There is no single best facial moisturizer for everyone. But there is one best facial moisturizer for you and your facial type.
As you travel and perform your daily routines, your face accumulates dirt and bacteria. And in order to remove these (as well as the accumulated dead skin cells) you need to wash your face daily.
However, washing your face can strip water from your skin — water that is needed to keep your face fresh and supple. It is for this reason that you need to apply a facial moisturizer that will help lock in moisture.
Choose a moisturizer based on your skin type
What’s worse than not applying a facial moisturizer at all is using a moisturizer that does not match your skin type. For example, if you have dry skin, using conventional facial moisturizers can do more harm than good by irritating your face. But how do you choose a moisturizer depending on your skin type?
In order to determine your skin type, wait until the end of the day and examine your T-zone. Check whether it is oily, dry or normal.
If you have oily skin, you will fare better with lotions that have exfoliating ingredients. On the other hand, if you have dry skin, you need a cream-based moisturizer with an ample amount of oil. For normal skin, a small amount of an ointment moisturizer will do. If you have a skin type that is classified as a combination of the aforementioned, it is best to stick with lotion-based moisturizers that contain no acids.
Don’t forget to factor in the climate
Another crucial factor you need to consider in choosing which facial moisturizer to buy is the climate in the area where you live in.
For example, if you live in an area that has a cool climate, you should choose an ointment that can be readily absorbed and offers extra protection against the elements.
On the other hand, if you live in an area with a humid climate, opt for a gel-based moisturizer. This type of moisturizer will help you avoid having an oily face even if the temperature rises.
How to buy a moisturizer
Before you actually buy a particular moisturizer, it is a good idea to test it for about two weeks. Apply a small amount on your forearm and watch out for signs of allergies or irritation. Do note that even some moisturizers which claim to be hypoallergenic can still irritate your skin.