Not all moisturizers are made equally, and because of this, it can be hard to find the right one for your skin and needs. However, there are a few things you should remember when choosing one to ensure you pick a product that is right for you.
Photo: Amanda Dalbjörn (@amandadalbjorn), https://unsplash.com/photos/fvInY-Gh7sc
How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Face – Types of Moisturizer
The first thing you need to know is that there are three main types of moisturizer: lotion, cream, and ointment. Each of these has its own pros and cons, and what will work for one person may not work for another.
Cream
Creams are typically thicker and “heavier” and are great for people who suffer from dry skin or just for someone needing a moisture kick in the cold Winter months. While they don’t contain as many oils and, therefore, aren’t as thick as an Aesop lotion, for example, a cream moisturizer will do the job for most people.
Lotion
Lotions aren’t as thick as creams, but they are ideal for people with combination skin. Combination skin is categorized as having an oilier T-zone and chin, with drier cheeks and a drier forehead.
Ointment
Lastly, ointments are ideal for those with super-dry skin and those who suffer from dryness during the colder months. They contain a lot of oil and are, therefore, not ideal for those with oily or combination skin, as it will simply clog up your pores and possibly cause breakouts.
Important Ingredients
When choosing a moisturizer, it is important that you look at the ingredient list. When doing so, you are looking for one or a combination of the three ingredients listed below.
Occlusive
Occlusive acts as a barrier that seals moisture into the skin. An occlusive can help you skin feel more moisturized and hydrated for longer, especially in conditions that would otherwise drain your skin of moisture.
Humectant
A humectant acts as a moisture “grabber.” It will take moisture from the surrounding area and even the environment and put it back into your skin. This additional moisture is then used to smooth out and plump up your skin.
Emollient
An emollient is an oily substance that helps fill in the gaps between your skin cells, giving your skin a smoother look and feel. Emollients are perfect for those with dry and itchy skin, and can also help treat eczema and psoriasis.
Photo: Curology, https://unsplash.com/photos/3kZvBqduNVE
Types of Skin & and Their Needs
The type of skin you have will determine what type of moisturizer you should be using. There are four types of skin, namely, normal, dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin.
Dry Skin
If you suffer from dry skin, especially in the Wintertime, the best choice is to go for a cream and to skip the lotion. You want something that is thick and can help keep your skin as moisturized as possible for as long as possible.
Oily Skin
If you suffer from oily skin, you may want to use a moisturizer that is lighter and also use it sparingly. While you should still moisturize consistently, you should rather only do it when you need it.
Combination Skin
If you have combination skin, as in an oily T-zone, chin, and forehead, only moisturize the areas of your face that are dry. This will usually be the cheeks and neck, but even if your T-zone is feeling drier, avoid moisturizing it, as it will quickly correct itself.
Normal
Normal skin is exactly what it sounds like; your skin is drier in Winter and oilier in Summer. A cream-based moisturizer will be sufficient, but if you find that this makes your skin too oily, you could opt for something lighter.
Moisturizer Rules
Finally, there are a few rules when it comes to moisturizers, namely, when to apply them, pay attention to your skin, and when to and when not to exfoliate.
Apply After Showering
The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you shower. Damp skin allows you to spread the moisturizer more easily, but it also then traps the water, adding even more moisture to your skin.
It is also important to note that you should not shower with hot water, as it strips your skin of moisture. Instead, shower in warm water and then apply moisturizer as advised above. If this still doesn’t work, you should invest in a humidifier, as this can add essential moisture back into your environment.
Photo: Kevin Laminto,
https://unsplash.com/photos/LL1vA5sUs6g
Pay Attention to Your Skin
While having a consistent skincare routine is important, you should also pay attention to your skin. What works in summer won’t always work in winter; what works in humid conditions won’t always work in drier conditions.
If your skin is feeling a bit oilier than normal, skip moisturizing for a day or two, and if it is feeling drier, apply moisturizer more often, or choose something that is more effective.
Exfoliating
While exfoliating can be beneficial, it shouldn’t be something you do on a regular basis. Exfoliating can often cause more harm than good, especially if you have dry skin. Because of this, instead, moisturize and then only exfoliate when needed.
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