Face Moisturisers: Nourishing Your Skin with Natures Best
Moisturisers are fundamental to any skincare routine and essential for maintaining hydrated, healthy skin.In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of face moisturisers. We'll explore the unique blend of ingredients in our products and how they work for different skin types.We will also discuss the science of hydration, the importance of keeping your skin healthy, and how to choose the right moisturiser.
Understanding Face Moisturisers: More Than Just Hydration
When we discuss face moisturisers, we're not just discussing products that add water to your skin. A good face cream or facial moisturiser does so much more. Skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin, preventing early aging, and addressing different skin issues.
The Science Behind Moisturisers
At their core, face moisturisers are designed to do three main things:
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Reduce water loss from the skin
- Improve skin texture and appearance
- Enhance the skin's natural repair processes
The best facial creams and lotions achieve their goals by carefully balancing humectants, emollients, and occlusives in their ingredients.
Humectants
Humectants draw moisture from the environment or from the deeper layers of the skin to the surface, keeping it hydrated. Common examples of humectants include:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerin
- Propanediol
- Urea
These ingredients are excellent for providing immediate hydration and plumping the skin.
Emollients
Emollients are ingredients that soften and smooth the skin. They fill in the spaces between skin cells, creating a smoother surface. Examples of emollients include:
- Jojoba Oil
- Shea Butter
- Squalane
- Rosehip Oil
Emollients are crucial for improving skin texture and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Occlusives
Occlusives form a protective layer on the skin's surface, preventing water loss. They're especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin. Common occlusives include:
- Shea Butter
- Lanolin
- Jojoba Oil
- Candelilla Wax
Good moisturisers usually contain a mix of these three types of ingredients to provide complete skin care.
The Power of Lipids in Face Moisturisers
One of the most critical components of an effective face moisturiser is its lipid content. Lipids are essential fats and oils for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. They play a crucial role in keeping your skin hydrated, supple, and protected from environmental stressors.
Why do Lipids Matter?
Our skin naturally produces lipids, but aging, environmental damage, and certain skin conditions can deplete these essential fats. This is where a well-formulated face moisturisers comes in. By replenishing these lipids, we can:
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Reduce water loss from the skin
- Improve skin texture and appearance
- Enhance the skin's natural repair processes
The Structure of the Skin Barrier
To understand why lipids are so important, we need to look at the structure of our skin barrier. The outermost layer of our skin called the stratum corneum, is often described as a "brick and mortar" structure:
- The "bricks" are dead skin cells called corneocytes.
- The "mortar" is a complex mixture of lipids, including ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids
This lipid mixture is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. When the lipid content is depleted, the barrier becomes compromised, leading to:
- Increased water loss
- Greater susceptibility to irritants and allergens
- A dull, rough skin texture
- Increased likelihood of inflammation and sensitivity
The Lipid-Rich Revolution in Skincare
In recent years, the skincare industry has been shifting towards creating more lipid-rich formulations. This change is addressing a crucial gap in the market. Many synthetic, water-based moisturisers don't provide the essential lipids our skin needs, and some focus too narrowly on just one aspect of skin health, like ceramides. Our approach is different. We've developed face moisturisers that offer a comprehensive lipid profile. We use botanical oils and advanced lipid technologies to nourish and revitalise the skin.
The Benefits of Lipid-Rich Moisturisers
Enhanced Barrier
By replenishing the skin's lipid content, these moisturisers help to strengthen and repair the skin barrier.
Improved Hydration
A healthy lipid barrier is better able to retain moisture, leading to better-hydrated skin.
Reduced Sensitivity
A strong skin barrier is less reactive to potential irritants, making the skin less prone to redness and irritation.
Anti-Aging Benefits
Lipids help to keep the skin plump and smooth, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Support Skin Microbiome:
A healthy lipid barrier provides a better environment for the beneficial bacteria on our skin, promoting overall skin health.
Key Ingredients in Our Face Moisturisers
Our face creams and lotions are formulated with a rich blend of natural and scientifically advanced ingredients. Let's take a closer look at some of the star players:
Australian Native Extracts
Banksia Flower Extract
This uniquely Australian ingredient is rich in antioxidants, helping to protect the skin from environmental damage. Banksia flowers contain high levels of flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Tasmanian Pepper Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, this extract can help soothe sensitive or irritated skin. It's also rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage.
Wattleseed Extract
High in active compounds and nutrient-rich, wattleseed extract nourishes and protects the skin. It's particularly high in zinc and selenium, crucial for skin health and repair.
Kangaroo Paw Extract
This extract is known for its firming and lifting properties, making it excellent for mature skin. It's rich in polysaccharides that form a protective film on the skin, helping to improve hydration and elasticity.
Rosella Fruit Extract
Rich in Vitamin C, this extract brightens the skin and supports collagen production. Rosella is also high in anthocyanins, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Tasmanian Kelp Extract
Packed with minerals and amino acids, kelp extract deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin. It's rich in iodine, which can help regulate skin metabolism and promote a healthy complexion.
Advanced Hydrators
AQUAXYL
This powerful moisturising agent helps improve the skin's hydration levels and strengthen its barrier function. It optimises the skin's hyaluronic acid synthesis, leading to better water circulation and retention.
4D Hyaluronic Acid
As a more advanced form of the popular hydrating ingredient, 4D hyaluronic acid penetrates deeper into the skin for long-lasting hydration. It combines different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate at multiple levels of the skin.
