Moisturizers are an important component of any skincare regiment. It helps to maintain a barrier of protection that locks in your skin’s natural moisture while also protecting against environmental factors.
But finding the right moisturizer for your skin type can be tricky.
Skin types vary from person to person. As such, the “best” moisturizer for one person may not be the best for another. This is even true among individuals who share the same skin type.
Fortunately, while finding the best moisturizer for you can be tricky, it’s not impossible. With the right guidelines in place, you can find a moisturizer for your skin type without too much frustration or breaking the bank.
So if you’re in store for a new moisturizer but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide is for you.
How to Find the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Knowing what to look for in a moisturizer can be tricky. Here’s what to look for based on five common skin types.
Dry Skin
If you have naturally dry skin, then a heavier moisturizer is what you need to lock in moisture throughout the day or night.
You need a moisturizer that creates a barrier for your skin that 1) attracts moisture and 2) locks it in. This is why you should look for the following ingredients in the moisturizers you consider (provided they don’t give you a reaction! Be sure to download our app to compare products and check):
- hyaluronic acid
- squalene
- dimethicone
- glycerin
- ceramides
- lanolin
- petrolatum
The ingredients above are helpful for drawing in moisture (i.e., hyaluronic acid, glycerin) and locking in moisture (i.e., lanolin, petrolatum).
Oily Skin
While all facial moisturizers should be non-comedogenic (non-clogging), there are some that are more so than others. As someone with oily skin or prone to acne, the more non-comedogenic the better.
When looking at moisturizers, a few “green flags” for those with oily skin are “non-comedogenic” and “water-based.” You’ll also see beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, dimethicone, and salicylic acid.
Avoid the following ingredients which can clog your pores:
- mineral oil
- lanolin
- paraffin
- siloxane
- castor oil
- cyclomethicone
Combination Skin
Combination skin is perhaps one of the trickiest to moisturize. You want moisture without shine and hydration that’s non-greasy. So how can you find a moisturizer that strikes the right balance?
Esthetician and skin expert Melanie Grant says, “I tend to recommend fluids, gels, and lotions as these provide the skin with essential hydration without stimulating excess shine.”
Hyaluronic acid and ceramides will play an important role in a combination moisturizer. Other common ingredients include retinol and vitamin C.
Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin, the fewer ingredients the moisturizer contains the better. You should try to find a formula with ten or fewer ingredients so there is less chance of irritation.
In particular, you should look for moisturizers that say “hypo-allergenic” or “fragrance-free.” From there, look for ingredients such as:
- hyaluronic acid
- allantoin
- colloidal oatmeal
- niacinamide
- squalene
You should try out a product for two weeks before determining whether it’s right for you or not. That is, unless you experience hives or other signs of irritation immediately upon use which may indicate an allergic reaction. In that case, wash your face thoroughly and stop using the product immediately.
Itchy Skin
Similar to individuals with sensitive skin, it’s best to choose moisturizers with few ingredients. Those that contain colloidal oatmeal or even a 1% hydrocortisone cream will be most beneficial at calming the itch.
Conclusion
A moisturizer that complements your skin type and fits your skin care needs need not break the bank. Just keep in mind your particular needs while shopping so you can be sure to get products with the ingredients best suited for your skin.