One of the most important steps in any beauty routine is applying moisturizer. You can't have a healthy complexion and a flawless base for the entire day without adding a moisturizer. Not only that it keeps your skin hydrated; but it also acts as an extra layer of defense from external factors. If you want to know more about all the kinds of moisturizers that are out there and that you can include in your routine, keep on reading and find your answers and options down below!

1. What to use and how to apply your skincare?

Although quite popular on social media these days, the 10-step Korean skincare routine may not be for everyone. In fact, for a lot of women: less is more. You should keep it simple, especially when you're just starting out with your skincare steps. First of all, figure out your skin type, and only then proceed to buy products for yourself and your skin type/targeted concern. Here are the steps that you should follow:

Step 1: Washing your face with a mild cleanser that doesn't include sulfates can help keep your skin healthy, clean & smooth. Try a fragrance-free moisturizer twice daily.

Step 2: Add sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 (at least) in the morning. This will protect your skin at all times from UV rays & heavy exposure.

Step 3: Apply your favorite lotion or serum as a base for makeup & moisturizer. Aim for something that is filled with Hyaluronic Acid.

Step 4: Add your moisturizer and eye cream to finish off your skincare routine. Apply makeup if you're heading out. If it is the night-time pack on neck & body creams before you go to bed.

2. What you need to know about 3 different types of moisturizers 

2.1. Moisturizer #1: Humectant

Humectant has moisturizing properties that can be enjoyed by all skin types, but mostly oilier kinds. If you fall in the oily skin category, consider going with humectants. It draws water to skin cells to keep the skin hydrated. Often thicker in consistency, they attract water to themselves and slow down water evaporation from your skin. You can find this with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, aloe vera, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Women who have any type of dullness tend to reach for it more often, along with women who want a glowy complexion. If you want to feel hydrated during the entire day, yet not look sweaty, this is the way to do it.

2.2. Moisturizer #2: Emollient

Emollients tend to soften and smooth out the skin. Usually, women who have normal, dry, and combination skin tend to opt for it the most. Emollients are rosehip & jojoba oils, along with Vitamin E and ceramides. They are all thick in consistency, meaning that their primary step is to improve your complexion and fill in any crevices in your skin. This is why emollients are great for fine lines, wrinkles & anti-aging reasons. Its main purpose is to restore cracks in the skin barrier. Restoring these cracks helps minimize water loss and makes your skin young and healthy-looking. In most cases and due to their consistency, emollients aren't meant to be used by women with oily skin.

2.3. Moisturizer #3: Occlusives

Dry, mature, or dehydrated skin will appreciate occlusives the most. Because they have large molecules they repel water. They are thick & heavy in consistency and they tend to perform a protective layer on the surface of your skin. Once it sinks into the skin your skin is left protected from external factors, such as wind, cold weather, pollen, etc. Why you might enjoy this kind the most? Thanks to its low water content. They're less likely to harbor bacteria and have a long shelf life in stores. In most cases, this product tends to become a winter-time must-do. You can find it in mineral oils, lanolin, and Shea butter.

3. When to apply these moisturizers?

All three of these products can be a part of your skincare, but also in your body-care products. In fact, you can go for body lotions that will leave your skin nourished, soft & smooth during the day. Before you figure out which kind works best for you out of the three, we should also mention & outline the importance of doing body peels & exfoliating regularly (for example with our Smooth Body Lotion, containing lactic acid - a gentle AHA). Once your skin is free from dead skin cells, it will sink in all the nutrients the quickest.

After a long day and especially when out in the sun for too long, use Natalie's Hydration Body Gel to restore your skin's natural glow with its valuable blend of cutting-edge ingredients that actively hydrate and soothe your skin. It will help to prepare your skin for any humectants, emollients, or occlusive that you can apply on top.

4. Want shiny & healthy skin?

Make sure that you follow these steps and include a proper moisturizer in your day-to-day routine. The best skincare routine begins with figuring out your skin type and taking it from there. In the end, your face & your body are going to thank you for keeping them nourished and supple, especially during cold winter days.