How to find the best moisturiser for you

Most of us know by now that the use of a quality moisturiser is a crucial part of any skin care regime. But with so many different moisturisers on the market, knowing which to choose can be anything but straightforward. 

Of course, not all moisturisers are created equal, but even amongst high-quality moisturisers, not every moisturiser is right for every skin type. 

In order to find the right product for your skin, there are several factors that you should take into consideration. 

Follow our tips below to find the perfect moisturiser for you to achieve healthy, glowing skin that looks and feels its best. 

Know your Skin Type

Different moisturisers offer different things dependent on the formulation. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to first understand your skin type so you can make the right choices. 

• Dry Skin produces less natural oil (sebum) than normal skin and is caused by genetics, hormonal imbalance, age or a combination of the three. This skin type often feels “tight” and itchy and can have flakey patches or feel rough to the touch. It’s important to note, dehydrated skin, which is a temporary skin condition, may mimic the feel and look of dry skin, but is caused by environmental factors like climate and over exposure to hot water.
  

• Unlike dry skin, Oily Skin produces too much oil naturally. It may look shiny and feel greasy to the touch.
  

• Combination Skin, as the name suggests, is the combination between oily and dry skin types. This means that some areas might be oily, for example the T-zone, but other areas are normal or even dry.
  

• Normal Skin is skin that is neither too oily or too dry— an even and balanced tone.
  

• Sensitive Skin is prone to reactions, redness, itchiness, and inflammation. If you find your skin is easily irritated, you probably have sensitive skin.
  

For dry skin types, you will typically want to use a heavier moisturiser to lubricate the surface of the skin and seal in moisture, like O’Keeffe’s Skin Repair, whereas for oily skin you will want a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser that absorbs quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling weighed down. For combination skin, it’s wise to go for something on the lighter side, simply because the heavier products may further exacerbate the oily areas. Though this is true for all skin types, it’s especially important to avoid harsh additives and fragrances when it comes to selecting a moisturiser for sensitive skin—also, looking for a hypoallergenic formulation is also a good idea. Normal skin is the sort of the holy grail of skin types— as you might expect—you can pretty much use any type of moisturiser and be okay. Having said that, no matter your skin type; ingredients are everything when it comes to skin care products, so focus on quality over quantity. 

Look at the Ingredients

Moisturisers tend to fall into four categories; emollients, humectants, occlusives and ceramides.

Humectants work by drawing moisture into the skin to boost hydration and are suitable for all skin types. Examples include; glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid to name a few. 

Unlike humectants, Emollients work by replacing the natural oils on the surface of the skin, and filling the gaps between the cells.  This has the effect of smoothing and hydrating the skin. Common emollients to keep an eye out for are lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum. 

Ceramides are actually naturally found in the skin. When ceramide levels drop, it tends to manifest in skin becoming dry and damaged. Replacing the depleted ceramides in the skin can boost its ability to retain moisture. 

Finally, Occlusive ingredients are key for sealing hydration in. Usually oil based, these include lanolin and certain silicones like dimethicone to name a few. 

Each type of moisturising agent offers something different, so it’s wise to look for a product that contains ingredients from several different categories. 

Consider your Environment

The environment has a significant impact on your skin. Factors including; humidity levels, sun exposure, extreme temperatures and wind all play a role in determining what you might need from a moisturiser. 

For example, during the winter it’s common to need a heavier moisturiser to counterbalance the moisture sapping effects of the cold, dry air—you may also want something that provides a protective layer to guard against wind. Likewise, in the summer you might find a lighter, fast absorbing product feels better. Whether you choose a moisturiser that contains an SPF or apply suncream separately, protecting your skin against the sun is important all year round. Pay special attention to the way your skin reacts to the seasons and environment and take this into account when choosing your skin care products.

By understanding your skin type, the different types of moisturising ingredients and considering your environment; you should be able to select the perfect moisturiser to keep your skin radiant and healthy all year round.