The moisturizer is aessential skin care product, whether you prefer a streamlined routine or one with a long list of steps. Dermatologists generally recommend applying it twice a day every day to keep your skin well hydrated and less likely to deal with annoying issues like dryness, redness, and flaking.
Content
- How to recognize your skin type
- What is the best moisturizer for my skin type?
- My moisturizer has SPF. Do I need sunscreen every day?
- List of the best moisturizers for your skin type
"I tell my patients that applying moisturizer twice a day, like brushing our teeth, helps maintain skin health because moisturizers are designed to protect our skin barrier," says Elaine F. Kung, MD, assistant clinical professor at the Weill-Cornell Medical College. and dermatologist withBright dermatology of the future.
However, not all moisturizers are created equal and not all types are ideal for your skin.
“When choosing a moisturizer, it is important to pay attention to the formulation and ingredients,” she says.Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, Ph.D., atspecialist in dermatologycom Khrom Dermatology no Brooklyn eDoctors at the University of Pittsburgh.
For example, the ingredients of some moisturizers,like retinol, it can be perfect for people with acne, but it can aggravate dry or sensitive skin. Dr Kung and Dr. Kazlouskaya provided information on how to choose the best option for you.
How to recognize your skin type
Not sure about your skin type? Here's an introduction from the pros:
“Oily skin feels greasy right after washing your face. It can look shiny, have visible pores, and is prone to breakouts,” says Kazlouskaya. "One way to tell if you have oily skin is to wash your face with a mild soap and test after a few minutes. You can touch your skin with the paper towel and see how much oil is left on the paper."
Kazlouskaya explains that dry skin feels tight and can look dull. People with severely dry skin may notice flaking.
Dandruff is also a symptom of sensitive skin, but this type has additional symptoms.
"Sensitive skin can appear red," says Kazlouskaya. "Often, after applying cosmetics, burning and itching can occur."
There is a gray area around the definition of aged or "mature" skin.
"In my thoughts,People over 40 years old canIt can be assumed that we have mature skin because after the age of 18 we lose 1% of collagen per year, hence the visible signs of skin aging such as rashes.
What is the best moisturizer for my skin type?
What is the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin? Spoiler alert: It's not the same as the best face moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin. Now that you've figured out your skin type, let's go below the surface to find out which ingredients work best for you.
The best moisturizer for oily skin.
Both Kazlouskaya and Kung group oily and acne-prone skin.AcneIt usually occurs when sebum, an oily substance that clogs pores and causes pimples.
This excess oiliness can lead people with this type of skin to use a moisturizer, afraid of making them more "oily".
"It's a common misconception that oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer, but it's important to choose a lighter formula," says Kazlouskaya.
What does that mean?
"Lightweight formulations with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin," says Kazlouskaya.
She and Kung proposeNeutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Hidratante. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are among the main ingredients, making it one of the best moisturizers for oily skin.
Additionally, both suggest avoiding products with oils and waxes in the ingredient list.
The best facial care for dry skin.
Kazlouskaya suggests looking for moisturizers with ceramides, triglycerides, and panthenol. However, those with severe dryness, often characterized by flaking, may need to look for an additional power ingredient.
"Severe dryness may require petroleum jelly-based moisturizers," says Kazlouskaya.
Kazlouskaya facial moisturizers for dry skin containCicaplast La Roche-PosayjAvene Hydrance RICH Creme Hidratante.Avene's formulation contains shea butter, which can provide extra hydration, says Kazlouskaya.
The best facial care for sensitive skin.
Sensitive skin can be dry, but not always. People with sensitive skin should be very careful when choosing a moisturizer, as they are prone to irritation. Finding products that don't exacerbate your problems like eczema can be difficult. However, moisturizer is essential.
"A good rule of thumb for people with sensitive skin is to treat it like a baby, because it's sensitive," says Kung. “I tell them to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. What's good for a baby's bottom is good for their skin."
In general, a less is more approach is best.
"I strongly recommend avoiding fragrances and perfumes in moisturizers," says Kazlouskaya. "I also caution patients with sensitive skin against natural and organic products because they can contain natural fragrances and, in fact, are often more irritating than synthetic components."
Autohyaluronic acidcan be problematic for sensitive guys, says Kazlouskaya,Focus on research 2021.Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid can be pro-inflammatory, while high molecular weight hyaluronic acid normally reduces inflammation. Kazlouskaya recommends that people with sensitive skin take an individual approach when using hyaluronic acid moisturizers and visit a provider if they notice problems.
"If the skin repeatedly reacts to different cosmetics with rashes, clarification by a state-certified dermatologist and, if necessary, a patch test for contact allergies is warranted," she says.
What can people with sensitive skin feel safe with in general?
"Good skincare brands for people with sensitive skin have formulated their moisturizers with ingredients that can mimic the skin's barrier, like ceramides, triglycerides, and squalene," says Kung.
Kazlouskaya's favorite moisturizers for sensitive types includeLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair facial moisturizersjVanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream.
The best facial moisturizer for aging skin.
Kung says skin changes like aging are often more obvious in postmenopausal women due to hormonal changes than in men in their 40s, but no one is completely immune. As collagen decreases, the skin becomes less firm and starts to sag. Lines and wrinkles that used to only appear when you smile, laugh or frown are always there.
A good moisturizer can't turn back the clock or prevent aging forever, but it can help. When looking for the best facial moisturizer for aging skin, texture matters. Kung suggests opting for thicker, creamier moisturizers.
Kung says to look for a one-two punch of ingredients to eliminate dryness and prevent collagen breakdown, including:
- ceramida
- hyaluronic acid
- Karite butter
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Retinol
- peptide
One of Kung's favorite moisturizers for aging skin isPeter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Creme Hidratante Hidratante.
Kazlouskaya proposesOlay Regenerist Retinol 24+ Peptide Moisturizing Night CreamÖSkincare D.E.J. night face creamwhich contains retinol.
My moisturizer has SPF. Do I need sunscreen every day?
One factor many moisturizers have in common is SPF. Does a morning application cover your sun protection needs during the day? This question is difficult to answer.
“Many brands are producing SPF/moisturizer combo products, and there are no scientific studies to show whether they are similar, superior or inferior to using separate products,” says Kazlouskaya. "In fact, almost all sunscreens contain ingredients similar to those found in moisturizers."
Ideally, says Kazlouskaya, people should apply moisturizer and sunscreen separately.
"However, it's not always feasible, especially for people with oily or sensitive skin," says Kazlouskaya. "If someone can't use moisturizer and sunscreen separately, I'm all for it, especially during the winter months [in a place like New York]. I stress that you apply a sufficient amount, almost the length of two fingers.
Regardless of the season, outdoor activities require applying sunscreen separately and reapplication every two hours to protect the skin from harmful rays that can increase the risk of cancer and premature aging.
List of the best moisturizers for your skin type
Every skin type has unique needs, so no one-size-fits-all moisturizer is a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, the best face moisturizer for dry, sensitive skin differs from the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin. Understanding your skin type and the ingredients that minimize problems can help you feel better. If you continue to notice breakouts or rashes, stop using any products and consult a dermatologist.
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