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Health

What Should I Consider When Buying Facial Moisturizer?

By J. Beam
Updated May 17, 2024
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Facial moisturizer is part of a healthy skin care regimen. Choosing the right moisturizer for you depends upon your skin type, which may be dry, oily, or a combination of both. Because there are many different types of facial moisturizers that range from expensive to moderately priced, it may take some experimentation to find your favorite.

Though price may be a factor, both expensive and moderately priced moisturizers that work effectively can be found. The primary factor to consider in any facial moisturizer is UV protection. Regardless of skin type, a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 is essential. Protecting the face, which is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun year round, is imperative to prevent skin damage caused by the sun. Many, but not all, moisturizer products contain UV protectors, so opt for one that does.

Beyond sun protection, your facial moisturizer should be non-comedogenic. Non-Comedogenic means the product does not contain ingredients that are known to clog, or block, pores. If a product contains moisturizing ingredients that clog pores, dirt and bacteria can remain trapped in the skin’s pores, which leads to breakouts. If a product is non-comedogenic, the label will clearly state it.

Skin type plays a role in choosing a facial moisturizer because different skin types require different levels of moisturizing. Dry skin requires more moisture than oily skin and similarly, sensitive skin also requires special attention. Before experimenting with different moisturizers, determine which type of skin you have. Dry skin is often marked by dry, flaky, tight, or itchy skin. Oily skin is marked by greasy spots on the face – especially the nose, chin, and forehead. Combination skin is a combination of both dry and oily patches.

Choose a moisturizer designed for your skin type. Read the label of any product you are considering buying to make sure it is designed for your skin type. Apply facial moisturizer twice daily, after cleansing. If you use a facial toner with your skin care regimen, apply moisturizer after. Allow your moisturizer to dry thoroughly before continuing with makeup application. A good moisturizer will not only protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but will also prevent premature signs of aging and keep your skin healthier.

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Discussion Comments

By moistu3 — On Dec 15, 2013

Moisturizers and cleansers make up the most important skin products for softening and soothing dry skin. A facial moisturizer works by covering moisture onto the outer layer of your skin and sucking moisture from the inner layers to the outer layer of the skin.

By anon207164 — On Aug 19, 2011

I have combination skin (T zone) as well. The moisturizer I use is from Shielo. It's called Shielo Complexion AntiAging Moisturizer. I don't know if you'll find the similar one where you stay, but this moisturizer from Shielo is for oily or combination skin. I really like this brand. It doesn't cause me any break outs. Hope this helps!

By sunshine31 — On Jul 21, 2010

Moldova- Clinque also sells a men's moisturzer called M Lotion which is in a grey package.

By Moldova — On Jul 21, 2010

Sneakers41- I just want to add that a great moisturizer for dry skin the Clinique line is Comfort on Call which is a moisturizing cream designed for dry to very dry skin.

By sneakers41 — On Jul 21, 2010

I just want to add that when purchasing a moisturizer the most important factor involves the richness of the lotion. If your skin is dry, you will want a richer cream based moisturizer.

However, if you have oily skin, you can probably use an oil free lotion or hydrating lotion that does not contain oil. But moisturizing is not as necessary because of the oil that already exists on the surface of your skin.

Combination skin can use a general moisturizing lotion but only areas where the skin is dry. Combination skin tends to be oily in the t-zone so additional emulsion is unnecessary in those areas.

A great general moisturizer is the Dramatically Different moisturizing lotion by Clinique. This lotion is lightweight enough to provide moisturizing benefits without clogging the pores.

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