Moisturizers

Are moisturizers all they’re hyped up to be?  Yes!  The best moisturizers help to prevent fine lines (especially for those with dry skin) and improve the appearance of your skin over time. We’ve all had the experience of being dry, applying a moisturizer, and having our skin look instantly better. They work to retard your skin’s natural loss of moisture. They also add moisture back in.

What are the best moisturizers for my skin type and needs?

In general, here’s how to look for a moisturizer that suits you:

Oily skin or acne: you’ll want to use a moisturizer like a gel that will hydrate (add water to) your skin, but won’t add more oil.

Normal skin: you’ll want a lotion or light cream.

Very dry skin: use a heavy cream that takes a minute or two to absorb into your skin.  And apply it more frequently than once or twice a day.

Everyone should: use a moisturizer around their eye area and on their necks because we all have very few oil glands in those areas.

If you’re oily through the T-zone area: just use your moisturizer on your eye area, your cheeks, and your neck.

Pros and cons of oily or dry skin

Each of the basic types of skin is both a blessing and a curse.

If you have oily skin, you have your own natural moisturizer and less tendency toward wrinkles. But you’ll have more of a tendency toward acne and larger pores.

If you have dry skin, you’ll have a greater tendency toward wrinkles but much less tendency toward acne and large pores. There’s something positive about each skin type.

What specific brands and lines of moisturizers do you recommend?

My shop has some of my favorite facial moisturizers for your consideration. These are moisturizers I have researched and tested with my team and found to be effective in my patients and myself. I am not paid by these companies to endorse them. I only offer them here because I have had positive experience with the brand’s results. On the product pages, I indicate which skin type each moisturizer should be used with, as well as notes on how to use them. For body moisturizers, here are some good body products in my shop as well. Here’s some highlights to get you started:

 

Best moisturizers for oily and/or acne-prone skin

  1. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
    $178.00 USD
    It’s great for those with oily skin and acne because it hydrates without oil.
  2. Estée Lauder Clear Difference Advanced Oil-Control Hydrator
    For oily and blemish-prone skin (a bit more expensive; available at department stores)
  3. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
    $78.00 USD
    Men, and almost anyone with oily or acne prone skin, love this product. Its hyaluronic acid base adds hydration without any oil. Very light, and still hydrating. One of the best moisturizers on the market for oily skin, in my opinion.  Expensive but worth it.

 

Best moisturizers for normal and combination skin

  1. SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
    $60.00 USD
    This lightweight, pore-minimizing moisturizer is for normal or combination skin. A nice, light basic moisturizer. This is perfect if you are about 30 with normal or combination skin or older but not too dry.
  2. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
    Around $12 (available at your drugstore)
    For normal, sensitive skin 

 

Best moisturizers for dry skin

If you’re looking for more budget-conscious options, here are some drugstore and department store options that are really affordable as well:

  1. SkinMedica Replenish Hydrating Cream
    $64.00 USD
    This product is very moisturizing.  Stays on the skin longer than most.  In my own skin care product regimen especially in dryer climates or skiing.
  2. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Lotion
    Around $11 (available at your drugstore)
    For normal to dry skin
  3. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
    Around $12 (available at your drugstore)
    For dry, sensitive skin 

 

Best of luck!

Dr. Irwin

 

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Prevent acne and fine lines with the right moisturizer! A guide to the best moisturizers for your skin type...

Prevent acne and fine lines with the right moisturizer! A guide to the best moisturizer for your skin type…