Moisturiser 101: Why You Need It In Your Routine

It’s time you added a moisturiser into your daily routine. Here’s why! 

Surprisingly, a lot of men miss out moisturising; but it should really be a staple in your daily grooming routine. Without sufficient hydration in the epidermis (top layer), your skin can become dry, flaky and irritated. 

While it’s vital we all moisturise, not all moisturisers are created equal. Look for a moisturiser packed full of good (and essential) ingredients including vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. This will successfully take your skin from good to great!

Water is constantly evaporating from our skin, starting from the deeper layers. This evaporation can happen at different rates due to various factors such as our environment (weather, air con); hormones and lifestyle. As we lose this moisture, our skin becomes dry and we need to replace this moisture. 

As we get older the structure of our skin breaks down. The lipid and protein layers gradually deteriorate leading to loss in elasticity.

The skin actually has its own natural moisturisation system where it produces sebum (an oily substance secreted from the sebaceous glands). Sebum not only moisturises the skin but it also protects it. It is made up of fatty acids, sugars and waxes which create a waterproof layer to prevent too much loss of water from the skin. 

Unfortunately, as we get older the structure of our skin breaks down. The lipid and protein layers gradually deteriorate leading to loss in elasticity. Around our early thirties fine lines will start to appear (I’m certainly feeling it at 32!). 

These fine lines start around the eyes or on the forehead. No one wants them but they are inevitable and just a natural part of ageing. You can’t stop the ageing process, but you can certainly slow down its visible effects.

Start By Cleansing…

Cleansing (washing) your face is the first step and essential for removing dirt, pollution and impurities that can eventually build up and block your pores. Blocked pores are what lead to those nasty blackheads. So make sure you cleanse your face at least once a day. I like to cleanse morning and night. 

During the night, our body and skin restores itself. Essentially, it’s the time for body healing. 

If you cleanse your face properly, a moisturiser will penetrate the skin deeper and more easily.

Then Moisturise…

Moisturising twice a day can make a huge difference to your skin. It is best to moisturise after you wash your face in the morning and then before you go to bed. During the night, our body and skin restores itself. Essentially, it’s the time for body healing. 

Adding a layer of moisture to our skin before we sleep helps to kick-start the rejuvenation process. In turn, you should wake up with refreshed and soft skin.

Manual have developed their brand new Mr Moisturiser moisturiser for all skin types. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive or combination skin, this is a great start for you. It’s paraben and sulfate free; and it also smells amazing!  

Mr Moisturiser contains two key ingredients that will help hydrate your skin…

• Hyaluronic Acid: Don’t be nervous about putting this so called ‘acid’ on your skin. Our skin cells already naturally produce it to help maintain hydration levels. Our hyaluronic acid levels can fluctuate (due to puberty or hormonal imbalances) so we need to keep it topped up now and again; and Mr Moisuturiser contains plenty of it.
• Allantoin and natural biopolymers: to soothe and protect the skin, Allantoin can be found in many creams used for skin conditions such as eczema; anti-acne products; and in suncream. It helps make the skin resilient and is also great for healing wounds. Allantoin is known to encourage the peeling of the top layer of dead skin cells which will in turn make skin feel extremely soft.

On applying Mr Moisturiser, you will immediately notice how lightweight and silky it is. 

Unlike a lot of moisturisers, It won’t sit heavily on the surface of the skin. It will be quickly absorbed and won’t block your pores

If – like me – you have oily skin, Mr Moisturiser is a great option for you too. Due to how lightweight it is, it can be used throughout the day – as and when you need it. There’s no stickiness and no oily, shiny surface layer. Your skin will instantly look and feel smooth. 

Rub a tiny bit into your face, day and night. Honestly, your skin will thank you for it!