It was love at first try.

It was one of those moments.

One you don’t see coming, and then once it happens, you can’t imagine how things could have gone any differently or how your life could ever be the same again.

I remember the day as if it was yesterday, alone in my hotel room, wondering what the next few days would hold, I’d already seen a little of what to expect, and with my anticipation on the rise, I started to get ready for the day ahead.

As I walked towards the bathroom, I spotted you, unassuming, clearly intelligent and yet despite this, I had not given you much thought until that moment.

What happened next was not so much a surprise but unexpected all the same, and from that moment on, our fates were sealed. This was love!

Have you ever had this kind of experience? When your expectations and curiosity collide, and in an instant, you’ve found what you were always looking for?

Finally, the search is over. It’s such a wonderful relief; your face softens, your furrowed brow relaxes, everything is going to be okay. It’s a wonderful feeling. 

On this occasion, the object of my affection? Well, it was an elegant, super hydrating moisturiser loaded up with essential nutrients and antioxidants.

But wait, this is not just any ordinary moisturiser. Oh no, this time, a moisturiser that, from the moment you put it on your skin, you know you’ve found the one for you. 

But what makes a moisturiser special?

Well, for me, the qualities of a good moisturiser are always about what’s inside.

What are the key ingredients?

What are they going to do for my skin?

What improvements can I expect in the days and weeks to come?

And, importantly, how does my skin feels throughout the day? Hopefully, comfortable all day through, regardless of what the weather can throw at my skin. 

With all this in mind, what struck me about this moisturiser was the instant feeling of relief. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear my skin had given out a little sigh and a quiet thank you. 

In search of the perfect moisturiser?

The perfect moisturiser will have ingredients to protect the lipid barrier and reduce water loss from the deeper layers of the skin while protecting the skin from invading microbes and bacteria and protect against environmental inflammation. 

There are three main types of moisturisers.

#1 Humectants draw water to themselves and hydrate the skin.

One of the best humectants is Glycerin. It has a microscopic molecular structure, which means it easily penetrates the skin. Unlike other humectants like the popular hyaluronic acid, it draws moisture from your blood supply instead of the atmosphere, which means the skin will be more able to resist dehydration. Glycerin also has excellent anti-inflammatory healing capabilities and protects the skin from marauding microbes and bacteria. It’s a big win in your moisturiser. 

#2 Emollients are oil-based ingredients and smooth the skin and add a layer of protection to the skin. 

Emollients mimic the skin’s natural lipid barrier and restore ceramides to the skin. This is especially important if the lipid barrier is weak or compromised. Sunflower Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, and Jojoba Oil are excellent emolliating ingredients and synthetic phospholipids such as Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid. 

#3 Occlusives put a protective shield over the skin.

Occlusive skincare moisturisers prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) which means your skin can retain its natural moisture content. 

Occlusive ingredients tend to be waxy ingredients and cover or occlude the skin creating a protective shield. By doing this, the skin is better able to retain natural moisture within the skin. Lanolin and shea butter are excellent occlusive skincare ingredients. 

In one way or another, and depending on your skin type and condition, your moisturiser will have all three elements. What’s essential is the ability of your moisturiser to mimic and restore the ceramides and lipids that form the protective layer of your skin. 

Always look for the correct balance of moisturising ingredients. The inclusion of certain ingredients should be non-negotiable if your moisturiser is to do its job and protect your skin.

Environ Moisture+ Super Moisturiser.

Environ’s Super Moisturiser contains the correct balance of key ingredients necessary for skin health. You’ll find Glycerin, Lanolin, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and the important phospholipid known as Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid and the nutritional support from Panthenol B5, vitamin E and lipid-soluble vitamin C. 

But what if you have chronic dryness?

Lastly, if you have chronic dehydration and dryness, you may need to sit down with a skincare professional and tell your whole story. Sometimes the skin needs more than just an amazing moisturiser. Ingredients such as vitamin A, niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids may need to be introduced into your daily routine.  An in-depth skin consultation with a skincare professional will allay your concerns, as they can create a skincare routine for your skin type and specific conditions in mind. 

And now you?

Need help with keeping your skin moisturised and healthy? You’ll find the three ways you can get advice over here.   

See you next time,