How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Your Face

Note that every person may have more than one skin type in their lifetime, depending on their age, hormonal changes, environment, diet, medication, and overall wellness. Before you add a moisturizer into your cosmetic organizer bag, you should consider these things first.

Now, down to the business on how to choose the best moisturizer for your face as well as your body.

Your skin could be dry, oily, or a combination of both; then there are the lucky ones who have what they call a “normal” skin type that is neither oily nor dry.

Today though let’s focus on the other skin types with moisturizing needs right now, because normal skin types can benefit from almost any available moisturizing regimen.

For dry skin

Dry skin is characterized as rough, and may present with red patches here and there.

The pores on this skin type are usually small and the skin itself feels tight—kind of like the feeling you get when wearing an egg white mask as it dries. There may also be visible signs of flaking or peeling.

You can further confirm that your skin is dry if it is easily get irritated by harsh soaps, cold dry air, and prolonged soaking (such as when swimming or bathing).

For this sort of skin, a thicker gel moisturizer will work best. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, proteins, propylene glycol and dimethicone will attract moisture to your skin and act as a protective barrier so that your skin does not lose its moisture.

Also, ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin or petrolatum that are commonly found in petroleum jelly and baby oil, are effective in sealing in your skin’s moisture. If you want, you may opt for more natural ingredients that do not clog up your pores and cause problems in the long run.

Kitchen staples such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado, or organic coconut oil are both natural and cost-effective since they are most likely already available in your kitchen.

For frequency, dry skin will usually require moisturizing at least twice daily. If you have severely dry skin, you may need to moisturize three or more times per day. You may also opt for a hydrating mist every now and then, especially for your face.

The best time to moisturize is after a bath or after prolonged exposure to water. It is best if you pat your skin dry and apply the moisturizer while your skin is still a bit damp to seal the moisture in.

Also, to augment your moisturizing efforts, hydrate yourself from within by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day.

You should also try eating foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocado, salmon, and eggs.

For oily skin

Oily skin is often found to be shiny by the end of the day.

This skin type is usually prone to blemishes, acne, and large pores.

The oily skin type will largely benefit from a lightweight moisturizer that will not clog pores. Look for oil-free or water-based moisturizers that are non-comedogenic such as lacto calamine.

Between lotions and creams, a lotion is the better option. Moisturize twice daily after a bath, and only at times when your skin feels dry like during cold weather or after prolonged exposure to water.

For combination skin

Most commonly, combination skin is oily around the T-zone and dry around the cheeks. Try to establish the oiliness or dryness of these selected areas, and select your product accordingly.

There are some products that cater to combination skin, so this will make it easier for you to choose. If the dryness and oiliness are quite severe, you may have to use different products for the different areas.

In general

As discussed, the types of moisturizers for oily and dry skin differ vastly; dry skin can benefit from thicker moisturizers while oily skin may prefer lighter products. As with all skin types, it is best if you avoid fragrances and tints, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Try to find products that contain SPF 30 or higher to protect you from damaging UV rays. For combination skin, it is best if you moisturize when necessary, and where necessary. It’s important to identify your dry and oily areas.

Check out related posts about moisturizer on our blog!

• What moisturizer to use with Retin A
• Best Natural Anti-Aging Moisturizer
• Top Face Moisturizer with SPF
• Best Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

How do you pick what is the best moisturizer for your face? What’s your skin type?