A very wise dermatologist once told me that if you’re wondering whether your skin is dehydrated, give your cheek a little pinch. If the skin doesn’t snap back into place right away, it’s probably dehydrated. I notice this especially when I haven’t been drinking enough water (yes, the two are related). Dehydrated skin can also be due to climate, as well as the air conditioning or heat in your house or office. Regardless of the cause, the right moisturizer can help restore hydration and that youthful bounce. Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer fits the bill.
The Benefits
First, I’m a big texture person when it comes to moisturizer. I want one that is efficacious, but not at the cost of having a heavy, greasy mess on my face. Obagi’s Hydrate Facial Moisturizer is lightweight and leaves my skin feeling buttery-soft, not greasy. The brand’s scientists are top-notch, so I’m not surprised they were able to achieve this. The secret lies in the mix of ingredients, with the star being tara seed extract. According to Obagi, the inclusion of “tara seed extract matrix molecules hold in moisture and prevents water loss from the skin.” It restores hydration to dehydrated skin and allows it to remain hydrated for eight hours. This was proven in the brand’s clinical testing.
Shea butter and mango butter add emollient properties that improve skin’s moisture content as well. They also help make the skin appear smoother, which is a benefit I noticed personally, too. The formula gives my skin a natural, dewy finish. It’s not too glowy, but certainly not matte. However, it is noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog pores if that’s something you are worried about. Lastly, I love that the moisturizer is fragrance-free. Like most fragrance-free products, you may still smell something when you use it. This is the natural scent of the ingredients, and doesn’t bother me because it dissipates after a few seconds.
Key Ingredients
Tara seed extract, shea butter, mango butter, avocado oil and glycerin
How to Use It
Apply to your face in the morning and at night. For me, I like to bring it down to my neck and décolleté as well. Because it’s not greasy, my hair doesn’t stick to my skin after I rub it in, which is a big plus. If you’ve had that happen to you, you know what I mean. It also layers nicely under makeup and I didn’t experience any pilling. However, I always give my moisturizer a minute or two to sink in and “dry” before I apply foundation or any liquid/cream complexion product on top.