The basic function of a skin moisturizer is to hydrate the skin. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that the more expensive the moisturizer is, the better it is for your skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the price of a moisturizer does not relate to its effectiveness. The best moisturizer for your skin is one that effectively hydrates your skin, feels "nice" on your skin, and does not cause skin sensitivity reactions.
Step 1
Consider your skin type. If you have severely dry skin, choose an oil-based cream that is thick in consistency. For skin that is moderately dry, choose an oil-based lotion, which has a thinner consistency than a cream. If your skin is minimally dry, choose a water-based lotion or gel.
Step 2
Read the moisturizer's ingredient label. Look for simple moisturizers, which contain few ingredients to minimize the chance of skin sensitivity reactions, such as a rash or hives. The fewer ingredients, the better. If you have rough or dark patches of skin, choose a moisturizer that contains glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), both of which increase the speed of skin cell shedding to expose the underlying layers of skin.
Step 3
Decide if you want a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends choosing moisturizers that contain zinc oxide as a sunscreen because zinc oxide "gives broad spectrum protection and doesn't break down." It is also one of the safest and least toxic chemical sunscreens available, according to the EWG. Moisturizers that contain glycolic acid or AHA make your skin more sensitive to the sun and should therefore always contain a sunscreen.
Step 4
Smell the moisturizer to determine if like the scent. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a fragrance-free moisturizer. According to the Mayo Clinic, "fragrances in skin-care products are the most likely cause of skin irritations or contact allergies."
Step 5
Try the moisturizer. This is the ultimate deciding factor when choosing a moisturizer. It should absorb quickly and not feel greasy. The moisturizer should feel good on your skin. Wear the moisturizer for 15 minutes before you decide if you like it. Once the moisturizer has had a chance to settle on your skin, you can determine how it makes your skin feel and look. If your skin still feels dry, try a cream that is thicker in consistency. If your skin feels greasy, try a thinner lotion or water-based gel. If the moisturizer makes your skin feel itchy, try a simple moisturizer that only contains a few ingredients.
Tips and Warnings
- Pure aloe vera gel is an effective, light, water-based moisturizer for oily skin types. Pure shea butter provides excellent protective moisture to severely dry skin.
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