Moisturizers FAQ
What's the difference between a lotion, cream, and balm facial moisturizer?
In general, simply the thickness. A lotion is the lightest with a lower oil content and usually water based (though some can be made with Aloe Vera instead of water). Creams vary from medium to heavy weight and have a higher oil content. Balms are water-free and often formulated with oil and beeswax. Face balms are usually quite protective and better for cold weather. Foot balms vary from this definition and are often more of a cream.
Why are some moisturizers more expensive than others?
The simple answer is quality and size. It’s good to look at the unit price comparison. For example, with a moisturizer that costs $50 for 80mL ($0.63/mL) versus one at $28 for 30mL ($0.93/mL) you’re actually getting a better deal with the higher priced one. Quality comes into play because some brands simply use better quality, more targeted ingredients. The more rare an ingredient, or therapeutically-rich, or harder to extract, the more expensive it is. But beyond that, some brands want to seem exclusive and luxurious and create their prices to suit, just as some brands cater more to a price conscious client.
Why should I use a moisturizer?
Moisturizers hydrate and feed moisture to your skin while protecting it from environmental damage. Facial toners are also important because they help draw your moisturizer into the skin. Hydrated skin cells mean better-looking skin. Think of it like this, a raisin is really a grape without hydration. The same idea applies to your skin cells.
Do I apply a moisturizer under or over my sunscreen, or do I even need a moisturizer if I'm wearing sunscreen?
Apply your mineral sunscreen after your moisturizer. However, some sunscreens have enough hydrating ingredients to eliminate a moisturizer altogether. And keep in mind that some products made with essential oils and minerals (such as mineral makeup) contain natural sun filters such as titanium dioxide.
Should I put a moisturizer on before applying my makeup?
Your skin should be ‘prepped’ for applying makeup by being cleansed, toned and moisturized. Healthy-looking skin gives off a wonderful a glow.
You offer so many different moisturizers, how do I know which is the right one for me?
Start by looking at moisturizers specifically for your skin type. Within that look for ones that sound like they would benefit your specific skin needs. If you are confused or need a very basic moisturizer, check out our best sellers section to see products others love. Or feel free to contact one of our organic beauty advisors to help you.
Are some moisturizers better for addressing different skin types or concerns?
Yes and no. For skin types, a general rule is a light lotion or cream for oily skin, a mid-weight one for normal and combination skin, and a moisturizer rich in plant oils for drier skin. When choosing a moisturizer determine your needs and look for key words that specifically address your needs such as firm, clarify, purify, brighten, smooth or soothe. As you learn more about plant ingredients, you’ll discover that certain ingredients are known to provide particular benefits. For example antioxidants like Green or White Tea brightens and while Aloe and Calendula soothes. If you have a specific skin concern, please feel free to contact one of our organic beauty advisors to help you. It’s much easier to guide someone to the right brand when we have the chance to ask you a few questions.
Should I use a moisturizer with an SPF factor?
Yes and no. If you experience limited sun exposure (just remember to get your vitamin D) you don’t need a moisturizer with sun protection. It’s better to get a moisturizer targeted specifically to what you need. But if you’re outside a lot, and live in hot climates definitely seek SPF protection. It is nearly impossible to get a lightweight facial moisturizer with SPF that is organic and not tinted. So we often recommend you use a lightweight sunscreen instead or in addition to your moisturizer. Most moisturizers that have higher SPF factors contain synthetic sun filters that are absorbed by your body (these are not sold by Saffron Rouge for that reason).
What is the difference between a facial moisturizer, a facial oil, and a serum or gel?
A moisturizer is a cream or a lotion that is a blend of water, oil and plant extract.
An oil contains no water, only plant oils rich is antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids. They also penetrate deeply into the skin leaving it velvety soft.
A serum contains less oil, more liquid and most often contains very potent concentrated plant ingredients without being heavy. Serums absorb almost immediately leaving your skin feeling hydrated, brightened, tightened and toned.
A gel is very similar to a serum and often contains a plant gel such as Aloe Vera as the base. It also usually absorbs quickly for instantly hydrated skin.
Should I use a moisturizer at night before I go to bed?
It depends on the individual. Some brands advocate that you shouldn’t moisturize at nighttime because it doesn’t allow your skin to properly breathe during the skin’s natural nighttime rejuvenation period. Regularly using moisturizers at night can cause your skin to become dependant on this external product. Over time it will slow down producing its own moisture, causing further problems. These brands usually create special toner/spray treatments to use instead at night.
Kirstin – founder and President of Saffron Rouge – follows this philosophy and doesn’t use a moisturizer at night. Although sometimes she allows the skin to breathe every other night and uses a light serum and facial oil on alternating nights.
Others believe the skin needs moisture at night just as it would during the day. And there are some great nighttime specific rejuvenating moisturizers on Saffron Rouge that work really nicely. The choice is yours.
Can I use the same moisturizer for morning and night?
Yes, but there are some wonderful rejuvenating night specific moisturizers available. Try to avoid anything really heavy at night. And remember that some experts believe in not moisturizing at night at all.
What makes a beauty product anti-aging?
As far as natural, plant-based beauty product go, there are vital nutrients, mineral, vitamins, essential fatty acids and oils found in plants that are highly beneficial to the skin. Other natural and powerful ingredients include antioxidants found in Green Tea and a variety of seed oils such as Grape, Pumpkin and Cranberry. Antioxidants help fight off free radicals that contribute to skin damage to slow down the aging process. When you feed your skin these beneficial plants it ‘eats’ them up and often creates change at a cellular level by rejuvenating or making the cell network stronger. The end result is radiant, hydrated and younger-looking skin that glows.
Should I use a moisturizer on my neck area?
Definitely. This area is often forgotten and it’s one of the first to show signs of age (along with the hands and eyes). We suggest using a serum on your neck as you apply one to your face, making sure to smooth it down towards your chest. Afterwards apply your facial moisturizer in the same manner. You may even consider bringing your body moisturizer or oil up to your neck as well.
