Gel moisturisers have evolved significantly to become unique in the realm of skincare products. Their light-weight and easily-absorbed hydrating formulation sets them apart from traditional creams that can be heavy with oils, butters and waxes focused on sealing in hydration, rather than doing the actual hydrating action.
Traditional cream moisturisers work by creating a barrier layer over the surface of the skin to trap water and prevent it from escaping and leaving the skin dry and dehydrated.
While thicker creams are a definite need for those with drier skin, they aren’t ideal for skin that has oilier patches. These traditional creams deter those who don't enjoy the feel of the richer cream on their skin from moisturising altogether. This can lead to other problems where the skin tries to make up for the lack of necessary hydration and nutrients and overcompensates with more oil (which leads to greasy feeling skin and clogged pores).
 So what is a gel moisturiser for and how can it level up your skincare game?
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The Science Behind Gel Moisturisers
Gel moisturisers have become a buzzword in the beauty and skincare community, but what makes them so unique and worthy of the attention around them? We need to dive into the science around the formulations and what benefits they’re going to give your skin.
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Light Weight Wonder
Gel-moisturisers (as you’ve probably gathered) have a gel-like consistency. This sets them apart from traditional creams and lotions which tend to be richer and heavier in texture. The light-weight feel of gel moisturisers is a key factor in their appeal. It means they can be used as serum-type products for drier skins and give oilier skin types who want to avoid that greasy feeling (that some creams leave behind) an ideal moisturising step in their routine.
Effective Hydration
One of the primary objectives of a gel moisturiser is to provide hydration to the skin barrier. Even though these products are light, don’t be fooled – they’re packed with water-based ingredients that deliver intense hydration. When combined with light oils that also absorb easily into the skin, you’ve got intense hydration + locking power that keeps that hydration in place.
Balancing Act
Gel moisturisers are amazing for those with skin imbalances. They can help keep oiliness under control in areas of the skin prone to excess sebum while giving essential moisture to areas that tends to be drier. The ability for them to balance out the hydration and oil levels makes them versatile and a great option for many people.
Cooling & Soothing
The water-based gel-consistency of these moisturisers provides a cooling and soothing effect when applied to the skin, making them feel refreshing (especially in hot and humid weather). The sensation can be invigorating and can contribute to reducing the appearance of redness and inflammation in the skin.
Versatile Formulas
Gel moisturisers present in a variety of different formulas tailored to address different and specific skin concerns that people have. Whether it’s humectants (water binders like hyaluronic acid, glycerine etc), skin soothers (like allantoin, aloe vera etc) or antioxidants (that protect from free radicals) there’s a gel moisturiser for you and your skin needs.
The Balance Formula For Each Skin
Like all Doodle products, The Balance has been formulated to tick a few boxes when it comes to taking care of your skin concerns.
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For Drier or Dehydrated Skin
The Balance is packed with hydrating water-binding ingredients like Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerine, Urea and Panthenol. These exceptional humectants ensure deep hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple and plump.
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For Oilier or Combination Skin
You’ll appreciate The Balance for its light-weight and non-greasy formula. The Niacinamide in this formula helps regulate sebum production, reducing shine, and promoting a balanced, brightened complexion. Your skin will look refreshed without the heaviness of a traditional cream. Sometimes those with oilier skin want to skip a moisturising step – the problem with this is it can actually do the opposite and cause your skin to increase oil production to compensate for the lack of water and oil.
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For Skin That Feels Sensitive
The Balance understands your skin’s need for gentle care. It contains Allantoin and Panthenol, which are well known for their soothing and calming effects on the skin. These ingredients can help alleviate redness and irritation that skin that’s naturally sensitive (or for those that have gone a little nuts with the exfoliating or retinol use).
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For Skin That’s Showing Its Age
The inclusion of Oligopeptide-1 and Niacinamide in The Balance provides a boost to help with the concerns that we have with our aging skin. These ingredients are renowned for their ability to support collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. If you’re wanting to have the look of aging gracefully, then this moisturiser is a great supporting act in your routine.
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For Overall Skin Health
Maintaining your skin’s health is really the basis of every skincare routine. Without healthy skin, anything that you do to it won’t really help. The Balance is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics (Lactobacillus/Streptococcus Thermophilus/Soybean Extract Ferment) which contributes to a healthy skin microbiome. A healthy and balanced microbiome leads to a healthier looking complexion, reducing the chances of breakouts and promoting an even skin tone.
 
Incorporating A Gel Moisturiser Into Your Daily Routine
So where does a gel moisturiser have a place in your skincare routine?
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Before applying anything to your skin, it’s crucial to start with a clean canvas. When you cleanse your face, you’re removing impurities (like dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil and pollution). If you leave all of this on your skin, how’s anything supposed to be able to penetrate into your barrier? A good cleanse prepares your skin to better absorb the gel moisturiser’s hydrating properties.
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Side Note: to give even better penetration, keep your skin damp (not sopping wet). Be careful with retinol and vitamin c here – better penetration could mean more irritation.
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Step 2: Apply A Serum
Serums often contain concentrated active ingredients to target very specific skin concerns (like fine lines, pigmentation and acne). For an extra boost of nourishment, you can apply a serum before your gel moisturiser.
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Side Note: If you have a retinol serum, you can apply it now or after the moisturiser if you want to reduce irritation. The moisturiser before slows down the absorption of the retinol. The sandwich method goes: moisturiser – retinol – moisturiser.
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Step 3: Use the Gel Moisturiser
Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show – the gel moisturiser. Take a small amount and gently massage it onto your face and neck. The lightweight formula will absorb quickly into your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated. Be sure to focus on areas that require more attention – such as dry patches or areas prone to excess oil.
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Step 4: DAY: Don’t Forget Your SPF
After you’ve applied your gel moisturiser in the morning, you have to follow it up with  broad-spectrum sun protection. SPF is a fundamental step in any skincare routine to shield your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent a premature aging appearance.
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Step 5: NIGHT: Leave It Here or Give It Oomph
In the evening, your routine may vary depending what else your skin needs. The gel moisturiser could be your final step of the routine. If you feel like you need more nourishment for drier patches of skin, you can apply a facial oil or ‘slug’ with a richer cream or petrolatum to lock everything in (not recommended for oilier skins).
 
Consistency Is Key
It isn’t a cliché for nothing. The beauty of gel moisturisers in their versatility in adapting to your specific skin concern. Whether you have drier, oilier or more sensitive skin, gel moisturiser is a good daily option for you, but to reap the full benefits of your chosen moisturiser, consistency is essential.
Make using your moisturiser a part of your daily routine, and over time you’ll notice improved skin texture, hydration and a healthier, glowing complexion. A quality gel moisturiser like The Balance can be a game-changer in your quest for radiant skin.
