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Hydrated skin is healthy, properly functioning skin—and that’s where daily moisturizers come in. Of course moisturizer can supplement the skin with hydration, but the ultimate goal of any moisturizer is to help keep moisture within the skin. As a simple comparison, think of moisturizer as a lid on a boiling pot.
All skin needs hydration, yet moisturizers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right moisturizer begins with understanding your skin type so you can find a formula that meets your skin’s unique needs while being enjoyable to use. Remember, your skin type can change from season to season, or when traveling to different climates. Pay attention to your skin, and use the most appropriate moisturizer for your skin at any given time. As a refresher, here are the most common skin types and their general attributes.
Normal skin: As the name implies, normal skin functions properly and isn’t too oily or too dry.
Oily skin: Oily skin is characterized by overactive oil glands, which can make the skin appear shiny. Its excess oil can contribute to clogged pores, which is why those with oily skin may be more prone to breakouts. The skin’s oil production can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations.
Dry skin: Dry skin does not produce enough oil to keep the skin hydrated. This can cause dry skin to appear flaky, or feel itchy or tight. Seasonal changes, environmental conditions, and improper skincare products can make dry skin worse.
Combination skin: This skin type experiences excess oil in some areas (usually the forehead, nose, and chin) and dryness in others. The key for managing combination skin is meeting the needs of both oily and dry spots.
In addition to these unique skin types, there are also several skin concerns that are important to keep in mind when choosing the right moisturizer.
Sensitive skin: Normal, oily, dry, and combination skin types can all be sensitive. Although not technically a distinct skin type, sensitive skin is very common.
Acne-prone skin: Blemishes form when pores become clogged with excess oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Genetics, hormones, and stress can play a role in acne-prone skin as well.
Aging skin: With time, the skin can become more dry and sensitive. Fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and loss of elasticity can become concerns as well, and all of these factors should be kept in mind when choosing the right moisturizer for aging skin.
TYPES OF MOISTURIZERS
Many assume that a serum or gel would be more appropriate for oily skin while a lotion or cream would be ideal for drier skin—however this isn’t always the case. Rather than focusing on a moisturizer’s texture, skincare professionals often recommend a certain “weight” when it comes to moisturizers for different skin types. Ranging from “featherweight” to “heavyweight,” these are the ideal SkinCeuticals moisturizers for different skin types.
FEATHERWEIGHT: THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR OILY SKIN
As the name implies, featherweight moisturizers leave virtually no trace on the skin once absorbed. This weight is the best moisturizer for oily skin, or those who don’t like the feeling of anything heavy on their skin.
SkinCeuticals moisturizers to try: With an ultra-light serum texture, Hydrating B5 Gel is a simple yet effective moisturizer for oily skin. Featuring hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, it helps replenish moisture, restore radiance, and smooth the skin. (This serum can also be layered underneath a heavier moisturizer when the skin needs extra hydration.) With a light gel texture, Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment offers oil-free hydration, a visible reduction in oiliness and redness, improvement in dark spots and pore appearance, and enhanced skin clarity and brightness.
LIGHTWEIGHT: THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR COMBINATION SKIN
A lightweight moisturizer strikes a beneficial balance for combination skin, but can be appropriate for normal or oily skin as well. Lightweight moisturizers are generally oil-free, but leave a veil of hydration on the skin.
SkinCeuticals moisturizers to try: Formulated for early signs of photoaging, Metacell Renewal B3 provides lightweight moisture, strengthens the skin’s barrier, gently resurfaces to smooth the look of lines, and improves the appearance of discoloration and redness. Featuring vitamin E, three nourishing algae extracts, and a blend of seven purifying botanicals, Daily Moisture provides long-lasting hydration and improvement for pore appearance without leaving a greasy residue.
MEDIUM WEIGHT: THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR DRY SKIN
Since dry skin doesn’t produce enough oil, the ideal moisturizer for this skin type should include light lipids to help maintain skin hydration levels.
SkinCeuticals moisturizer to try: Enriched with algae extracts and nourishing plant oils, Emollience has a rich, elegant texture that absorbs quickly and evenly.
MEDIUM WEIGHT: THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR SENSITIVE DRY SKIN
Those with dry, sensitive skin can benefit from a medium-weight moisturizer that includes soothing and calming ingredients.
SkinCeuticals moisturizer to try: Epidermal Repair is formulated with beta glucan, centella asiatica extract, and soothing ingredients to offer skin-barrier support, a visible reduction in redness, and added therapeutic benefits for sensitive or compromised skin.
MEDIUM WEIGHT: THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR DRY AGING SKIN
Aging skin has unique needs and concerns, including increased dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
SkinCeuticals moisturizer to try: Designed to combat visible signs of aging due to collagen loss in aging skin, Face Cream replenishes moisture and essential lipids while helping to protect against free-radical damage and enhance the feeling of skin firmness.
HEAVYWEIGHT: THE BEST MOISTURIZER FOR DRY AGING SKIN
The advantage of heavyweight moisturizers is that they offer extra protection for dry, aging skin. These formulas also feature advanced skincare technology to address specific skin issues and concerns
SkinCeuticals moisturizers to try: Formulated with an optimized lipid ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to help restore the skin’s barrier and support its self-repair, Triple Lipid 2:4:2 is a patented anti-aging cream that provides visible improvement for skin smoothness, fullness, pores, and overall radiance. The result of 15+ years of glycation research, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced is a breakthrough corrective cream for fine lines and deep wrinkles. Featuring Proxylane™, wild fruit flavonoids, and glycyrrhetinic acid, its rich texture provides 24-hour hydration for even the driest skin and has been shown to help correct five types of wrinkles.
HOW TO USE MOISTURIZER PROPERLY
- Apply moisturizer in the morning and evening
- Cleanse, tone, and apply your antioxidant and corrective serums before moisturizer
- Always complete your morning skincare routine with broad-spectrum sun protection
For help choosing the right moisturizer for your unique skin type and concerns, use our online Regimen Finder, visit one of our SkinCeuticals SkinLab locations, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
