Your skin should be well-hydrated – right? One of the ways to keep it in good shape is to use moisturizer. 

Here comes the question of the proper way to apply it, and is there any difference between using hydrating products at home and outside? 

In the text below, you will find how to protect your skin before leaving home. Let’s first look at what a moisturizing product does to our skin.

Why should you use moisturizer?

Because we need to drink water to feel good, so does our skin.

How does the weather impact our skin?

Low temperatures 

When it is cold outside and temperatures are low, the skin on the face secretes much less secretion, and thus, it becomes thin and unprotected. 

On the other hand, when the temperatures outside are low, the blood vessels constrict and then dilate when the temperature changes. 

This causes redness and stress to the facial skin. One of the most sensitive areas of the face is around the eyes. 

It doesn’t need more special care, and various cosmetic products are designed specifically for it. 

In this area of the face, the skin is extremely poor in sebaceous glands, as a result of which it dries out much more quickly. 

Dryness, in turn, leads to the appearance of fine lines, which can even be irreversible.

Wind and pollution

In winter, when temperatures are extremely low, even when it rains or snows and there is wind, the relative humidity usually drops, and the atmosphere is much drier. 

When the skin comes into contact with this dry atmosphere, combined with the low temperatures and the blustering wind, it dehydrates quickly. 

As a result, we can notice deeper facial lines, peeling skin and itching.

In addition, the wind, whether summer or winter, blows away environmental pollution, dust, chemical pollutants, etc. 

Dust, for example, clogs the pores and, in addition, carries bacteria which, when they get on the skin, can cause bacterial acne and scarring. 

While chemical pollutants are detrimental to the skin’s natural oils, which “lock” the moisture inside the skin and thus further dehydrate it. 

Air pollution can trigger skin reactions that slow down cell renewal.

Sun exposure

There is good and bad news regarding our skin exposure to the sun. Let’s start with the first.

The sun is essential for the natural synthesis of vitamin D, which our body cannot produce alone. 

It only takes a quarter of an hour on a sun terrace with uncovered hands to produce the required daily vitamin D. What is the benefit? 

A more resilient immune system against disease, protection against certain cancers and heart pathologies, and stronger bones and muscles.

Of course, we love the sun the most because it makes us more beautiful. Although not all skin types achieve the perfect golden complexion, the rays revive the complexion and give us a good mood.

The sun can also have a very harmful effect. The rays that reach us are divided into two types of ultraviolet rays:

UVA rays, which penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for skin aging (pigment spots, wrinkles, etc.);

UVB rays remain on the surface and can burn the skin. They are responsible for sunburn and some cancers.

Sunbathing without protection exposes us to the underestimated risk of sunburn. 

However, if these burns are repeated, they can cause the development of abnormal cells and, eventually, malignant melanoma or skin cancer.

The sun plays an active role in the skin ageing process. Ultraviolet rays cause the oxidation of cells, which release free radicals when they regenerate. 

These free radicals can “infect” healthy cells and damage them. We speak of “oxidative stress” when they become too numerous, significantly accelerating skin aging.

What is the straightforward answer to protecting our skin in winter and summer? Hydration.

That is why it is good to use various quality moisturizing products when we go out.

When is the best time to apply moisturizer?

There are three moments when it is very suitable to proceed.

Before applying makeup

As a rule of thumb, moisturizer goes before makeup. What happens if it goes the other way around? 

in most cases, it is not a good idea. A possible effect is destroying the makeup, removing it from your face, or clogging your pores.

You can follow some principles regarding your skin type:

When you apply makeup on dry skin

• Put moisturizer under foundation an hour before you apply makeup;
• Exfoliate your skin regularly to get rid of the dry and flaky surface;
• Choose a foundation specifically designed for dry skin because it has more moisturizer in it;
• Avoid makeup with a mattifying effect because it means the product is dry and is actually used on oilier skin to dim the shine;
• Avoid heavy makeup and lots of layers on your skin. 

When you apply makeup on oily skin

• Hydrate. Exfoliating can make the skin dry out, which will try to counteract by producing more oil. Control this by keeping the skin hydrated. 
• Use foundation. If you have oily skin, this helps the makeup stay in place with the right consistency. 
• Cover areas more prone to oiliness (forehead, nose and chin) with a light, opaque foundation that does not contain oils. Powder foundations are the best option. 
• Make sure your face is clean and dry before applying makeup. 
• Choose makeup with a glossy or matte finish 

After cleansing

Cleansing should be the first step in your skincare routine. How to do it? Rub the cleansing gel between your hands or lather it and apply it to damp skin. 

Start at the top of the nose and work side to side. Use your fingers to massage your cheeks, forehead and chin with the cleanser in circular motions. 

This will remove makeup and wake up the lymphatic system. Use your fingertips to reach the folds of the nose and to the base of the hair – be sure to clean and rinse this area thoroughly to avoid breakouts caused by a leftover cleanser. 

Rinse with warm water (not hot) or use a damp cloth to remove any residual makeup, sebum or dirt. 

Then you can either use a toner or skip this step and continue with the moisturizer. Toner could be an intermediary step. 

If you have a toner with cleansing and hydrating properties, you can go both ways: use it before (or blend it with) the moisturizer, or skip it and leave the cleanser and the moisturizer to do their job. 

How to choose the right moisturizer?

The most essential textural formulations are sprays, gels, creams, fluids and lotions. 

According to your skin type (oily, dry, normal or a combination) and the temperatures outside, you can prefer different types of textures. Let’s have a look at how they differ. 

The main cosmetic form is the emulsion. This combines two types of immiscible ingredients – an oil phase and an aqueous phase (Try dissolving oils in water). 

We use emulsion because it is the most natural and naturally occurring medium in the skin, which provides vital and protective processes for skin cells. 

Emulsions can be of different densities and viscosities, give other sensations when applied, in a word, have different textures. 

While you can use gels, serums or sprays, you will most likely use creams and liquids.

Creams contain oil and water components in different proportions. The percentage of oils and water influence the texture and the type of cream. 

Heavier, richer and oilier textures are characteristic of creams traditionally for dry skin. 

They contain several types of oils and are more nourishing for cold weather. They are not suitable for oily skin and hot weather.

The lighter textures are liquids. They have fewer oil ingredients, are spread lightly and airy, do not weigh down the skin and do not clog pores. 

They are more suitable for oily skin and usually have mattifying ingredients.

Creams and liquids are the main stage of skin care and are suitable as final products.

Not only the ‘base’ or texture of the emulsion plays a role, but also the type of active ingredients and their concentration. 

As a result, it is quite possible to tackle dry skin with a lighter texture, like a liquid. 

Many active ingredients are water-soluble, and they can be perfectly incorporated into a gel-like structure and still provide intense hydration. 

These active ingredients attract water molecules and attach them to the skin’s surface, keeping it supple and hydrated. 

The bottom line

Should you apply a moisturizer before going out? Definitively yes. You should protect your skin from the environment – whether cold, hot, humid, sunny or windy. 

Depending on your skin type and the climate you live in, you have at your disposal different moisturizing products to take care of your body.

I’ve covered what your options to react and take action are.

Thank you for reading!

Valeria