Where You’re Going Wrong With Your Moisturizer And How You Can Fix It

We all know that the key to happy skin is a consistent regime of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. But with hundreds of products claiming they’re perfect for you, how do you know which one is REALLY going to work for you? The simple secret is to know your skin type so you can truly know what your skin needs, and what it should steer clear of. So, what better place to start with your personalized skincare regime, than nailing your moisturizer?

We know how easy it can be to get stuck in a rut or pick up something that just smells great and has cute packaging, but honestly putting a little thought into your moisturizer will reap huge rewards! So, to make it easy for you, we’ve broken down our top tips into different skin types so you can finally find the right moisturizer for your skin type… 

Dry/ Sensitive Skin

IDEAL FORMULA: RICH OIL BASED CREAMS

When treating dry skin, a heavier oil-based moisturizer works well as the lighter formulas will be absorbed too rapidly and will not provide long-lasting hydration. Instead look for products that contain antioxidants, grape seed oil or panthenol as they prevent water loss and can retain moisture for up to 12 hours. Another thing to keep in mind is that the higher the oil content, the greater the absorption through the skin. This makes an oil-based moisturizer ideal for your night time routine as you won’t have to worry about shiny skin throughout the day. For those of you whose skin is particularly sensitive, look for fragrance-free formulas that don’t contain parabens as these will only irritate your complexion.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, plant-based butter and oils, anti-oxidants.

Normal/ Combination Skin

IDEAL FORMULA: LOTION OR LIGHT CREAM

Normal/ combination skin can be problematic due to the variation of oily and dry patches. Gel creams and lotions are ideal as they provide some oil to retain hydration while they also have a high-water content to replenish dehydrated areas of the skin. Look for gel moisturizers that contain dimethicone; this ingredient stops water evaporating from your skin, while the formula is lightweight enough that it won’t sit on top of oily areas.

Key ingredients: botanical ingredients, vitamin A or E. 

Oily Skin

IDEAL FORMULA: LIGHTWEIGHT, WATER-BASED GEL, NON-COMEDOGENIC

There’s a crazy myth that if you have oily skin, you don’t need to moisturize, but this is NOT TRUE: Our skincare expert Dr. Doris Day explained that if your skin is dehydrated, it will create more oil to compensate – so moisturize! The thing is, it’s possible to have oily but dehydrated skin, so knowing what type of moisturizer to use is even more crucial. Oily skin is characterized by excess sebum, a waxy substance excreted from your glands, and this is what can clog your pores. This means that the best moisturizer is one that can replenish and hydrate without sitting heavily on your skin. Look for gel moisturizers that have a water-like texture and are super lightweight, as these contain the lowest amount of oil, waxes, and emulsifiers. Check out our tips for keeping your oily skin under control here.

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol.

Acne-Prone Skin

IDEAL FORMULA: LIGHTWEIGHT NON-ACNEGENIC, NON-COMEDOGENIC, WATER-BASED GEL FORMULAS

Unfortunately, acne isn’t something you necessarily grow out of, so knowing the right treatment is essential if you want your skin to stay clear. The most important thing to look for on the label is the word ‘non-acnegenic’: This means the product has been specifically tested for acne-prone skin and doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients or oils. Fragrance-free products are less likely to cause any irritation, and another label to look for is ‘non-comedogenic’ meaning that it won’t block your pores. Get more tips to improve your acne from our skincare expert Dr.Doris Day here.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, retinol.

Aging Skin

IDEAL FORMULA: LOTION OR CREAM

When you’re looking for a good anti-aging moisturizer, the punch is in the active ingredients. The more active ingredients, the better it will be at combatting fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and retinol are a must as they will neutralize free radicals that cause the breakage of skin cells and the formation of wrinkles. Natural botanicals (plant-based ingredients from flowers, seeds, leaves, and roots) will also help, so keep an eye out for tea extracts or natural oils such as grape seed oil or green tea extract.

Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, tea extracts.

Now you know what moisturizer you should be using, make sure the rest of your cleansing routine is on point! Check out our guide to finding the perfect cleanser for your skin type here, and complete your skincare regime, with our ultimate guide to toners and facial oils.