look good

Jun

2021

Day vs Night Moisturizer: Do You Really Need Both?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Do you use face moisturizers? If you are more than 20 years of age and have not yet started using one, it is time to do so. Moisturizing your face will help you look younger and make your skin softer. It hydrates the skin. It also prevents and heals dry skin. There are many types of moisturizers based on ingredients, formulations and usage. It all depends on your preference and your type of skin. In addition, most beauty brands offer two kinds of moisturizers or creams, one for morning and one for night. The question is day vs night moisturizer: do you really need both or is it just a marketing propaganda of cosmetic companies to make you buy more of their products?

Importance of Moisturizers

The importance of moisturizing in skin care cannot be overlooked. Moisturizing is an important step in your skin care routine. It keeps your skin healthy and it protects it from dryness and skin irritation. Those who started using moisturizers early in their lives benefit from having healthier and younger looking skin when they get older. Just like how the body needs water in order to be healthy, skin as the biggest organ in the body works the same way. A healthy and vibrant skin depends on its ability to retain moisture. Thus, by using moisturizers early in life, you are slowing down the aging process of your skin.

Day vs Night Moisturizer

How many times a day should you use moisturizer? Do you really need to apply both day and night moisturizer? Aside from the time of application, what is the difference between the two?

Day Cream

During the day, your skin is subjected to UV rays, pollution, make up and other chemicals that may harm the skin. Because of this, day creams are normally designed for protection. They also tend to be lighter and non-greasy in texture. They are also easily absorbed by the skin because they are designed to be worn underneath the makeup.

Night Cream

Unlike day cream, night creams are designed for repair, restoration and regeneration. As a result, night creams are often thicker, richer and heavier because they have higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients designed to penetrate your skin during the course of your sleep.

Do You Really Need Both?

Yes, it is possible to use only one kind of cream but you will not be able to take advantage of its maximum benefits. Using a day cream at night might not be as effective as a night cream because it does not contain higher concentrations of anti-aging ingredients. The same is true if you use night cream in the morning. Since most day cream already contains the sunscreen needed to protect your face from the harmful UV rays; you will have to apply another product to get the much needed protection. And besides, you might not want to walk around looking all greasy if you use night cream in the morning, do you? Thus, it is advisable to include both morning and night creams in your beauty regimen.

Tips in Using Moisturizers

Whatever you choose to do, always remember the following do’s and don’ts in using moisturizers:

Choose a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, extra dry, combination or aging?
Refrain from using hot temperatures in washing your face.
Moisturizer is best applied on damp skin. Don’t towel dry your skin completely.
Apply it immediately after cleaning your face, preferably after applying a toner especially at night. A toner helps remove excess dirt, oil and make-up.
Apply the moisturizer in gentle circular motion.
Don’t forget to apply moisturizer on your neck and chest too.
Don’t wait until you are old to start applying moisturizer. They can be used as early as 21 years of age.
Do take your skin care regimen seriously. Apply them daily, not when you just feel like it.
Do consider switching moisturizers when there is a change of season. In cold months, your skin tends to be drier so heavy creams are a must. In warmer months, it is recommended to use light creams especially when it is hot and humid outside.
Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen or day cream with an SPF of at least 30.

Edited Version. First Published in Pinoy Smart Living on 23.12.2018

Feature Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

Mar

2020

Dress for Success

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Have you heard of the saying that you should dress for the job that you want, not the job that you have? While what you wear does not define your value as a person, it is a fact that what you wear influences how others see you. Your clothing makes a strong visual statement on your confidence level and how you see yourself. It is also a way to show respect not only to the situation but also to the people whom you are going to meet and talk to. Career counsellors know this well that is why they advise people to always look good and look professional especially on a job interview. That is why, you should always dress for success.

Studies

There are several studies that prove how your appearance highly influences not just how others perceive you but also how you conduct yourself in a particular situation.

In a co-study made by Micheal Krauss, a professor at Yale University and the Journal of Experimental Psychology in 2014, 128 men from different backgrounds and income levels were engaged in a negotiation game, acting as buyer and seller. The group was divided into three: one group in business attire, the second group wore sweatpants, shirts and sandals and the third group just wore their ordinary clothes.

Results showed that those who are dressed up ended up with the most profitable deals compared with their poorly dressed counterparts.

In another study on formal attire made by Abraham Rutchik, a professor of psychology at the California State University, Northridge; results showed that wearing formal attire increased abstract thinking. Abstract thinking makes you think more broadly. It enhances creativity and problem solving. It helps you deal with complex data and strategies making you feel powerful.

Putting on formal clothes makes us feel powerful, and that changes the basic way we see the world.
– Abraham Rutchik

So, the effect of dressing up affects not only you but also others around you. You gain confidence and you elicit the feeling of power. The observer on the other hand, could feel this feeling of confidence and in return will show you some respect.

Dressing up does not necessarily mean that you should always wear suits neither does it mean that you should invest heavily on clothes. There are many ways to dress up without necessarily stretching your budget.

Tips

Here are some tips on how you should dress for success:

Assess the environment

Do your research first. Where are you going? Who are you going to meet? Is there a dress code? If you are going for a job interview, find out about the industry. What do they normally wear? It is very important to wear the appropriate clothes.

Plan ahead

Don’t just pick up the first thing that you see in your closet. It helps to plan what you are going to wear the night before.

Stick to the basics

Normally, a classic and minimalist look is always stylish and sophisticated. While bold patterns and prints can work, neutral colours are the best. You don’t need to have a closet full of the latest trends, all you need is a few basic fashion must haves. Basic classic fashion never goes out of style.

Iron your clothes

Remember that how you dress says something about yourself. Showing up with wrinkled clothing gives an impression that you couldn’t care less. Perfectly pressed clothing is mandatory not just in interviews but in all occasions.

Wear clothes that fit you well

The most important aspect in dressing is the fit. The brand nor the price tag does not matter. Your clothing should fit the body perfectly. You want to avoid clothing that is too loose or too tight.

Dress comfortably

Dressing comfortably will help you relax. However, dressing comfortably does not mean baggy sweatpants or slippers. You can still wear comfortable clothes without sacrificing style. The key is balance. If you want to wear a loose top, wear something fitting for your pants.

Do not show too much skin

Never be overexposed. Unless you are going to the beach, keep your cleavage and your belly button covered. The less skin you show, the more professional you look.

Do not over accessorize

Accessories are useful in enhancing an outfit. However, if you wear them all together at once, it becomes a fashion failure. Be content with wearing just one or two. Invest in a statement piece like a watch, bracelet or bag.

It is better to be overdressed than be underdressed

Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe believes that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you are not sure what to wear, dress in such a way that you look like you have a very important meeting to attend to.

Be yourself

Lastly, don’t be afraid to show your individuality. Add a touch of yourself in your outfit whether it is the colour, the pattern or the accessories.

First published in Pinoy Smart Living on 06.25.2018
Feature Image by Stock5nap from Pixabay Images.