It's easy to write "I need to buy a moisturizer " on your to-do list. But when you go to a pharmacy or supermarket to buy skincare products, you realize how confusing it can be. There are all kinds of face creams, lotions that work for both the body and face, products for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, and more. And when you add anti-aging products and sunscreen, it's almost impossible to choose.
So how do you choose the right moisturizer for your skin and give it the healthy glow you're looking for? Don't worry. Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
Cream, Lotion or Ointment? What's the difference?
No matter what your skin type is, whether it's oily skin, dry skin, or a combination of both, using a moisturizer is a must. But you need to choose the right type.
Simply put, the main difference between them is in thickness and the amount of water they contain.
- Ointment: These are the thickest type. They are high in oil and low in water. If your skin is very dry, itchy , or you want to lock in moisture, a thick ointment like this is best.
- Cream: These are a bit thinner than an ointment. They help to hydrate the skin. A cream is best for someone with normal skin .
- Lotion: These are the lightest type. The main ingredient in these is water. That's why they are quickly absorbed into the skin. A light lotion like this is suitable for someone with oily skin .
If your skin tone is a bit darker, when your skin dries out, those areas can turn white and look flaky. In such cases, use a thicker moisturizer for those dry areas. Also, it is better if you can keep two types of moisturizer for day and night. You can use a lighter one during the day and a slightly thicker one before going to bed at night. Also, it is a good habit to use a thicker cream for the body and a lighter lotion for the face.
What to look for when choosing a moisturizer?
Okay, now you have a little idea about the difference between cream, lotion, and ointment. Next, let's see what ingredients it should contain depending on your skin's needs. Let's look at this table to understand this easily.
| Skin type/need | Things to look for and ingredients |
|---|---|
| For all skin types (sun protection) | Choose a moisturizer that contains sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher. This should be used all year round, even on rainy days. For the face, it is important that it is oil-free and fragrance-free. |
| For a healthy, fresh look | Look for products that contain antioxidants. These neutralize free radicals that damage skin cells. Examples: Green tea, Chamomile, Pomegranate, Licorice root extract. |
| Oily or acne-prone skin | Choose products that are labeled as non-comedogenic. If they contain ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids, they are beneficial because they also control aging. |
| Dry skin | Choose a heavier moisturizer. Ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and Dimethicone are great for retaining moisture in the skin. In addition, ingredients like Glycerin, Propylene glycol, Proteins, and Urea help attract water to the skin. Ingredients like Lanolin, Mineral oil, and Petrolatum help lock in moisture. |
| Sensitive skin | Choose products that are labeled as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free . It's generally best to choose a product that contains fewer than 10 ingredients, as the fewer ingredients, the lower the risk of adverse skin reactions. |
| Itchy skin | If using a hypoallergenic moisturizer doesn't help with itching, try using a 1% hydrocortisone steroid cream for a short period of time, like a week. But don't use it for longer than that. If itching persists, be sure to see your doctor. It could be a sign of another skin condition. |
| Conditions such as eczema | Using a thick ointment containing petrolatum or simply petroleum jelly can help heal skin cracks and keep the skin smooth. |
If these things are present, stay away from that moisturizer!
Just because a moisturizer has a long list of ingredients doesn't make it a good product. Some popular ingredients can actually harm your skin. So, before buying a moisturizer, check to see if it contains these things, and if so, avoid them.
Remember a simple rule: if your skin is sensitive, the shorter the ingredients list, the better.
- Colorings and perfumes: No matter what your skin type, most dermatologists recommend avoiding unnecessary colorings and perfumes. These are the main causes of skin allergies and irritations.
- Antibacterial agents : Unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, products containing these can be unnecessarily harsh. They can also strip the skin of essential oils, making it even drier.
- Things that are good for the body but not good for the face: Not everything in a body lotion is good for the face. Especially things like Lanolin, Mineral oil, Waxes, or Shea butter, when applied to the face, can clog the pores of the skin and cause acne.
- Too many acids: If you have dry or sensitive skin, avoid products that contain acids like Alpha-hydroxy acids, Glycolic acid, Retinoic acid, and Salicylic acid . These can penetrate deep into the skin and damage delicate skin. Also, avoid products that contain alcohols.
- Steroid abuse: Do not use a steroid cream , such as hydrocortisone , for itching, for more than a week or two unless prescribed by a doctor. Long-term use can cause the skin to become very thin and lead to other skin problems.
- Harmful to eczema or cracked skin: Although good for dry skin, ingredients like urea or lactic acids can aggravate the condition if you already have eczema or cracked skin.
A little reminder...
Before you start using a new moisturizer, always do a small patch test. That is, apply a small amount to a small area, like behind your ear, and wait 24 hours. Only use it on your face or body if there is no redness, itching, or other allergic reaction.
A few tips to get the most out of your moisturizer
It's not enough to just choose the best moisturizer. To get the most out of it, you also need to use it correctly.
1. Use more than one type if necessary: You don't need to fill your cupboard with tons of moisturizer bottles. However, it's really good for your skin to use a light lotion for your face and a thicker cream for dry areas of your body (like elbows and knees).
2. Apply to damp skin: After bathing or washing your face, apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp, without rubbing it hard with a towel. This will help it absorb the moisture in your skin and keep it hydrated for longer.
3. Do it twice: Do you have uneven skin tone? Then choose a tinted moisturizer that matches your skin tone. It can moisturize your skin while also providing a light coverage like a foundation.
Finally, remember, the skin is the largest organ in our body, and taking good care of it is essential for a healthy life.
Take-Home Message
- The first step is to accurately identify your skin type (oily, dry, sensitive, normal).
- Choose a light lotion for oily skin, a cream for normal skin, and a thick ointment for very dry skin.
- The moisturizer used during the day should definitely contain at least SPF 30 sunscreen.
- Read the ingredients list. Choose products that are free of fragrance and colors, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- If you have a skin condition such as eczema, chronic itching, or acne, please seek advice from a qualified medical professional (doctor) rather than trying different products on a guess basis.
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