5 Signs You Could Be Using the Wrong Moisturizer/Lotion

Skincare regimens differ for everyone; however, most regimens contain an oil-based moisturizer. If you're applying products (and paying for them) at least once every day, you should be sure that it's working for your skin and not hurting it. If you've noticed changes to your skin, even if you've followed the same routine for years, you may need to switch your moisturizer. But don't attempt to solve these problems by yourself. It is best to visit a dermatologist when experiencing skin problems such as those listed below. 

Be aware of what your type is for the skin. Your skin's condition changes according to seasons, geographical location, and, unfortunately, age. The skin often gets dryer when they age, so even if your skincare regimen is designed specifically for "oily" or "normal" skin that has served you for the entirety of your life, you'll likely need to change your skincare products as you age. In that regard, think about something other than the fact that your skincare products will also expire. You shouldn't keep any moisturizer that has been used for more than one year or if there are any changes in texture, colors, or scent.

Take note of the weather. When choosing a moisturizer, make sure you consider the conditions outside. If it's humid and hot during summer, you must choose a lighter formulation. In winter, dry skin requires more moisture. Thing to use moisturizer disadvantages of lotion.

"In the winter, with the humidity down and the heaters on, people's skin gets really dry, so that's when you want to use a thicker moisturizer," the dermatologist Dr. B. Fred Bodie of USA Health Dermatology in Mobile, Alabama.

Be safe from the sun. Whatever the time of year, be sure to purchase an SPF-rated moisturizer. Protecting your skin and face from sun-induced damage is crucial to your overall health and aging process, and it won't change.

Doctor. Rutledge Forney of Dermatology Affiliates in Atlanta, Georgia, said she advises patients to use two moisturizers. "In the morning, a moisturizer should have an SPF of at least 30 and be applied to the face, neck, and any exposed chest," Dr. Forney said. "At night, skip the SPF, and if they can tolerate a light retinol, I urge them to use a moisturizer with retinol."

However, don't worry if your skin is sensitized to the chemical retinol. "If they can't tolerate any retinol, then a moisturizer with an antioxidant such as resveratrol (the helpful part of wine without the calories! ), green tea, or vitamin C will enhance the effects of the nighttime treatment," Dr. Forney said. Resveratrol is a must!

Once you've mastered the basics, here are some signs to look out for that indicate you're using the wrong moisturizer. Here are suggestions on how to avoid and repair these issues:

1. Rashes/Redness

You may suffer from an itch or redness for many reasons, and the most likely reason is that your skin is sensitive. Always seek the advice of a dermatologist to find out the cause. It could be due to an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the moisturizer or to change from a fragrance-laden formula to one with no fragrance.

"Mild, bland moisturizers are best for this category of patients. Remember, simplicity is the key," said Dr. Corey L. Hartman, the medical director and founder of the Skin Wellness Center of Alabama located in Birmingham, Alabama, and an assistant clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. "While it is easy to be enticed by products that boast retinol and hydroxy acids that are great for anti-aging, these ingredients are notoriously irritating and may not be best for sensitive skin types."

If you're experiencing a red, scaly rash around the eyebrows and on the side of the nose, then you may be suffering from seborrheic Dermatitis, which is akin to "dandruff of the face," said Dr. Bodie. Dr. Bodie said people assume seborrheic Dermatitis is simply dryness, which is why they do a lot of moisturizing to treat it. Moisturizing can help with the condition; however, there are some steps you must take first.

"Use dandruff shampoo, plus add miconazole cream to your nighttime moisture routine," Dr. Bodie said.

The common condition known as rosacea may also be the cause of the skin redness. Even if your skin appears oily due to rosacea, applying a particular type of moisturizer is still recommended.

"Even though skin is oily, rosacea improves by decreasing transepidermal water loss due to breaks in the skin by replenishing ceramides in the skin," Dr. Bodie said. "One does this by applying ceramide-containing moisturizers. "

A popular moisturizer containing ceramides can be CeraVe. It is light and soft (and inexpensive).

2. Dryness

If your skin remains very dry after applying moisturizing cream, It's time to refresh. For certain people, a feeling of tightness or tightness in the skin is the initial sign of dryness. Also, makeup that appears "cracked" is another cue. Dry or peeling spots with a darker color compared to the other parts of your face can be the most obvious indicator that your skin needs moisture as quickly as you can.

While it is recommended to gently (gently!) exfoliate your skin to remove peeling and dead skin caused by dryness, ensure you're not over-exfoliating, which could cause ongoing dryness.

"Extremely dry skin or skin that is irritated by moisturizers can be helped by using mineral oil to take off makeup," Dr. Bodie said. "Use Vaseline sparingly to moisturize around eyes and mineral oil sparingly to moisturize your face."

Doctor. Bodie said this tactic could help "get the skin barrier back" by securing water and revitalizing your skin after it's been damaged by preservatives and alcohol in some skincare and beauty products. If you take off your makeup using mineral oil and moisturize your skin with a bit of Vaseline for the eyes and mineral oils on your face for a couple of weeks, your skin's texture will be restored to its normal, moisturized condition.

3. Acne

"If your skin is prone to acne, you should try a lighter moisturizer," Dr. Hartman said. "Instead of a cream, try a serum or hydrating gel that contains hyaluronic acid." Although you may think to "dry out" your acne, your skin requires consistency throughout the day. If you're having breakouts, you should look for light moisturizers, serums, or gels that are water-based rather than oil-based.

"Heavier lotions and creams can worsen congestion of pores and lead to increased oil production that can exacerbate acne breakouts," Dr. Hartman said. "The label should say oil-free or non-comedogenic to be sure."

4. Oiliness

"If you notice that throughout the morning, your skin is glowing a little too much, it may be the moisturizer that is giving you too much shine," Dr. Hartman said. "This is where a moisturizer containing glycolic or salicylic acid may come in handy to counteract those overactive oil glands and keep the oil at bay."

It is recommended to use water-based moisturizing products instead of oil-based to treat oily skin too.

5. Bumps

If you see small white bumps around your face, they're probably not acne. These white bumps are known as milia. Even though they shouldn't cause alarm, it's best to consult a dermatologist for help to restore your skin to its right track. Don't attempt to "pop" Milia yourself. "The biggest side effect of using the wrong moisturizer is developing milia, little hard white bumps on the face in random areas," explained Forney. Forney. "This is very common if [you're] using a body moisturizer on the face but can also happen with too heavy moisturizers."

Face skin can be more sensitive than other areas of your body; therefore, applying products that state they are designed for use on the face is recommended. The use of body lotion on your face isn't an ideal idea.

If you notice these warning indicators that you're using an incorrect moisturizer will prompt you to reconsider or change your routine for skincare, but ensure you visit an expert dermatologist for an opinion if you see any changes to your skin.