How To: Test The Ratio Of Oil To Water In Moisturizers

You don't have to be an expert to realize that the most important part of any skincare regime is adequate hydration. 

Not only will the right moisturizer form a protective barrier from harsh environmental elements, but hydrate and enhance the skin to create a smooth base for make-up to adhere to its full potential. 

To determine the correct moisturizing product for your skin type it is important to take into consideration that there are two forms of facial moisturizer; oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions.






Oil-in-water Emulsions
Oil-in-water emulsions often contain water attracting humectants such as glycerin. This particular ingredient attracts added water from the environment and works wonders for the skin, helping to maintain its firmness, softness and, luminosity.

Water-in-oil Emulsions
Water-in-oil emulsions often contain the moisture locking ingredient sodium hyaluronate. These cream and lotion based products work by forming a water-trapping barrier on the skins surface. As the skin's tone and flexibility depends on the presence of water, preventing moisture loss is a great way of enhancing the look and feel of the skin.

So, how do we determine a moisturizers oil to water ratio? Although the relevant information can be found on the majority of product labels, there are in fact two simple tests you can perform yourself:

• Evaporation cools and water evaporates. Oil does not evaporate and as a result, heat is trapped in the body. After the application of moisturizer take note as to how your skin feels. If its warm, there is a greater percentage of oil in the product. If its cool, there is a higher percentage of water. Simple!
• Products containing a high oil content will melt. To determine the percentage place a small amount of moisturizer on a tissue and hold it above a light bulb. The wider the area of melted oil, the greater the percentage contained in the product.

All skin types will benefit considerably from the regular use of moisturizer but which products best suit you? If you have:

Dry Skin - Opt for an easily absorbed heavier, oil based moisturizer  These particular products are    more effective than creams in the prevention of water evaporation.

Ingredient to look out for: Propylene glycol

Normal Skin - As this particular skin type has a healthy balance, water based products will help to maintain a normal complexion.

Ingredient to look out for: Lightweight oils such as acetyl alcohol

Oily or Combination Skin - Oily and combination skin will benefit from an oil-free water based moisturizer  These products are not only made from synthetic chemicals but contain little or no oils or animal fat. 
A great tip is to test moisturizers until you find one that leaves a matte finish. These particular products will successfully minimize shine and reduce pores.

Ingredient to look out for: Products labeled noncomedogenic indicate that they are specifically formulated to prevent clogged pores.