The Grooming Manual
Moisturizer vs Anti-Aging Cream: What's the Difference?
There is clear, indisputable evidence of the benefits of a comprehensive skincare routine. And there’s a right order to apply your skincare products for the best results.
But does your skincare routine have to include a moisturizer and an anti-aging cream? What are the differences between the two? And how can you incorporate one (or both) of them into your daily skincare regimen?
There is some overlap between these two products, since many anti-aging creams can also be moisturizers (and vice versa). That said, the key differences lie in the purpose of and the ingredients you’ll find in each.
Moisturizers 101
Moisturizers are creams or lotions that hydrate and protect the skin. Seem simple? It’s more important than you might realize.
Your skin is protected from outside invaders by a natural barrier - a wall of dead skin and lipids that:
- Protects the skin from UV radiation, pollution, bacteria, dirt, and toxins
- Maintains proper skin hydration
- Balances lipid levels
- Maintains your skin’s natural moisturizing factor
But for most guys, that natural barrier is compromised. This is usually due to a variety of factors, including:
- Age
- Free radical damage (and other environmental stressors)
- Harsh products that strip away the barrier
- Dry or harsh weather
- Showering in excessively hot water
- Dehydration
The result? Dry, flaking, red, or acneic skin - basically everything you don’t want.
Enter moisturizers. The best moisturizers for men have a combination of humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, and green tea. These work together to attract and lock in moisture thereby replenishing your skin’s natural barrier.
This makes your skin smoother, more hydrated, and less irritated over time. What’s more, it can prevent unwanted signs of aging from creeping up on you (yes, please).
Anti-Aging Creams 101
As mentioned, the best anti-aging creams often contain the same barrier-restoring ingredients as moisturizers.
But anti-aging creams also have active ingredients that are scientifically proven to stop and reverse the signs of aging - like fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and lost collagen. These include ingredients like:
- DMAE (Dimethylethanolamine), a powerful natural ingredient that helps the underlying facial muscles to contract, thus tightening the skin.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), a nutrient that reduces age spots and hyperpigmentation while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier.
- Vitamin C, an antioxidant that reduces free radical damage, fights fine lines, fades brown spots, and stimulates collagen production.
-
Peptides, collagen building-blocks that firm the skin, improve hydration, and decrease inflammation.
Which Do You Need?
You don’t necessarily need to use both face moisturizer and anti-aging cream in your routine. It depends on your situation and skincare needs.
If you find a combination product that provides essential hydration and effective anti-aging ingredients, like our Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream, you can check all these boxes at the same time.
Other guys prefer a lighter weight formula in the morning to reduce shine - you can get that in our Daily Essential Face Moisturizer or Resurfacing Anti-Aging Cream. Both contain hydrating ingredients that work best when applied at the start of your day.
For the best results, pay attention to the ingredients in your products and make sure you’re not missing something important. That way your skin will stay smooth, firm, and youthful for many years to come.
Happy hydrating!
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