How to choose the right moisturizer
With all sorts of moisturizers on the market, it’s hard to know which one is for you.
Moisturizers are vital to treating dry skin, but it’s not all they do. They also protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections. What’s more, moisturizers not only hold water in the outermost layer of skin but also act as a temporary barrier. The moisturizer that’s best for your skin type depends on several different factors, including your skin type, your age, and whether you have acne or other skin conditions.
If your skin is …
Normal
If you have normal skin, it’s neither too dry nor too oily. So, if you want to maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance, you should use a water-based moisturizer with a light, non-greasy feel. These moisturizers frequently contain lightweight oils or silicone-derived ingredients.
Dry
If you want to restore moisture to dry skin, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that contains ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated. Try petrolatum-based moisturizers if you’re going to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you have dry and cracked skin; they last longer and keep water from evaporating from your skin.
Oily
Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. That said, oily skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that remove oils and dry out the skin. You should try a light moisturizer, which can help protect your skin after washing. Choose a water-based product that’s labeled noncomedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin is susceptible to skin irritations, redness, itching, or rashes. Check out moisturizers that contain soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe, and steer clear of fragrances or dyes. Avoid moisturizers that contain acids, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Mature
As you age, your skin becomes drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. Look for moisturizers containing petrolatum as the base and antioxidants or alpha hydroxyl acids to combat wrinkles. These ingredients help hold in moisture and prevent flaky, scaly skin.
Some moisturizers, like LaserAway Beauty Drenched Peptide Enriched Moisturizer, are formulated for all skin types. This means that they are formulated to be gentle enough for sensitive skin yet effective for most skin types.
Ingredients to look for in a moisturizer
In addition to following these guidelines, you should also look for moisturizers with these essential ingredients.
• Sun protection
If you haven’t already figured it out, you should wear sunscreen daily. The easiest way to do this is to choose a daytime moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher, like LaserAway Beauty BFF SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, for the best effects. Why? Because sun damage causes wrinkles, age spots, and broken capillaries.
• Antioxidants
Antioxidants that contain vitamins E and C fight the free radicals that can cause your skin to age prematurely. Check out serums formulated with vitamins C and B that encourage collagen support, such as LaserAway Beauty Wake Me Up Vitamin C Firming Day Serum.
• Retinoids
A form of vitamin A that stimulates skin cell renewal and increases collagen production, retinoids help with fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Look for retinol serums that accelerate cell turnover to repair and recharge the skin, like LaserAway Beauty My Hero Retinol Repair Night Serum.
• Peptides
Peptides help with collagen production and elastin stimulation. They are the most helpful at night when the skin is in renewal mode because they heal and regenerate the skin. Any high-quality moisturizer should contain peptides as an essential ingredient.
• Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that keeps skin hydrated by drawing water to the skin. This is an essential ingredient in any high-quality moisturizer! Many skincare products, from eye creams to moisturizers, contain this ingredient, such as LaserAway Beauty Eye Opener Multi-Corrective Eye Serum.
“Tech support” for your moisturizing routine
If you want smoother, healthier skin, it all starts with the right moisturizer. Combining the right moisturizer for your skin with a skin fitness treatment will make you look and feel ready for the catwalk. Try a Clear + Brilliant laser skin resurfacing treatment, or become more radiant with an intense pulsed light (IPL) photo facial. The possibilities are endless.
References
- “Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin,” WebMD, October 31, 2012.
- “How to Find the Right Skin Moisturizer,” Everday Health, September 25, 2010.
- “How to Pick the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin,” Good Housekeeping, February 1, 2016.
- “The Best Moisturizers For Your Skin Type & Budget,” Refinery29, April 28, 2017.
