Do you ever have those days when you don’t want to moisturize your face? Well, it’s better that actually moisturize and here’s why. Moisturizing is an essential step in your skin care routine, working to protect it from irritation while maintaining healthy skin cells. If that’s not an incentive to moisturize, perhaps this will convince you: statistically, people who moisturize religiously in their youthful years tend to have much healthier complexions later in life.
Why Should You Moisturize?
First and foremost, moisturizing is one of the most efficient ways to help discourage future breakouts. It’s very common for people with dry or irritated skin to experience frequent breakouts and acne. When you regularly moisturize, you can help to balance your skin’s oil production and complexion, reducing the risk of acne. While there are many commercial moisturizers in existence, not all of them are beneficial for your skin.
Many moisturizers contain ingredients that do more damage to your skin than good. You can apply some moisturizer, which you bought at a store, to your face and your skin feels dry minutes later. That doesn’t mean you should give up on moisturizers altogether. Failure to regularly moisturize can cause the skin to dry out or produce too much sebum. Hydrating the skin with a moisturizer leaves you with a vibrant complexion. The following ingredients can help encourage healthier skin by helping it retain moisture.
Coconut Oil
People have mixed feelings about applying coconut oil to the face. For people with sensitive or irritable skin, it is not wise to use coconut oil on the face in excess. Minimal use is best for this oil, which contains anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin’s outer layer. Coconut oil’s fatty acids work to improve the skin’s barrier and encourage a more youthful glow. Dermatologists state that the high percentage of lauric acid works to fight bacteria on the skin, which is beneficial for preventing breakouts. Note: If you are prone to clogged pores, coconut oil may not be right for you.
Vitamin E Oil
Could vitamin E oil be the magical elixir for you skin? According to research, vitamin E oil contains beneficial antioxidants that help to nourish the skin. The same antioxidants work to slow down the skin’s natural aging process. Regular application, then, may help to slow the signs of aging. Vitamin E also works to reduce hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even adds a healthy glow. People with dry skin should use vitamin E oil because many studies suggest that it has powerful moisturizing properties. Several studies even found that it may help to relieve mild psoriasis symptoms.
Shea Butter
Made from shea tree nuts, shea butter is one of the greatest ingredients to apply to your skin, especially if it is in need of moisture. The concentration of vitamins and fatty acids help soften the skin and deliver anti-inflammatory properties. Applying shea butter may help to tone and soothe the skin and provide a layer of moisture. Studies show that shea butter exhibits emollient properties. This means that you essentially create a barrier that seals in moisture after applying it to the skin. Lastly, shea butter works to either promote collagen production, or slows the breakdown of existing collagen. Experts aren’t entirely sure which it does, but it slows the aging process either way!
DIY Face Moisturizer
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
- 1/2 cup shea butter
- 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 20 drops frankincense essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
- Use a double boiler to to melt the coconut oil and shea butter together.
- Once they are liquid, stir gently to combine and then remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool for 30 minutes.
- Add the vitamin E oil, frankincense essential oil, and lavender essential oil.
- Once the mixture is partly solidified, whip the mixture with an electric hand mixture for a few minutes until it is fluffy.
- Spoon the moisturizer into a glass jar with a lid. If you store it in a cool, dry place, it will keep fresh for six months or so.
- If you live in a humid area, the coconut oil may melt, so it may be best to store the moisturizer in the fridge.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
