Facial moisturizers come in all types, formulations and strengths,109, which can make for a confusing experience for the consumer. The basics are very easy in that most products come in gets, lotions, emulsions or creams. Gels are typically for oilier skin types, as they are water-based formulations with no added oil. Lotions contain a small amount of oil and are suitable for normal and oilier combination skin types,109. The emulsions have a slightly thicker consistency are made for normal, or drier combination skin types. Creams are of course for drier skin types, as well as dehydrated skins and ones with sensitivity.
To break it down even further, if you have oilier and acne prone skin,107, it needs to be handled very carefully,105. Many people assume that oily skin types do not need moisture but this is not true,108, the different is oily skin does not need the same as that of a drier skin,102. This type needs water-based moisture, as this skin can easily become dehydrated with over stripping the epidermis with astringents that are too harsh.
If the natural oils are stripped from the skin, it will work overtime to produce more oil,104, thus further complicating the problem,107. That is why it is good to strike a good balance because too much moisture will clog the pores, and too little will dehydrate the skin. Always look for oil free, water based formulas with a physical sunscreen, if you have oily skin,102.
Normal skin types have several choices for their moisture level is where it should be on it own most of the time,105. They can opt for a lotion for maintenance or an emulsion is the cheeks are drier, thus resulting in a dry combination skin. If you have an oily combination skin is the concern, than it is best to opt for a lotion.
Dry and sensitive skin types, as well as dehydrated skins more often than not need a heavier cream. However, if a person does not desire a heavy cream, there are cream gels to meet the needs of those with dryer skin types.
In addition to the basics functions of a moisturizer, there are products out there that do double and sometimes triple duty. With this, it means buying a moisturizer with built in anti-aging ingredients, or exfoliators such as beta or alpha or glycolic acids. These will naturally exfoliate the skin without the peeling effect. In addition, most moisturizers can be worn under makeup, although there are some specifically designed for nighttime use and daytime use. The ones for daytime use contain the sunscreens and you obviously do not need a sun block at night. In addition, night moisturizers have a thicker consistency since the skin does its repair work at night while we sleep.
With a little research on the internet or in magazines and asking a few key questions, you can definitely find the perfect moisturizer that will meet all of your skincare concerns as well as your needs.