What to Look For in a Good Facial Moisturizer
When you purchase a face moisturizer, you do so in the hopes that it’ll make your face dewy, radiant, and youthful. But, with all the cryptic labeling and expensive-sounding ingredients, finding a face moisturizer can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. Luckily, we’ve prepared a guide packed with tips and tricks on finding the perfect moisturizer for your unique skin.
Consider the Texture & Consistency
You’ll notice that face moisturizers come in different formats: gel, lotion, cream, and balm. Each one is suitable for a different skin type. For instance, creams are incredibly hydrating and ideal for dry skin. Gels, on the other hand, are lightweight and perfect for oily skin.
You must choose a moisturizer that feels comfortable and refreshing on your skin. Avoid light gel formulas if you have dry skin, and stay away from heavy, greasy products if you have oily skin.
Is It Non-Comedogenic?
While shopping for a face moisturizer, you’ll want to check the label to ensure it’s non-comedogenic. This means it has been formulated to prevent clogged pores, which is particularly important if your skin is prone to breakouts or is very dry. Generally, light, oil-free gel moisturizers are the best choice for acne-prone complexions.
Look for Added Skincare Benefits
Look for a facial moisturizer that offers additional skincare benefits beyond just hydration. For example, it should come with SPF to protect from sun damage. If you’re on the market for an anti-aging moisturizer, you should ensure it contains wrinkle-reducing ingredients like retinol or peptides.
Some moisturizers even come with antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stressors. You may also want to find options with brightening ingredients to get that radiant glow.
Don’t Forget To Check the Packaging
It’s essential to check the face cream’s packaging and delivery system to ensure that it can preserve the integrity and potency of the ingredients. Ideally, the moisturizer should be in air-tight packaging to protect the product from exposure to oxygen. It should also be opaque to protect from light exposure.
The pump or dispenser should be designed in such a way as to allow you to portion out just the amount you need without wasting excess product.
Read Reviews
Once you’ve checked all the other criteria, go ahead and read available reviews on the product you’re most interested in. Whether it’s an in-depth review from an independent site or customer reviews from the company’s website, it can help you establish a thorough understanding of the product.
You might uncover potential issues with the moisturizer or find that it causes breakouts or irritation or is not as hydrating as you thought. You might also get tips on what skin type it’s best for. Most of all, reading reviews can help take the guesswork out of which face moisturizers live up to their claims.
Tips To Get the Most Out of Your Skin Moisturizer
Know Your Skin Type
Understanding your skin type will fast-track the process of finding a good face moisturizer. The different skin types are:
● Dry: If your skin is generally flaky and tight, it probably needs a lot of moisture. You must search for rich, emollient face moisturizers made from ingredients that trap hydration, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.
● Oily: If your skin is shiny, slick, and prone to breakouts, then it’s most definitely oily. Oily skin still needs moisture but in a lighter, oil-free form. Gel-based face moisturizers with ingredients like niacinamide and salicylic acid will leave your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
● Combination: Combination skin can be tricky, as it’s a bit of both. The best thing you can do is look for an oil-free yet hydrating face moisturizer with ingredients like squalane or jojoba oil.
● Sensitive: If your skin is easily irritated and prone to redness, then it’s probably sensitive. That’s why you’ll want to focus on fragrance-free, hypoallergenic face moisturizers with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal.
Perform a Patch Test
Before you apply a new moisturizer to your face, do a patch test on your inner arm. Wait 24 hours to see if any irritation pops up. This little step can save you from a full-blown skincare meltdown.
Listen to Your Skin
Pay attention to how your skin feels. Does your moisturizer leave you feeling hydrated and happy? Or is it tight, greasy, or irritated? Your skin will tell you what it likes and dislikes, so listen closely.
Final Thoughts
Finding a good facial moisturizer is vital to any good skincare routine. But, making that final decision can be overwhelming since there are so many options out there. By now, you know what to look for in a facial moisturizer and how to ensure that your product will nourish and protect your skin no matter what.