How to Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

Every organ in the human body requires nutrients to function correctly. Our skin is the biggest organ; we have to keep it healthy to deal with weather challenges. Especially when it comes to dry, cold, and harsh weather, a skin moisturizer is the primary and most essential need of everyone. The humectants, emollients, and occlusives present in it do the real job. They keep skin moist, hydrated, and gentle for better looks. Not applying a moisturizer could damage the skin, and consistent negligence could cause severe results. The best way to keep the skin soft and gentle is to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Here is what you should know for the results you are looking for.

For People with Dry Skin

People with dry skin are the most active and the primary target audience of moisturizers. It doesn’t mean other skin types don’t need skin moisturizers, but people with dry skin are the ones they have to focus on the most. Their skins need extra moisture to deal with all types of weather, especially dry and cold in winter and autumn. So, here are the things that they need to know when they go for moisturizer selection for regular use. 

What is the Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

Besides brands, you need to focus on the ingredients that matter the most. There are some ingredients that you will find mentioned on the labels, and they provide benefits to dry skin when people use moisturizers.

·         Hyaluronic acid

·         Shea butter

·         Aloe vera

·         Glycerin

·         Lactic acid

·         Squalane 

All these ingredients have one thing in common, and that is hydration. Using a moisturizer with high hydration ensures that the skin retains maximum water against the risk of dryness. That prolonged moisture with hydration only comes from moisturizers made for dry skin.

For People Who Have Oily Skin

It is not just about dry skin that needs moisturizers because dryness can affect every type of skin. It is just about the intensity where the dry skin suffers the most. So, people with oily skin also need it because oily skin doesn’t mean the skin will deal with cold and harsh weather. It also needs humectants and emollients to prevent flakes and breakouts. 

What is the Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Again, you need to look at the ingredients used in the production. Those ingredients are the key players that keep the skin moist and also safe from breakouts. The biggest risk for oily skin is acne and breakouts. People who have such skin have to choose products that do not cause further oiliness on the skin. So, here are the ingredients you will have to find in moisturizers if you are looking for the best option for oily skin. 

·         Hyaluronic acid

·         Light and gel-based texture

·         Salicylic acid

·         Niacinamide 

Light and gel-based moisturizers with niacinamide will keep the skin moist, oil-free, and also acne-free. Acne occurs when there is excessive sebum production on oily skin. So, one has to keep the skin moist without disrupting the sebum levels on the skin. So, above are the ingredients one will have to look for when selecting a moisturizer for oily skin.

Should Someone with Oily Skin Use Moisturizer? 

Yes, people with oily skin should use it. Having oily skin doesn’t mean one is safe from cold and harsh weather. Apply a gel-based and light moisturizer that contains niacinamides, HA, and salicylic acid. It will help control oil and maintain moisture against skin damage and breakouts.

People Who Have Sensitive Skin

Then there are some people who have to be extra careful when it comes to skin. It could be excessive acne, rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, and people who have such conditions know the struggle. They need something that can keep their skin barrier safe and moist. Since such people have to use medicated skincare products, their moisturizer also contains mild ingredients.  

What is the Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin?

Here are the ingredients a sensitive-skin person has to look for when selecting a moisturizer. These ingredients are mild and safe, which means there will be no worries regarding acne, allergy triggers, or anything like that.

·         Aloe vera

·         Fragrance-free

·         Oat extracts

·         Glycerin 

It is Better to Choose a Moisturizer via a Dermatologist’s Prescription  

What you need to keep in mind is to consult your dermatologist first when choosing a moisturizer. People who have severe or even mild psoriasis, eczema, acne, or rosacea should consult their dermatologists first. A skin specialist knows what’s the best option and ingredients for sensitive skin. 

If Someone Has Combination Skin

Many people have combination skin, which means some parts of the skin are dry and some are oily. They don’t need to worry much because most skincare products suit their skin type. In moisturizers, they can go ahead with basic ingredients that will provide everything, from moisture to hydration, their skins need.

What is the Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin?

They will have to look for ingredients that are common in both dry and oily skin types. That means some ingredients provide enough hydration, oil control, and similar basic benefits.

·         Hyaluronic acid

·         Glycerin

·         Oil-free and water-based texture

·         Lightweight

·         Niacinamide

These are the ingredients that are usually present in moisturizers for combination skin. They provide adequate protection to the skin from dryness, excess oil, and some weather factors.

Things You Need to Know If You Use Moisturizer

Here are some things everyone needs to know if they use moisturizers. It is about the skincare routine, and the right type and right time matter the most. Most people use it in their nighttime or daytime skincare routines. So, every detail matters if someone wants optimum results. 

Should One Apply Skin Moisturizer Before Sunscreen?

A broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Its primary focus is on blocking the UV rays more than moisturizing the skin. Instead of using moisturizer with SPF, apply both. So, you need to apply moisturizer before applying sunscreen. Apply moisturizer to lock in the moisture, and then apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. In this way, the skin will remain moist and also protected from the sun's rays. However, you will need to reapply the SPF after a couple of hours to maintain the protection. 

What is the Best Time to Apply Skin Moisturizer?

It is suitable for both skincare routines, whether you follow a night or a day type. At night, skin moisturizer repairs the skin barrier. If you apply it in the daytime before leaving home, it will support the SPF. So, it is better to apply it twice a day if you live in a cold or dry region. 

Is Using Skin Moisturizer Daily Safe?

Yes, it is safe to apply skin moisturizer daily. Just make sure you don’t apply too much and too frequently. The main thing is the selection of a moisturizer based on your skin type. Then the results will be optimum and safe for your skin. If you have sensitive skin, ask your dermatologist before using it daily. 

What is the Healthiest Way to Moisturize One’s Skin?

Maintain hygiene through regular bathing. Drink plenty of water to flush toxins out. Use mild soaps and moisturizers that support your skin type. Select the products, especially moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramide, niacinamide, and aloe vera, based on your skin requirements. Lastly, you can apply coconut or jojoba oil if the environment is too dry. Even a humidifier will provide some support if the air is excessively dry.

Which Ingredient Hydrates the Skin the Most?

Primarily, there are three ingredients that hydrate the skin the most. They are humectants, emollients, and occlusives. However, when you select a moisturizer, you will have to look at ingredients like the ones below. 

·         Hyaluronic acid

·         Glycerin

·         Squalane

·         Aloe vera 

Is There Any Natural Skin Moisturizer? 

Yes, there are some natural skin moisturizers that you can use. They are shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, and jojoba oil. These items will help you keep your skin moist without using a branded moisturizer. 

When Should I Apply a Moisturizer in My Skincare Routine?

There is an order that makes a skincare routine successful. If you follow it, the results will be positive unless you try something else or your skin has some rare problems. However, this is the order you will have to follow in your skincare routine.

1.       Oil-based cleanser

2.       Water-based cleanser

3.       Exfoliant

4.       Essence 

5.       Toner 

6.       Serum

7.       Eye cream

8.       Moisturizer

9.       Sunblock (for daytime skincare routine)

A moisturizer comes in the second last step because its function is to lock in the moisture. That is why you should apply it in the end, especially before sunblock.

Conclusion

Our skin needs hydration and moisture to remain soft and flake-free. Not using a moisturizer, especially in cold weather, could damage the skin badly. There could be cracks, flakes, cuts, and rashes on the skin, which can severely damage one’s skin. People who follow a skincare routine know the worth of a moisturizer, and they have to select the best for the best results. All they have to do is select it based on their skin type, and the results match their requirements. So, the ingredients are the key to moisturizer selection.