How to Choose a Good Face Moisturizer?

Skincare is a global industry valued at over $5.6 billion in 2021.

Today, it seems like there’s a cream, serum, ointment, or oil for anything. Still, many people skip one simple, vital part of skincare: daily moisturizer. Moisturizer is essential for keeping skin soft, supple, and wrinkle-free.

What’s a good moisturizer? How can you determine which moisturizer will work best for you?

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing a good face moisturizer.

Identifying Your Skin Type

No matter what kind of skin you have, you should be using a moisturizer, but there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all moisturizer. Different skin types require different active ingredients for the best results.

Normal Skin

The word “normal” may be a bit of a misnomer. All skin is normal skin, but a “normal” skin type just means that you have balanced, smooth, and healthy skin.

A good moisturizer for faces with normal skin won’t throw off your balance. Look for simple, gentle, and lightweight moisturizers.

Dry Skin

Does your skin often feel tight or itchy, especially after washing? You may have a dry skin type. Dry skin is often accompanied by redness, patchiness, or skin flaking.

A good moisturizer for dry skin may be a cream or ointment rather than a lightweight face lotion. You will likely want to avoid anything with alcohol, hyaluronic, or salicylic acid, as these ingredients will dry out your skin more.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, moisture may seem like the last thing you want to put on your face. However, too much oil production can actually be your skin’s reaction to over-washing and a lack of moisture! If you have oily skin or are prone to acne, look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with salicylic acid.

Combination Skin

If your skin is oily in some areas, dry in others, or fluctuates frequently, you may have combination skin. This may surprise you: it’s okay to only moisturize some areas! Apply lightweight moisturizer to your cheeks, under eyes, jaw, and neck, but leave the oily T-zone alone.

Sensitive Skin

Does your skin seem to reject everything you put on it? If you have sensitive skin, almost anything can give you itchiness, redness, oiliness, or acne. People with sensitive skin may also have rosacea or eczema.

For sensitive skin, choose a moisturizer that contains few ingredients and is fragrance-free, creating less potential for skin reactions.

What to Look For in a Good Face Moisturizer

As we’ve discussed, not every moisturizer is the same. You’ll generally want to look for natural ingredients and short ingredient lists. Shop for moisturizers that work to restore your natural skin barrier.

This site offers some great clinically-proven moisturizers!

The right moisturizer for you will largely depend on your skin type. However, some key ingredients can make or break your skin.

The Good Stuff

“Good” ingredients may vary depending on your skin type, but generally, you should look for these:!

Humectants (glycerin, glycols, hyaluronic acid)
Emollients (Stearic acid, linoleic acid, isopropyl palmitate)
Occlusives (Petroleum jelly, silicone, marshmallow extract)
Ceramides
Vitamin C
SPF

The Bad Stuff

Not every moisturizer is the same. Before buying a moisturizer, be on the lookout for these red flags:

Fragrance
Colorings
Too many acids
Harsh alcohols

Tips for Using Face Moisturizing Cream

When it comes to using moisturizer, ingredients and skin type matter. The way you apply your moisturizer makes a difference, too. Check out these other helpful tips.

Apply moisturizer after a shower or face wash
Use in the morning and before bed
Moisturize after your serum and toner, but before your oils and SPF
Apply from your forehead to your collarbone
Use a thicker cream at night
Drink lots of water!

Boost Your Hydration

Good face moisturizer is essential to good skin health. By carefully considering your skin type and ingredients, applying moisturizer can become your favorite part of the day!

Hey there, gorgeous! Are you looking for more tips on fashion, beauty, skincare, and more? Don’t miss out on Beauty & Fashion Freaks other hot lifestyle articles!

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