What is double moisturizing and should you go for it?
Many of us are familiar with double cleansing, but how about double moisturizing? Just the thought of it can make us flinch, what with the humid year-round summer weather we have to contend with on a daily basis. But double moisturizing is not just about slathering on two moisturizers on top of each other in a slap dash fashion - Kanebo's double moisturizers are designed to offer maximum moisture with a watery texture and supple-skin feel.
The logic is this: the more our skin retains moisture, the less likely it is to show age and damage over time. So how do moisturizers work? Humectants attract moisture to the skin - examples of ingredients used for this function are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Occlusives, such as silicone, mineral oil, and petrolatum (petroleum jelly), seal that moisture into the skin and keep it from evaporating. Emollients smooth the surface of the skin and help repair it; oils rich in fatty acids make for great emollients. Some of them can also function as occlusives.
A good moisturizer would have all of these functions, but I've observed that it can either feel too heavy/greasy or light/not moisturizing enough. Double moisturizing, the way the Japanese designed it, gets a good balance going - there's a lot of moisture so skin is instantly supple, but it doesn't feel thick at all.
Kanebo's suggested routine involves a lotion and an emulsion. The lotion is typically more fluid and often clear or translucent, while the emulsion looks like a typical cream (albeit more runny in texture). First, you apply the lotion, which functions as a humectant. Then, you follow with the emulsion, which then acts as both an occlusive and an emollient.
I've been using the Kanebo Moisture Flow Lotion (P3,000 /180ml) and Bouncing Emulsion (P3,600 /100ml) for months now and I am very pleased with the results and super light feel. I've actually been double moisturizing for years now (before with a serum + moisturizer, then later on with a lotion/essence + emulsion) but I can still see that my skin has become more supple and bouncy. My oiliness is level, as well - there's less grease during the day. These are maintenance skincare so I can't say they have particularly powerful actives, but my skin loves the balance. I just use a mask, serum, or facial oil when I feel like my skin needs a boost!
I have to say that the mild ylang-ylang and tea flower scent is amazing. Ahh, one could only wish to create such beautifully scented skincare! (It's harder than it sounds honestly.)
There's a Rich version of the Lotion and Emulsion under the extensive Kanebo skincare line, something you should consider if your skin is dry. As for my combi skin, it's pretty happy with the regular version.
I recommend you guys try out double moisturizing if you haven't yet. Doesn't matter if you're oily or dry as choosing the right products can help bring your skin to heights you didn't know were possible. ^_^ If you're ready to splurge on skincare, I say go for Kanebo! Actually the prices are not too bad considering you get 100-180ml of product per bottle. Most high-end moisturizers are just at 30-50ml! I have other things from the Kanebo line that I'm excited to try. I just need to pace my skincare use these days but you should see a review in a few months! Let me know what you think, as always.
Kanebo is available in Rustan's.
Ingredients List:
Kanebo Bouncing Emulsion
Water (Aqua), Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Isocetyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteth-6, Steareth-2, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance (Parfum), Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Ethyl Glucoside, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
Kanebo Moisture Flow Lotion
Water (Aqua), Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, PEG-20, Maltitol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Sodium Citrate, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Citric Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Sodium Hyaluronate, Nasturtium Officinale Extract, Ethyl Glucoside, Lysolecithin, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Phenoxyethanol
