Beginner's Guide: How to Choose the Best Moisturizer as Per Skin Type

Since it’s summer, some of you might wonder–why moisturizer is even important.

Well, to answer that question, moisturizer in summer is as important for your skin as it is in winter. Summer brings with it tanning and dryness from the heat. Our skin is delicate and summer heat can be very tough on it. A good moisturizer keeps the skin’s barrier intact with hydration and adds a protective layer to save it from the harsh summer heat. So, it’s wise to include moisturization in your summer skincare routine.

We know you must have a lot of other questions like—which is the best moisturizer for dry skin, what type of moisturizer is good for oily skin, and which step of skincare should moisturizer be at? Keep scrolling and our beauty experts will answer all your moisturizer questions!

Moisturizer Myths:

Myth #1: Only Dry Skin Needs Moisturizer

All skin types need moisturizer, including dry, oily, normal, combination, and even sensitive/acne-prone skin. Skipping moisturizer can cause the skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of hydration.

Myth #2: Moisturizer Clogs Pores for Oily Skin

If you choose a lightweight moisturizer that has non-comedogenic ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide, it won’t cause clogged pores. What can clog pores is excess oil production caused by skipping the moisturizer, and thus—acne.

Myth #3: I Don’t Need Moisturizer If I’m Applying Sunscreen

Using moisturizer will enhance the sunscreen's protection, and help delay skin aging in the long run. Beauty experts recommend not skipping the moisturizer. Just use one that’s lightweight & suits your skin type.

Myth #4: Body Lotion Is the Same as Face Moisturizer

Both are different formulations. Body lotions are specifically formulated for the thicker skin on the arms, legs, and back. Using it on your face may leave it sticky and greasy, and may even clog your pores, thereby provoking acne.

Myth #5: I Only Need Moisturizer During Winter

Seasonal variations, exposure to the sun, pollution, and summer heat—all make it necessary for the skin to stay hydrated. Skipping moisturizer means you’re skipping an important layer of protection, leaving your skin exposed to all these harmful agents.

Can I Apply Sunscreen Without Moisturizer?

As we mentioned before, moisturizer should be your skincare layer right before sunscreen, as it adds to the protection that SPF provides. The correct layering sequence is – moisturizer > sunscreen > makeup for maximum protection. You can read more about this here.

How to Choose a Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

Choose a thicker, heavier formula, which is also gentle. Oil-based moisturizers are the best moisturizers for dry skin, especially the barrier-repair formulas. Barrier damage due to dryness can also be one of the main causes of pimples on the face. So, make sure you use a good, hydrating, but non-greasy moisturizer to restore the barrier.

How to Choose a Moisturizer for Oily Skin?

Oily skin will benefit from lighter, water-based formulas—the best moisturizer for oily skin.

Lack of hydration can even cause more oil production, as mentioned above.

Oil-based facial moisturizers are also good for mature skin. They preserve moisture, in turn, preventing fine lines and promoting nourished, smooth, firm, and glowing skin.

How to Choose a Moisturizer for Combination Skin?

Moisturizers for combination skin should have a lighter, water-based formulation that keeps the oily and dry parts of the skin balanced. If the dry part is too dry, you can even use creams with ceramides, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid for the whole face, while heavier creams for the dry areas. Combination skin needs a little bit of trial and error sometimes; you have to listen to your skin.

How to Choose a Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin?

There’s more than one type of sensitive skin–acne-prone skin, oily sensitive skin, and dry sensitive skin. Sensitive skin will benefit from lightweight, soothing formulas with ingredients like aloe vera. Go for formulas that have ingredients that aren’t harsh on the skin. Try to look for suitable allergy-tested moisturizers for sensitive skin, if possible.

In Conclusion

We’re sure you’ve understood one skincare rule quite well—no matter what season or skin type—never skip moisturizer. Although we have told you what are the best moisturizers for oily skin, dry skin, and other types of skin, we’d love to know your thoughts in the comments. Also let us know which skincare routine you follow, and which moisturizer works best for you. Have a happy skin, have a happy summer, and XOXO, darlings! 🙂