A host of people suffer from flaking, itching, and dull-looking skin every day. Some of them blame their genes for these problems, while others criticize air pollution, dust, and sun rays for the same. If you are also one of them, it is time to incorporate a moisturizer into your skincare regime to improve your skin texture. However, choosing the right product can be overwhelming because different moisturizers contain different ingredients and are ideal for different skin types. That’s why we have created this guide to help find the best moisturizer to take care of your skin.
How to Choose a Moisturizer For Your Skin Type?
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin, then look for a moisturizer that hydrates and soothes your skin. Besides, you should also make sure the product is non-comedogenic as it will not clog the pores of your skin. It should also deeply penetrate your skin so that you can retain your moisture balance. However, it is not recommended to overuse the moisturizer.
Oily Skin
Oily skin produces a lot of sebum (oil) and leads to acne, pimples, and blemishes. Genes and blocked pores can be the reasons for producing excessive oil in some areas of your skin. Most people with oily skin avoid using moisturizers, but they can help them get rid of acne if they use the right type of product. If you also have oily skin, look for a low-oil moisturizer containing humectants instead of pore-blocking occlusives or emollients.
Normal Skin
This skin type is neither too oily nor too dry. Though people with normal skin experience few imperfections, barely visible pores, and little sensitivity, they don’t have to face obstacles while picking the best moisturizer. All you need to do is grab a light and non-greasy product that maintains the health of your skin. Also, make sure it blends perfectly with your skin tone as well as scent.
Combination Skin
Sometimes, dealing with combination skin can be frustrating as you are not able to figure out what it really wants. It looks glowing in some areas while dry in others. This type of skin also has larger pores around the nose and forehead. So, you should look for a light, hydrating, and oil-free moisturizer that doesn’t worsen the condition of your oily areas.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin quickly reacts to dirt, dust, sweating, artificial colors or odors, or weather conditions. If you also have sensitive skin, then make sure to pick a moisturizer that is specially formulated with soothing ingredients and doesn’t contain acids, dyes, color, or fragrances.
Which Ingredients Should You Look For While Purchasing a Moisturizer?
Humectants
Humectants are light hydrators that absorb water from underlying layers of the skin and draw it toward the outer layer of your skin. Thus, they help you retain the moisture in your skin. Examples of some commonly used humectants are sodium hyaluronate, propylene glycol, glycerin, urea, honey, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, alpha-hydroxy acids, jojoba, and AHAs.
Occlusives
Occlusives are moisturizing agents that prevent the loss of moisture from your skin cells by creating a protective layer on the surface of your skin. Some of the commonly used occlusives in moisturizers are shea butter, petrolatum, lanolin, jojoba oil, lecithin, fractionated coconut oil, paraffin, mineral oil, fatty alcohols, and beeswax.
Emollients
Emollients are known for maintaining the smoothness and softness of your skin by filling in the crevices between skin flakes or corneocytes. A few examples of emollients include dimethicone, castor oil, and propylene glycol. Some ingredients like dimethicone also function as both occlusive and emollient.
Barrier-Repairing Ingredients
Cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides are three significant lipids that protect and repair moisture barriers. If you have dry or sensitive skin, a moisturizer with these ingredients can give you the best results. However, most lotions usually contain fatty acids.
Preservatives
Moisturizers without preservatives increase the likeliness of the development of mold and bacteria. If you need a paraben-free moisturizer, make sure it contains alcohols like benzyl alcohol, witch hazel, and ethanol, plant-based preservatives like gluconolactone, synthetics like phenoxyethanol, and food-grade preservatives like potassium sorbate.
Insoluble Sunscreen Filters
If you are not using a different sunscreen, then you should look for a moisturizer containing insoluble sunscreen filters like zinc oxide, bisoctrizole, tris-biphenyl triazine, or bemotrizinol to protect your skin from UV radiations. Besides fending off harmful UVA and UVB rays, these filters are formulated not to get absorbed into your skin and disrupt your hormones.
Final Words
The best moisturizer not only hydrates your skin but also nourishes it while thickening the natural protective layer of your skin. Thus, it is an essential product for maintaining the health of your skin. However, a wrong lotion that isn’t ideal for your skin type won’t help you achieve intended results, making your skin vulnerable. That’s why investing some time in identifying what works best for your skin type will enable you to get your hands on the best moisturizer that makes your skin soft, shiny, smooth, and vibrant.
Moisturizer FAQ
Q: What is the best time to apply moisturizer?
A: You should apply moisturizer immediately after taking a bath or shower. Some people only use it for the face and arms, but this lotion is ideal for the whole body. Minimally, you can apply it in the morning as well as evening to keep your skin nourished.
Q:How can I find which moisturizer is suitable for my skin?
A: If your skin is oily, then a light, oil-free moisturizer is best for you. However, a rich lotion that heavily hydrates the skin is ideal for people with dry skin. If you have combination skin, then you should go for a light, hydrating, and oil-free product that provides moisture balance to your skin.
Q: What should I avoid in a moisturizer?
A: Some ingredients like synthetic fragrance, silicones, oleic acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids can cause irritations, allergic reactions, and damage to your skin. Avoiding them will help you make the most of your lotion.