Call it the ruler of all skincare; Moisturisers have been the centrepiece of skincare for decades. Though serums, and essences have stolen its limelight recently; no skincare routine is complete without the perfect moisturiser.
“Do I have to moisturise, my skin’s feeling oily already?” Moisturising the skin maintains the integrity of the skin’s barrier function, so it’s important for your overall skin health. All skin types need moisturisation, even oily skin! Getting to know your skin, what it likes and what it reacts to, is key to creating a skincare routine that will get the best out of your skin. It is highly recommended to get two moisturisers: a light formulation, and a richer one. Our skin needs change on a daily basis, with factors like stress, hormones, travel and lifestyle impacting upon its hydration levels, leaving the skin prone to dryness.
The most basic, yet affordable, beginner-friendly moisturiser comes from Cerave! It is made in collaboration with dermatologists, which makes all of its formulas contain the good stuff needed to keep every skin type healthy and strong! However, look no further for moisturiser recommendations tailored specifically for each skin type.
1. Best moisturiser for dry skin
The temptation to slather on the thickest, most sumptuous cream to try and nourish your skin isn’t necessarily the answer. Often the thicker products are packed full of pore-clogging ingredients, including silicones, which are added to give you the feeling that your skin is smoother and silkier. Don’t get me wrong, silicones can also have huge protective benefits, but it’s important to do your research and select products with friendlier silicones. Ingredients such as Jojoba, candelilla and glycerin can provide intensive moisturisation to the skin, without clogging them.
Some product recommendations for dry skin include the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser and the Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel.
2. Best moisturisers to boost radiance
While the moisturiser’s main job is to deeply hydrate, nourish, and lock serums and active ingredients into the skin, some also contain some active ingredients: vitamin C, to brighten, smooth and boost luminosity. For the ability to mimic a natural, healthy glow, try Commonlab’s Vitamin C Brightening Gel Cream.
3. Best moisturisers for combination skin
It’s a common puzzle; dry skin on the cheeks, oily on the T-zone. Those with combination skin shouldn’t feel afraid to use different moisturisers for different areas, to ensure all are being catered to. Some key products to look into are The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Water Gel.
4. Best moisturisers for sensitive skin
Those with sensitive skin need to be treated with as much care as you would put on a baby. Gentleness is key! Whether you’re prone to irritation or suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, the key is to reinforce the skin barrier to improve its health and ability to prevent dehydration and environmental damage. Ceramides are an excellent ingredient to look out for, and CBD is also brilliant to calm and reduce inflammation.
Products to look through are iUNIK Centella Calming Gel Cream, AXIS-Y Cera-Heart My Type Duo Cream, Paula’s Choice Invisible Finish Moisture Gel, and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light Intense Dermalogical Fluid Moisturiser.
5. Best moisturiser for oily skin
“Even oily skin needs moisturising, as excess oils do not equate to effective skin hydration. When picking a moisturiser, look for terms like “non-comedogenic” (non-pore clogging) on labels; and ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid, phytoceramides and glycerin. COSRX Oil Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion (with Birch Sap), and KraveBeauty Oat So Simple Water Cream are great products for oily skin.
6. Best moisturisers for mature skin
As our skin barrier weakens with age, mature skin has more trouble holding onto moisture, so an effective moisturiser is essential. Olay Total Effects 7 In 1 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser is great for older men and women.
7. Best SPF moisturiser
For days, a moisturiser that includes an SPF can kill two birds with one stone; however, do be aware that on sunnier days, it’s advised to wear an additional SPF for thorough sun protection. Murad Age-Balancing Moisture SPF 30 is named one of the top moisturising SPFs according to Women’s Health Magazine 2022.
Moisturising is just as important as brushing your teeth in the morning. It’s essential to prep your skin for the hustle and bustle that takes on the day!
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