DuraQuench
This ingredient complex provides intense, long-lasting hydration and helps repair the skin barrier. It forms a protective film on the skin that mimics the skin's lipid barrier.
Skin-Strengthening Ingredients
Phyto-Ceramides
Plant-derived ceramides that help reinforce the skin's natural barrier. These lipids are essential for maintaining skin hydration and protecting against environmental stressors.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Known for improving skin texture, reducing pore size, and balancing oil production. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness and blotchiness.
Pro-Vitamin B5
Also known as panthenol, this ingredient soothes the skin and promotes healing. It effectively reduces inflammation and supports the skin's barrier function.
Choosing the Right Face Moisturiser for Your Skin Type
One of the most common questions I get is, "How do I choose the right face moisturiser?" The answer depends mainly on your skin type and concerns. Let's break it down:
Moisturiser For Dry Skin
For dry skin, look for a rich cream moisturiser or hydrating face cream. These products are typically heavier and contain more oils to provide intense hydration. Ingredients to look for include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Natural oils (like jojoba or almond)
- Glycerin
- Shea Butter
Our lipid-rich formulations are particularly beneficial for dry skin. They help replenish the skin's natural oils and strengthen its barrier function.
Tips For Dry Skin
- Apply moisturiser to damp skin to lock in hydration
- Consider using a facial oil in addition to your moisturiser
- Don't forget to moisturise your neck and décolletage
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially while you sleep
Moisturiser For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, you might think you can skip moisturiser altogether. However, even oily skin needs hydration. Look for a lightweight moisturiser. Key ingredients for oily skin include:
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Aloe vera
Our face moisturisers with Vitamin B3 and 4D Hyaluronic Acid are excellent for oily skin types.
Tips For Dry Skin
- Look for products labelled "non-comedogenic"
- Don't skip moisturiser - it can help balance oil production
- Use an AHA Serum 1-3 times a week to help keep skin clear and control excess oil
For Combination Skin
Combination skin can be tricky to manage, as it has both oily and dry areas. A good strategy is to use a lightweight, balanced moisturiser and then add a richer cream to dry areas as needed. Look for products labelled as "balancing" or "for all skin types." Key ingredients for combination skin include:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Squalane
- Light, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or grapeseed
Tips for Combination Skin:
- Use a gentle, balancing toner before applying moisturiser
- Don't forget to exfoliate regularly to keep both dry and oily areas in check
For Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, choosing a face moisturiser that's gentle and free from potential irritants is crucial. Look for products that are:
Our formulations with Tasmanian Mountain Pepper Extract and Banksia Flower Extract are perfect for sensitive skin due to their soothing properties.
- Free from synthetic fragrances
- Contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera.
- Free from common irritants like alcohol, sulphates, and artificial colours
- Light, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or grapeseed
For Mature Skin
As we age, our skin produces less natural oils and loses some of its ability to retain moisture. For mature skin, look for face moisturisers that offer:
- Rich hydration
- Anti-aging ingredients like peptides and antioxidants
- Firming and lifting properties
- Ingredients that support collagen production
Our products containing Argireline, Kangaroo Paw Extract, and Phytoceramides are excellent choices for mature skin.
Tips for Mature Skin:
- Don't forget to moisturise your neck and hands - they often show signs of aging first
- Consider using a richer night cream to support skin repair while you sleep
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF during the day to prevent further sun damage
Additional Tips for Moisturiser Application
Frequency: Most people benefit from moisturising twice daily - once in the morning and once at night. However, you should moisturise more frequently if you have dehydrated skin.
Amount: While using enough product to cover your face and neck is essential, using too much moisturiser can lead to clogged pores. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
Layering: If you use multiple skincare products, apply them from the thinnest to thickest consistency. This usually means cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, and then sunscreen (during the day).
Gentle Touch: Always be gentle when applying products to your face. The skin on your face is delicate, and rough handling can lead to irritation and premature aging.
Remember Your Lips: While not technically part of your face moisturising routine, remember to apply a lip balm to keep your lips soft and hydrated.
The Role of Face Moisturiser in Anti-Aging
While no product can stop the aging process entirely, a good face moisturiser can significantly maintain youthful-looking skin. Here's how:
Hydration: Well-hydrated skin appears plumper and more youthful. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help reduce the appearance of fine lines by drawing moisture into the skin.
Barrier Function: By supporting the skin's natural barrier, moisturisers help protect against environmental damage that can accelerate aging. A strong barrier also helps your skin retain moisture more effectively.
Active Ingredients: Many face moisturisers contain ingredients targeted explicitly at signs of aging, such as peptides for collagen production or retinol for cell turnover.
Antioxidants: Ingredients like Vitamin C and E help protect against free radical damage, a significant contributor to premature aging. They neutralise harmful molecules before they can damage your skin cells.
Our face moisturisers, with their rich blend of lipids, antioxidants, and advanced hydration, are formulated to address multiple signs of aging.
Key Anti-Aging Ingredients in Face Moisturisers
Peptides: These small chains of amino acids can help stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide can help improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that can help protect against sun damage, stimulate collagen production, and brighten the skin.
Hyaluronic Acid: While not directly anti-aging, hyaluronic acid's ability to hydrate and plump the skin can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ceramides: These lipids are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Our natural ceramide production decreases as we age, so replenishing them can keep skin youthful and healthy.