Winter is here, Keep it moist
Moisturizers are like eating your five-a-day. Your mom and grandma have been saying it forever. You hear it, see it on TV… but have you ever stopped to ask why it’s recommended or what the actual benefits are?
Today, we’re breaking down the basics of moisturizers and dissecting those overused ad slogans so you don’t fall for the hype.
Why moisturize your skin?
Let’s start with the basics: moisture is essential for life (you already know – drink 1–2 liters of water daily). But here’s the thing – drinking water isn’t enough for your face. Splashing water on it all day won’t do the trick either, since water molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. Plus, water evaporates throughout the day. That’s where moisturizers come in – they lock in moisture and keep your skin happy.
Dehydrated skin… is basically how your face looks on a Saturday morning after a big night out: puffy, rough, with fine lines showing more than usual, dark circles, and maybe a few patches.
And moisturizing does the opposite:
· Instantly: Skin feels softer, more supple, and juicy (not shiny).
· Protects: Acts as a shield against external aggressors like pollution and weather.
· Prevents problems: Dry skin is a precursor to dermatitis, flaking, inflammation, and irritation.
· Delays aging: Slows down the appearance of wrinkles.
Fun fact: Koreans even have a word for skin that looks fresh and perfect – chok chok. It also means “moist,” which is totally different from “shiny” or “greasy.”
How does a moisturizer work?
Here’s how:
· Hydration: Attracts and retains water in the skin.
· Occlusion: Creates a (literal) barrier to stop water from evaporating.
· Bonus ingredients (for the skincare nerds 🤓):
o Emollients to smooth and soften the skin’s surface.
o Ingredients to restore skin integrity (if it’s already compromised).
o Boosters for your skin’s natural moisturizing factors.
o Aquaporin activators (think of these as the water slides of the skin, helping transport water between cells).
Bottom line: A “good” moisturizer hydrates and prevents water loss. One without the other? Meh, not so useful.
Now, let’s bust some common myths.
Myths & Facts About Moisturizing
1. If you drink plenty of water, you don’t need moisturizers.
Drinking water is the bare minimum… but it’s not enough. Studies suggest you’d need to drink 4 liters daily to see noticeable effects on your skin. Easier to just use a cream.
2. Oily or acne-prone skin doesn’t need moisturizer.
Wrong – big mistake. Oily and acne-prone skin still needs hydration. Oily skin produces more sebum (a natural occlusive), but that’s only half of what’s needed. You still need the hydrating part! Just opt for lighter, water-based formulas that reduce shine – but yes, you need a moisturizer.
3. Natural oils are great moisturizers.
Not really. Oils work well as occlusives (creating that barrier), and some have extra benefits, but they’re terrible at hydrating. Slathering on coconut, argan, or olive oil might give the illusion of moisture, but it’s not doing much for your skin’s hydration.
4. What’s “false hydration”?
It’s when something feels good temporarily but doesn’t actually hydrate deeply. For example, if your lips are constantly dry despite using balm, it’s likely the balm is sealing your lips but not hydrating them.
5. Are oil-free creams better for men?
Oil-free just means no oils, nothing more. It doesn’t guarantee the product is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), acne-safe, or lightweight. Pro tip: focus on how the product feels on your skin instead of the label.
6. Do creams that penetrate “deep into the skin” work better?
Nope – that’s a marketing gimmick. By definition, cosmetics only work on the skin’s surface layers. Anything deeper requires a surgeon, and honestly, that’s not what you want from a cream.
In Summary:
Moisturizing is a no-brainer if you want happy skin year-round (not only in winter). A good moisturizer attracts water and prevents it from escaping – one without the other doesn’t cut it. Find a texture and feel you love so you’ll stick to it daily.
The rest? Ignore the noise.
P.S. Our go-to moisturizer, Dragon Shot, checks all the boxes: humectants, occlusives, emollients, shine-control ingredients, and Dragon’s Blood for extra antioxidant power. The texture? Super lightweight – it transforms into a water-like finish when it touches your skin. Oh, and the scent? Subtle and delicious, perfect for starting your day.