What To Look For In A Moisturizer

It’s that time of year when the leaves are falling, the temperatures are getting colder, and the air is getting drier. If your skin hasn’t yet felt the dryness of the colder months, it’ll be setting in soon. Naturally, a great moisturizer is your skin’s best friend during the fall and winter.

But with such a wide selection of moisturizers out there, how do you know which one is right for you? How do you choose one that will get you through these cold months feeling and looking refreshed? Here are a few key factors to look for.

A Fit for Your Skin Type

Skin types are categorized as normal, dry, oily, or combination (with some areas being dry and some areas being oily). There are different moisturizers that are ideal for each of these skin types. For example, moisturizers for dry skin might be formulated with stronger ingredients to deliver more hydration because your skin needs it more. Moisturizers for oily skin, on the other hand, might be oil-free to avoid clogging your pores or adding more oil to your skin.

Keep in mind that some people have sensitive skin too, but it’s not a fifth skin type. Your skin can be sensitive whether it’s oily, dry, normal, or combination. But regardless, if you have sensitive skin, make sure you also choose a moisturizer for sensitive skin. 

Think About the Weight of the Product

You’ve probably noticed this difference among moisturizers even if you didn’t have the terminology for it – some moisturizers are thicker while others are more lightweight. A moisturizer can feel very different on your skin based on its weight. A more lightweight moisturizer tends to be more liquid, and it usually absorbs into your skin quickly. Meanwhile, a heavier moisturizer is thicker and creamier, and it might have a more noticeable feel on your skin. 

Choosing a moisturizer weight is mainly a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind, though, that in general, the thicker a product is, the more effective its moisturizing will be. 

As you’re shopping, the product’s name can tell you a lot about how heavy or light it is. A cream, for example, will be heavier than a lotion. Generally speaking you’ll find moisturizers with these names, in order from lightest to heaviest:

1. Serum
2. Gel
3. Lotion
4. Cream
5. Ointment

Have Separate Body Moisturizers and Facial Moisturizers

I know it’s tempting…you’re shopping for moisturizer for your face and you see that giant $15 bottle of bottle lotion and think, “Hey, what a bargain!” But it won’t be looking like such a bargain when you try to use it and your face doesn’t get along with it well. 

The skin of your face is more complex than the skin throughout your body. It’s more sensitive and more prone to breakouts and irritation. Body moisturizers are formulated for the more resilient skin elsewhere, but they’re usually not a good fit for your face. So when you’re shopping for a moisturizer that will make your face look and feel soft, smooth and fresh this winter, make sure you opt for a facial moisturizer. 

Consider a Multi-Tasker

If you really want to make the most of your moisturizer, you might look or a moisturizer that also helps with other aspects of skin care or works toward your other skin goals. 

For example, if you’d like a few years taken off your appearance, try an anti-aging moisturizer that hydrates while easing lines and wrinkles or adding firmness to your skin. Or, if you’re trying to cut down on blemishes, choose an acne-fighting moisturizer. There are even moisturizer and sunscreen combos for those mornings when you want to get out the door with as few steps as possible. 

Be Patient and Observant

You could research every word about every moisturizer on the market, but ultimately, the only way to know for sure whether a moisturizer will work for your skin is to try it. Inevitably, your search for the right moisturizer will include some amount of trial and error. So be patient and if a product doesn’t work out, look at what might have gone wrong and use that to see what other products might work better. With some patience and persistence, you’ll find your new favorite. 

Having a great moisturizer by your side for the cold season ahead can make sure that dry, itchy, or sensitive skin won’t get in the way of you enjoying the holidays and beyond. With the tips above, you can find a moisturizer that works well for your skin and gives you the glow you’ve been looking for.