Are You Using the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type?

It’s no secret that moisturizing is an important part of caring for your skin. But could your moisturizer be doing more harm than good? If you’re not sure what kind of moisturizer is best for your skin type, here’s what you need to know.

Understand What’s in Your Moisturizer

There are a few key elements in most moisturizers that help them do their job. Before you select a moisturizer for your skin, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of what these ingredients are and what they do.

Occlusives – This type of ingredient works to lock in moisture, and there are plenty of substances that serve this purpose in moisturizers. A few more common ones include shea butter, coconut oil, and lanolin.

Emollients – These ingredients help soften and smooth out the surface of your skin by filling in crevices. Grape seed oil is commonly used as an emollient.

Humectants – These substances help draw moisture into the skin so that occlusives can lock it in. It should be noted that humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycol are typically used in smaller concentrations than occlusives and emollients.

If You Have Oily Skin

Oily skin and acne often go hand in hand, which is unfortunate. But if you do have oily skin, it’s important to look for one specific term on your moisturizers: non-comedogenic. When you see the term non-comedogenic on a moisturizer, it means that it was crafted with ingredients that won’t clog your pores and lead to potential acne flare ups. If you have oily skin, non-comedogenic moisturizers are an excellent addition to your acne skin care routine.

If You Have Normal Skin

Normal skin means that you have a good balance with your skin. It’s not too oily, it’s not too dry, and it’s not extremely sensitive. This is great! That being said, it doesn’t mean you can skip moisturizing. Even normal skin is prone to skin rashes and can turn into sun damaged skin if you’re not careful about sun protection. As such, UV protection and promoting a healthy skin barrier need to be your top priorities. Look for products with few ingredients and SPF.

If You Have Dry Skin

If you have dry skin, you might notice signs of wrinkles a little sooner than your peers with normal skin. This is because dry skin often lacks natural oils and lubricants that keep the skin supple. Oil-based moisturizers are going to be the best option if you’re living with dry skin. Make sure you’re selecting a thicker moisturizer that can keep that moisture locked into your skin, as well. And if you’re really suffering from dry skin, it could be worth asking your dermatologist if you might be suffering from eczema.

Taking care of your skin is one of the most important things you can do for your body. It helps when you’re using a moisturizer that benefits your specific skin type! If you have questions about your skin care routine, set up an appointment at North Pacific Dermatology today.