What Is A Moisturiser And How To Use It

Moisturisers are cream or gel-based skincare products formulated with a blend of humectants and emollients. Humectants are skincare ingredients that draw in moisture from the air and skin’s surface layers and retain it – for instance, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Emollients are agents that help trap moisture in the skin and soften the skin texture through rich hydration.

In other words, moisturisers result from the combination of humectant ingredients and other moisturising agents like ceramides, fatty acids and oils, which protect the skin from moisture loss and keep the complexion smooth, radiant and soft.

Benefits of Moisturiser

While its hydrating function is obvious, moisturisers can also brighten the skin tone, refine texture and reduce the signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. Listed below are additional benefits of moisturiser -

1. Strengthens skin moisture barrier

Also known as the skin moisture barrier, the outermost layer of the skin acts as a natural shield. This barrier is made up of cells and kept together by lipids and fatty acids, working to protect the skin from environmental stress. An impaired skin moisture barrier can lead to a higher appearance of blemishes, sensitivity or recurring dryness. Moisturisers work to strengthen and help restore the skin moisture barrier.

2. Addresses signs of ageing in the skin

Sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, dullness and rough texture can all result from or be exacerbated by dryness. With age, we also lose our natural production of moisturising properties like hyaluronic acid. A visible benefit of face moisturiser is the reduced appearance of signs of ageing and improvement in bounce, plumpness and volume in the skin.

3. Provides comfort and helps to reduce sensitivity

The occurrence of tender sensations, sensitivity and redness in the skin often result from a compromised skin moisture barrier. To be at its strongest and healthiest, the skin requires optimal hydration.

4. Helps with Eczema and Dermatitis

If you have skin issues like eczema or dermatitis, leaving the skin dry can aggravate these issues. Moisturisers can lock in moisture, which will prevent your skin from drying out and protect it from potential irritants.

How to use a Moisturiser?

The efficacy of moisturisers largely depends on the proper selection and application of the product. So, let us break down how to apply a moisturiser on the face with this step-by-step guide for optimal results.

Step 1: Cleansing

The cardinal rule of using a moisturiser or any other skincare product, is to start with a cleansed face. Use a gentle facial cleanser to get rid of any dirt, excess oil or accumulated dead skin cells on the face. You can either use a hydrating cleanser or a foaming cleanser, based on your skin type and concerns.

Step 2: Moisturising

After cleansing the skin, apply a generous amount of moisturiser on the face. Go for a moisturiser with SPF benefits if you’re using it in your morning skincare routine. In the evening, use a dedicated night-time moisturiser that is enriched with potent ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Step 3: Pay attention to the quantity

Avoid lathering excess product on your skin. Just take enough to generously cover your face and neck. For optimum hydration, you can reapply twice a day or as needed.

Step 4: Massage the product in

To ensure that the moisturiser reaches the deeper layers of the skin, gently massage the cream into your skin.

Tips to find the right moisturiser for your skin

Now that you know how to apply a moisturiser, let’s understand how to select the right one that suits your skin type and individual needs.

• Consider your skin type
• Keep your skin concerns in mind
• Be conscious of the ingredients
• Do a patch test

Types of moisturisers

Different types of moisturisers play different roles in your skincare regimen. To make the most of this skincare step, it’s imperative to identify its various types and formulations before moving to when to apply moisturiser. Moisturiser isn’t a one-stop solution for every skincare need. In fact, a few variations should hold a place in your routine. Wondering ‘what is a good moisturiser for my skin type’? Find yours in the range of CeraVe moisturisers below.

• Daytime moisturiser

Your AM moisturiser offers protection against environmental stressors while keeping the skin hydrated. Typically lightweight in texture, daytime moisturisers are breathable while supplying the skin with adequate moisture.
In CeraVe’s AM formula, the benefits of face moisturiser also include SPF protection. Ceramides AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 30 is your ultimate morning skincare multitasker developed for all skin types. The non-comedogenic formula is enriched with three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for bright and balanced skin.




• Evening moisturiser

PM moisturisers are usually thicker in texture than their daytime counterparts, to support ongoing hydration in the skin during your sleep. The benefits of a PM moisturiser also extend to the rest of your evening routine. Thick-textured evening moisturisers help to seal in the ingredients of other night-time skincare products and take advantage of the reparative skin cell phase that occurs while we sleep.
Those with dry, sensitive and mild acne-prone skin can use Ceramides PM Facial Moisturising Lotion that is formulated without oil or fragrance. What’s more, three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and MultiVesicular (MVE) Technology help maintain hydration for 24 hours.




• Body moisturiser

The skin moisture barrier on your body also needs protection, and the benefits of moisturising the body are as crucial as facial moisturising. To keep the rest of your body – including hands and feet – healthy, hydrated and soft, we recommend opting for supportive and minimal formulas. Ceramides Moisturising Cream for Dry Skin provides rich cream support for dry to very dry skin. Suitable for both AM and PM use, the formula hydrates intensely with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and MVE technology, without feeling oily or heavy.

Now that you know what a moisturiser is, how to apply a moisturiser on your face, how to find the right product for yourself and what it can do for your skin, check out the range of moisturisers from CeraVe. We are one of the fastest-growing dermatologically backed skincare brands with a range of specially formulated skincare products. From Facial Moisturisers to Body Cleansers, and more - with CeraVe, you can find all that your skin needs for a healthy and hydrated glow.