Do We Really Need Moisturizer? 

I’ve gotten a few questions about whether use of a moisturizer is necessary.

My answer? In this ashy season, MOST DEFINITELY. A good moisturizer works to hydrate your skin, lock in the moisture, and protect your skin by acting as a barrier. 

What causes dry skin?

Dry skin, known as xeroderma or ashy skin, can be caused by a number of things: frequent bathing, using harsh soaps that strip the moisture from your skin, not using a moisturizer to hydrate your skin (especially after using a harsh soap). It can be caused by cold, dry weather, high winds and it can also be caused by the natural aging process. 

Fun fact: Dry, itchy skin in the winter is also referred to as “winter itch” or “winter xerosis”

What will happen to your skin if you never moisturize?

If you are perpetually ashy, you will start to see signs of premature aging such as the formation of wrinkles and cracks in the skin. Also, depending on other factors such as how dry your environment is (outside weather as well as the moisture within your home) and how much water you drink, your skin may form deep cracks and bleed. Nobody wants that.

What can you do about dry skin?

We recommend applying moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower or bath to lock as much moisture into your skin as possible. Shea butter is an excellent ingredient to both smooth your skin AND seal in  moisture (if you haven’t checked out our blog post on the benefits of shea butter for skin, click here). You can also use a humidifier in your home, as this helps make sure that the air around you is not too dry and the skin can retain more moisture. 

Fun Fact: Plants also help increase the humidity in your home!

Moisturizers

Luckily, we have a solution for you here at Gangsta Grease! We have a great selection of moisturizing body butters for you to choose from - make sure to check out these top seasonal scents:

• Relaxing (perfect for massages as well): Lavender G-Funk
• Contains Styrian pumpkin seed oil, which is a vitamin-rich oil high in antioxidants -  making it a great choice for sensitive, acne-prone skin and, as well as mature aging skin.
• Indulgent and decadent (AND limited edition): Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Also contains Styrian pumpkin seed oil.
• Woody and floral: The Wood
• The sandalwood in this butter is perfect for aging skin as well as blemishes.
• Warm and sweet: Sweet Thang
• Excellent addition to your skincare routine. It contains ginger, which is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and can even make cellulite appear less noticeable.

Are you looking for body butter with no added scents? We also have a fragrance free option. It is a body butter whipped with a blend of just shea butter and coconut oil, and while there are no scents added, you will smell the nutty aroma of the raw unrefined shea butter along with the tropical smell of the cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil.

• Playas Without Dubs

Looking for something to moisturize your face? Don’t trip! We also have facial shea butter to hydrate your face and fight dry winter skin.

• Pure raw, unrefined shea butter to hydrate and protect skin. Great for most skin types!: Facial Shea Butter
• Raw, unrefined shea butter whipped with carrot oil, rosehip oil, and citrus essential oils for glowing skin: Glo Up

We got your emollient moisturer needs covered!

Thanks for stopping by. What do you think: Is moisturizer necessary? Let us know your opinion in the comments!

I’ll be posting my winter skin routine soon, explaining step-by-step how I keep my skin looking healthy in the winter!

Until next time - Love, Peace & Gangsta Grease 🖤