Navigating the world of day creams can be like trekking through a jungle, with an abundance of options boasting natural, hydrating, nourishing, mattifying, and anti-aging properties. However, making the wrong choice could lead to an unsightly outbreak of spots and blemishes. That's where our comprehensive guide comes in, providing everything you need to know about selecting the right day cream but first…
Why do we need a day cream?
Our epidermis requires protection, and day creams are the perfect solution. After cleansing with soap, gel, or mousse, the skin's protective hydrolipidic film is stripped away along with grime. Day creams restore hydration, nourish the skin, and provide protection while leaving it soft and supple. These creams address a variety of concerns, from reducing shine and smoothing wrinkles to calming dry patches and preparing the skin for other products. They also effectively combat blemishes and redness, making them an essential part of any skincare routine.
Choose A Day Cream Suited To Your Skin Type
Selecting a day cream involves an approach that takes into account multiple factors such as our lifestyle, current health status, and the surroundings where we reside and work. These elements collectively determine the specific requirements of our skin.
For those with dry skin that feels tight or flaky especially during the cold winter season, it's advisable to choose an ultra-moisturizing and nourishing cream to compensate for the decreased production of sebum in the skin. Opt for creamy textures that can rapidly absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Sand & Sky’s Tasmanian Spring Water Hydration Boost Cream with a lightweight gel-cream texture with Hyaluronic Acid rich formula is perfect for deeply hydrating skin.
For individuals with normal and combination skin (with a shiny T-zone and normal skin elsewhere), it's recommended to use a mattifying moisturizer. Select a lightweight and fluid cream that won't clog your pores or weigh down your skin.
Even if you have oily skin that appears shiny all over, it still requires moisturization. Choose a day cream that can nourish, regulate sebum production, and mattify your complexion. To avoid overloading your skin, stick to lightweight textures. Our Oil Control Clearing Moisturiser has a lightweight formula that eliminates oily skin, balances and calms inflammation, while delivering essential hydration.
If your skin is looking dull, a Vitamin C enriched formula is perfect for like in our Intense Glow Moisturiser breaks down skin pigmentation and protects skin from UV damage. These creams are usually rich in antioxidants that protects skin against free radicals and prevents pre-mature aging.
If you have sensitive skin, characterized by red patches, irritations, or allergies, it's important to handle it with care. To avoid triggering flare-ups, select hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic creams that are gentle on the skin.
The Indulgent Side Of Day Creams
Selecting a day cream isn't solely about catering to specific skin types - it's also essential to choose one that brings pleasure during application. Indulge yourself with textures that you enjoy to pamper your skin and unwind with a bit of 'me time'. However, it's possible to be drawn to products that aren't suitable for our skin's requirements. Therefore, pay attention to your skin - if it's feeling down, it'll give signals for help! Does it need lightweight and fluid textures, comforting balms, or refreshing gel moisturizers? Listen to your epidermis to determine its specific preferences.
Do I Need UV Protection in my day cream?
UV radiation from the sun can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to use a day cream with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 (like our Tinted Glow Primer SPF30) to provide adequate protection against UV radiation or apply a broad spectrum SPF after you have applied your favorite day cream. Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate the clouds and harm your skin, so it's important to make UV protection a daily habit.
How can I get the most out from a day cream?
To fully enjoy the benefits of your moisturizer, there are some steps you can take to enhance its skin-nourishing abilities.
Cleanse
A clean face allows the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin. Dirt, makeup and pollutants can hinder the performance of your skincare products, and making them less effective. Therefore, it's essential to thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove impurities and improve its ability to absorb active ingredients.
Exfoliate
Regular exfoliation eliminates dead skin cells, enabling your epidermis to better absorb active ingredients. The frequency of exfoliation should be tailored to your skin type and sensitivity level.
Boost Your Blood Circulation
Massaging your face with your fingertips or a mechanical/electrical brush can increase your blood circulation and warm up your skin, enabling active ingredients to penetrate your skin more effectively. This process also enhances cell metabolism and exchange, allowing your cream's ingredients to be absorbed more quickly and efficiently.
Select the Right Ingredients for Your Skin
Your skin is unique, so it's essential to choose skincare products with active ingredients that address your specific skin needs. If you have dry skin, opt for nourishing ingredients, while sagging skin benefits from firming ingredients. Anti-wrinkle ingredients are ideal for mature skin, brightening ingredients are suitable for age spots, and mattifying ingredients help with oily skin. However, all skin types require moisturizing active ingredients to hydrate the skin and allow other active ingredients to penetrate the epidermal barrier. A small amount is all that is needed to moisturize your face and neck.
Choose the Appropriate Texture
Different skin types benefit from various textures of moisturizers. Gel or fluid is suitable for oily or combination skin, while light creams are ideal for normal skin. Richer formulas work better for dry skin. Choosing the right texture ensures that your skin can absorb the moisturizer's benefits effectively.
