and don’t come from nature. These products tend to feel waxy and don’t absorb well. Some moisturizers are oil based and are typically better for more humid climates. All moisturizers are not created equal! Look for a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients with a combination of butters and oils that will help soothe and soften your skin. If you live in a dry climate, choose a natural, cream-based skin moisturizer for dry skin, whereas if you live in a more humid or tropical environment, choose an oil based moisturizer.

Myth 2: Moisturizers are only for dry skin.

Truth: No matter what your skin type is, you must apply a layer of moisturizer daily to keep it soft and hydrated. Many people with oily skin avoid using a moisturizer because they believe it will clog their pores and lead to acne. However, moisturizing oily skin is crucial to regulating sebum production. Dehydrated skin can increase sebum production, leading to acne. So, if you have oily skin, you can buy a moisturizer that only keeps your skin hydrated and doesn’t add excess oil to your skin.

Myth 3: You need different lotions and moisturizers for different body parts.

Truth: Although you can use the same moisturizer for all body parts, there are different lotions and moisturizers for the face and other body parts. You should invest in different lotions and moisturizers for dry skin of your face and other body parts. Since the face is more exposed to sun and pollution than other body parts, it is vulnerable to acne, which can further lead to dry skin. Even dermatologists recommend you should use a different moisturizer for your face and neck versus the rest of your body. 

Myth 4: Your skin becomes dependent on moisturizer.

Truth: It is a misconception that daily moisturizers can make your skin dependent on them. However, that’s not true. There are several factors like cold temperature, heat, pollution, etc., that contribute to dry skin and make your skin flaky and itchy. In order to protect your skin from external factors, you must use a daily moisturizer.

Myth 5: Moisturizers with SPF are enough to protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun.

Truth: Moisturizers and SPF serve very different purposes and for the best results, they should not be combined into one product. Ingredients in SPF including zinc and titanium dioxide are drying and can counteract the hydrating ingredients in a moisturizer. Apply a moisturizer first, then apply a natural SPF. By applying your moisturizer first, your skin will be able to absorb all of the nutrients that it needs. By layering the SPF on top of your moisturizer, you will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know the myths and facts about moisturizers, we hope you will add the best moisturizer to your daily skincare routine. If you are wondering what the best moisturizer for your skin is, look for a natural moisturizer that contains nourishing ingredients to protect and hydrate your skin.