Advice From the Expert :: How to Choose a Moisturizer Based on Your Skin Type

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As a makeup artist, one of the most frequent questions I am asked is not about makeup at all, but rather skincare. Facial moisturizer to be specific and whether or not it is necessary to wear on a daily basis.

Y’all, let me take this moment to answer this question for you once and for all. YOU SHOULD BE WEARING MOISTURIZER EVERY DAY AND NIGHT NO MATTER WHAT!

You see, no amount of makeup, or lack thereof, is going to look good if the skin it’s sitting on is unhealthy or malnourished. Moisturizer is giving your skin much-needed hydration and with the weather finally feeling like winter, we all could use more hydration.

So, how do you know which moisturizer is the right one for you? When a woman sits in my chair, the very first question I ask her is to describe her skin for me. For many, this is a difficult task because your skin changes not only with the seasons but for some, on an almost daily basis.

Below is the rundown of skin types and what kind of moisturizers are recommended. I have included my personal favorites for each skin type, but just as skin types vary from person to person, so do the products that will work best for you.

Dry Skin

Is your skin peeling? Cracked? Does your face feel tight when you get out of the shower? If you answer yes to any of these questions you might have dry skin.

Moisturizing is the most essential thing for dry skin. For excessive dryness, look for a moisturizer that is extra creamy or a balm. If your skin is cracked, an oil-based moisturizer will help skin retain moisture.

Tight skin and fine lines are indicators of dry skin.
Tight skin and fine lines are indicators of dry skin.
 

Major Splurge Option: Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm $96 A super-rich emulsion that helps strengthen skin with antiaging Extra Repair Complex. *I know suggesting a super pricey moisturizer right off the bat is going to turn some of you off, but I have used this product on and off for over eight years and swear by it. I have personally seen the Balm work its magic on women with severely dry skin in their twenties up through their eighties!

Steal Option: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream $14.50 Dermatologist-developed formula combines all-day protection with skin-strengthening ingredients to soothe even the driest skins.


Oily Skin

Do you have a shine to your skin throughout the day? Do you have large pores? Are you prone to frequent blackheads or breakouts? If you answer yes to any of these questions you might have oily skin.

A common misconception is that people with oily skin do not need to moisturize. Everyone needs to moisturize! If you have oily skin you may be prone to breakouts and fearful that moisturizer will cause more skin issues, picking the right formula such as an oil-free skin serum or a gel-based moisturizer will give you hydration without clogging pores.

Excess shine
People with oily skin experience excess shine.

Splurge Option: Philosophy ‘take a deep breath’ $37 Enriched with a blend of antioxidants, ‘energizing oxygen’ protects skin against environmental attack and keeps skin cells at peak performance. Skin soon is revitalized and positively glowing.

Steal Option: Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 $8 This oil- and fragrance-free facial moisturizer provides ample hydration, but it’s light enough not to clog pores. It also filters out both A and B ultraviolet rays.


Normal/Combination

Are you oily in the T-zone (forehead and nose)? Do you get a little dry in the winter? If you answer yes to any of these questions you might have normal/combination skin.

When skin is in a dry stage choose an oil-based or cream moisturizer. When skin is more normal, a lighter water-based moisturizer is a great option.

Combination skin experiences dry and oiliness.
Combination skin experiences dryness and oiliness.

Splurge Option: Kielh’s Ultra Face Cream $47.50 for 4.2oz This cult classic helps reduce moisture loss while drawing and absorbing moisture from the air. With continuous moisture replenishment throughout the day, leaves skin smooth, soft and healthy-looking

Steal Option: Olay Complete All Day UV Moisturizer with SPF 15 $7.64 There is a reason women have been using Olay products for decades. This gentle, non-greasy formula provides moisture while helping to protect skin from daily incidental sun exposure.


Sensitive Skin

Do you experience redness to your skin? Have you had an allergic reaction to makeup or skincare? If you answer yes to any of these questions you might have sensitive skin.

The most important factor in choosing a moisturizer for sensitive skin is making sure that the moisturizer is indeed formulated for sensitive skin. It might be void of skin irritants or dyes and fragrances. Look for a brand with an SPF of 30 or above to gain the most protection UV Rays, which tend to increase the likelihood of allergy attacks for sensitive skin.

If you have redness after washing your face or being outdoors you may have sensitive skin.
If you have redness after washing your face or being outdoors you may have sensitive skin.

Splurge Option: Squalane Facial Oil $32 This olive-derived oil by Indie Lee was created when the brand’s founder beat cancer caused by environmental toxins.

Steal Option: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF15 $14.27 Dermatologists give this lightweight lotion a collective stamp of approval for its gentle but effective moisturizing ability and protection against both A and B ultraviolet rays.


Choosing the Right Product For You

There are a ton of moisturizers on the market. It can be overwhelming to know which one is going to be best for your skin. I highly recommend taking your time and reading reviews of moisturizers you may be interested in. If you are looking at a department store brand, ask for samples and try before you buy. Whether you use a $100 formula or a bargain brand does not matter as long as you are using a moisturizer specifically catered to your skin type.

How would you describe your skin? What brand of moisturizer are you currently using? Do you have any skincare questions or concerns for me?

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Ashleigh
Ashleigh always knew she wanted to be a mom, but a stay at home mom, not so much. At 26 she found herself trading in her lipstick and high heels for Burt’s Bee’s and nursing bras. The first of their core group of friends to have kids, Ashleigh and her husband Eric strive to maintain their fun loving lifestyle while simultaneously raising their toddler daughter. Luckily, Tiny Girl is an adorable extrovert who loves getting out and about as much as her parents. On weekends you can find the threesome strolling the aisles of Target, road tripping it to Charleston, or hosting friends in Irmo for epic board game battles.

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