Facial Moisturizer. Why You Need It & What To Watch For.
Let’s start by talking about why it’s important for you to be properly moisturizing your face. It has been indicated, by some research, that Black skin does lose moisture a bit faster.
That just means we gotta stay on it! Because properly hydrated skin helps to reduce skin problems in several ways. One, the skin on our face sheds at a faster rate and needs hydration to repair. Two, it helps to maintain your skin’s overall balance by encouraging elasticity and giving you more youthful looking skin. Third, properly moisturized skin keeps flare ups at bay - because dry skin can cause buildup and clogging of pores.
So remember your four step skin care process:
Cleanse
Treat
Prep
Moisturize
Okay, now let’s talk about why it’s important that you find a safe(r) face moisturizer to use.
60% of what you put on your skin is more than likely going to be absorbed - and enter the rest of your systems. It’s because of this the ingredients in skincare need to be paid attention to. They can make you sick. Skincare has been linked to: allergies, eczema, cancer, hormone disruption and reproductive problems to name a few.
It becomes particularly troublesome when we are considering a product such as face lotion that many of us are using twice a day.
Here are four ingredients to stay away from and why…
Parabens. They are responsible for playing a part in cancer and hormone imbalances. Look for parabens at the end of words, especially those starting with methyl-, butyl-, ehtyl-.
Phthalates. This ingredient is most knowingly used to strengthen plastic and is often not specifically listed on ingredient lists. Phthalates are banned in the European Union already because it has links to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer. This chemical is especially harmful to pregnant women and those breastfeeding mamas. Watch for it to be listed as fragrance, DEP, DBP, DEHP.
Fragrance. The mysterious cocktail of chemicals is known for its relationship to cancer, reproductive & developmental toxicity, allergies and skin sensitivities. You can find fragrance also listed as parfum, essential oil blend and aroma.
Mineral Oil. First of all, leave it alone because it clogs your pores and removes your skin's ability to eliminate toxins. And I think we can leave it at that.
Alright. So we know why using face moisturizer is important. We know what ingredients we are going to avoid. Now, where do we start with finding an effective and safer face lotion?
I got you. Here are a few I use and keep in my rotation. Because we’re here to support how much clean beauty for Black women matters.
Aja Cocoa + Rose Facial Moisturizer
It smells amazing & it leaves my face feeling taken care of. It’s light and creamy.
Fresh Face Intense Moisture Balm
Go to sleep with this rich balm on your face & let Vitamin, A, C, and E do it’s magic. Doubles as a gentle & moisturizing makeup remover!
Don’t let toxic face lotions burn your face!
Choose safer instead.
Happy hydrating, sis!