Moisturizers

The Need 

Our skin is constantly undergoing healing and renewal system that takes 28 days to complete. In the process, dead and superficial skin cells are turned over and replaced by fresh new ones. At the same time, our skin is constantly evaporating water content because of this wear and tear process.

For some, this may cause no problems at all but most need a topical moisturiser for restoring skin's hydration, youthfulness and suppleness. You may need moisturisers in winters more than you may need them in summers as the skin tends to get drier in harsh cold winters. Some moisturisers also contain SPF that protects against the harmful rays of the sun.

Types of Moisturizers

Moisturisers are commonly classified as Daytime or Nightime Moisturizers and also vary according to seasons, skin concerns and weather conditions etc. Daytime moisturizing lotions and creams keep the skin soft, supple and hydrated. Night moisturizing creams repair and soothe your skin while you take your beauty sleep so you wake up with a fresh-looking rested and hydrated face.

If you think your skin is amply hydrated then you don't probably need a night moisturizing cream but if you develop even the subtlest signs of ageing or dry patches, you could definitely use one. Also, it is important to remember that moisturizers for the face and body differ from each other and are not meant to be used interchangeably.

Best Moisturizers for Skin Type

Everyone needs moisturisers, regardless of their skin type. They contain special nutrients and contents that in combination help fight multiple skin concerns, dryness and tautness.

For Oily Skin

It is a common misconception that those with oily or acne-prone skin do not need a moisturiser but in fact they too need a special oil balancing moisturizer that would control the production of oil and sebum in the skin. There are specially formulated moisturizers for oily skin available with ingredients that greatly reduce the level of oil production in the skin.

For acne-prone skin look for anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients on the labels. Applying moisturizing creams or lotions to oily skin can also help keep the pores remain unclogged and unnoticeable. The best moisturizers for oily skin are:

1. Cerave Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

3. La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Anti-Shine Face Moisturizer for Oily Skin

4. Dermalogica Active Moist

5. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Acid Cloud Cream

For Dry & Combination Skin

Those with dry skin can use creams and moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid that slowly hydrates the skin over several hours, keeping it plump and moisturized. Ideally, for dry skin, your moisturiser should contain a mix of emollients like ceramides and humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid for the highest effectiveness. Best moisturisers for dry skin are:

1. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

3. Aquaphor Healing Ointment

4. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream Face Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid

5. Neutrogena Hydro Boost

6. SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment

For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is not easy to handle as many products that suit a normal skin type can cause irritation and redness to it. Sensitive skin requires ingredients in a moisturiser that help heal and soothe the skin while protecting it from redness or itchiness. Some of the best moisturizers for fragile and sensitive skin are:

1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

3. Saje Natural Wellness Chamomile Smile Soothing Lotion

4. Avene Antirougeurs Fort Soothing Concentrate

5. Herbivore Botanicals Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Crème

6. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream

7. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturiser SPF 15.

Tips & Comments

Always use skin type appropriate moisturizers in recommended amounts. Applying too much can cause overly oily skin and acne breakouts. Over usage can also clog the pores, doing more harm than any good to your skin.

Make sure to read labels before buying the product and look for these contents to avoid in a moisturiser: Aluminum, DEA (diethanolamine), PEG (Polyethylene glycol), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine), Phthalates, DMDM Hydantoin & Urea (Imidazolidinyl), Mineral Oil, Parabens (Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl), Triclosan, Propylene Glycol (PG) & Butylene Glycol, Siloxanes, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and synthetic fragrances.