Moisturizers help hydrate skin and reduce the risk of extreme dryness or oiliness, which can lead to breakouts. They also help mask the appearance of other skin blemishes.
For best results, moisturizers should be applied after cleansing and before applying any actives. This way, the moisturizer will replenish any moisture that was stripped during the cleansing step and help your actives penetrate deeper into the skin.
1. Use a Water-Based Moisturizer
No matter your skin type, a daily moisturizer is an essential part of any skincare routine. And if you have oily skin, choosing a water-based moisturizer may be the best option for you, as it’s non-greasy and won’t clog pores and helps with your fingertips peeling.
What are water-based moisturizers? Water-based moisturizers are generally lightweight, fast-absorbing and contain high levels of hydrators like aloe vera extract. They also often contain humectants that help skin hold onto moisture. This makes them ideal for oily skin types, since they help to reduce excess shine and keep pores clear.
Aside from being non-greasy, water-based moisturizers are gentle and breathable, making them suitable for sensitive skin. They also tend to be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores, so if you have acne-prone skin, they can work well for you as well.
Water-based moisturizers work well for all skin types, but they’re especially beneficial for drier complexions in need of extra hydration. This is because they use water as the base into which other water-attracting humectant ingredients are mixed. As a result, they can achieve hydration from within the skin without sealing in too much additional oil (which could cause it to become overly greasy).
When shopping for a water-based moisturizer, make sure that the first ingredient listed is actually water. This will ensure that you’re getting a true, water-based formula. And remember to apply your moisturizer after cleansing with a gentle cleanser like a lotion cleanser or micellar water, so that you’re starting with a clean canvas.
The L’Oreal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care line contains three different water-based moisturizers, each formulated for a specific skin type. If you have extra dry skin, look for a product that’s infused with hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin to retain more moisture.
For normal to oily skin, consider a gel-based moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid as well. This ingredient is known for helping skin to hydrate and plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which gives the complexion an overall more youthful appearance. It’s also great for oily skin because it can help to control the production of sebum, so you won’t have to worry about over-producing oils and clogging your pores.
2. Look for Oil-Free Moisturizers
If you have oily skin, a good moisturizer is an essential part of your skincare routine. In fact, skipping out on hydrating can actually trigger sebum production and make things worse. But, when it comes to choosing a moisturizer for your skin type, it can be a bit tricky to navigate the overwhelming sea of options out there. Not only do you need to find a product that will deliver hydration, but you also need to make sure that it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts.
The best oil-free moisturizers are those that have been formulated with a light, clean ingredient list that are suitable for sensitive skin types. The goal is to get the most natural hydration from ingredients like shea butter, shea oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera and other soothing botanicals that will leave your skin feeling hydrated and balanced. The lighter formulas will also be less likely to clog your pores, as they will provide more of a light hydration and not the occlusive properties that some oils have.
Aside from being less clogging, oil-free moisturizers can actually be better for your skin because they can help to balance the excess oil in your skin. This is because your skin needs hydration, but it doesn’t need the added oil that can lead to clogged pores and inflammation. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a light moisturizing cream that is oil-free can be just what you need to keep your complexion in check.
Moisturizers that are infused with anti-aging benefits can be beneficial for all skin types, but they’re particularly helpful for mature or dry complexions. These specialized formulas are often richer and have more emollients that can help to restore skin cell cohesiveness, increase hydration and decrease water loss throughout the day. The added emollients can also provide your skin with an immediate boost in radiance and help to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re looking for an effective, hydrating moisturizer that can deliver anti-aging benefits to your complexion, look for one with hyaluronic acid and other rejuvenating nutrients.
3. Look for Moisturizers with Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (or hyaluronan) is a naturally occurring substance that holds lots of water within cells, keeping tissues and joints lubricated. It’s also a favorite skincare ingredient for its ability to keep skin plump, firm and hydrated. In fact, an adult has about 15 grams of the stuff in their body, and the beauty industry has found a way to replicate it for use in cosmetics and skincare.
The best way to hydrate skin is with a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, or HA. HA acts like a sponge, pulling in water molecules from the air to plump and hydrate the skin.
However, it’s important to apply HA with clean and damp skin, says Frey. If you slather it on dry skin, it will pull moisture from the air, but it will eventually evaporate into the air, leaving your face drier than before. Hyaluronic acid works best when it’s applied to freshly cleansed, damp skin and is combined with other hydrating ingredients.
“Look for moisturizers that contain HA and have occlusive ingredients to help seal in the moisture,” Frey suggests. “These ingredients include shea butter, cocoa butter and ceramides.”
There are a few different forms of HA. Low- and medium-molecular-weight HA do the classic HA job of attracting and binding water, while high-molecular-weight HAs have a more occlusive effect, meaning they sit on top of the skin and help hold in moisture. Both forms are great for hydrating the skin and helping to correct signs of aging, but low- and medium-molecular-weight versions are more common in beauty products because they are less expensive.
Another thing to look for is a moisturizer that’s suitable for your skin type. If you have oily or combination skin, Frey recommends using a formula that contains sodium hyaluronate, which is more occlusive than hydrolyzed HA, but still allows the skin to breathe. Shea butter is a good option for those with dry skin because it’s extremely moisturizing and helps to hydrate without a greasy feeling.
And, of course, any skin type can benefit from a hydration-boosting product that also contains anti-aging ingredients, like vitamin C and peptides. A combination of these will give you a more youthful-looking appearance, along with softer and smoother skin.
4. Look for Moisturizers with Vitamin C
The good news is that even dry skin can benefit from moisturizer, and the best part is that the right kind of product can actually make your complexion brighter. Vitamin C helps encourage surface skin cell turnover, promoting a radiant layer of new skin while shedding older and dead cells. The antioxidant is also known to protect against environmental damage, so it’s a great addition to any skincare routine—including moisturizer.
However, it’s important to remember that not all moisturizers are created equal. In fact, if you’re using the wrong one for your specific needs, it could be doing more harm than good. For example, those with oily skin need a lightweight gel or lotion to prevent clogging of pores, while those with sensitive or easily irritated skin will want a heavier cream or ointment.
Aside from selecting the right product for your skin type, it’s important to apply moisturizer often. This will help reduce the risk of extreme dryness and excess oils, both of which can lead to common problems like peeling skin. It’s also a good idea to moisturize after bathing, shaving and exfoliating, which can all strip away the natural oils that keep skin healthy and hydrated.
Moisturizers come in many forms, and there are a wide variety of products available to suit every skin type and preference. In general, those with oily skin will want a water-based gel or lotion that contains little to no oil to prevent clogging of the pores, while those with normal skin will need a slightly heavier cream or ointment. Those with sensitive skin will find it most comfortable with a non-greasy formula that’s rich in soothing ingredients, like chamomile or aloe.
If you’re looking to take your skin care routine up a notch, consider adding a serum that contains vitamin C to your morning and night routine. Not only will it help brighten and smooth the appearance of your skin, but it’s also been shown to offer a range of other benefits, including protection against sun damage. Just be sure to use it sparingly, as too much Vitamin C can lead to irritation.
