Not every moisturiser is created equal and all skincare lovers can attest to this. While it is true that everyone has different skin and consequently concerns and goals, there are some golden rules at are applicable across the board. The important ones are that sunscreen and moisturiser are two things that make up a solid skincare routine.
What are moisturisers?
Moisturisers are cosmetic formulations that protect, lubricate, and moisturise the skin. With thousands of different products available in the market, it can be a little challenging to find a formula that works for you. In this story ahead, we’re going to break the process down for you so you have no difficulties in choosing the right option.
What are the benefits of using moisturisers?
Moisturising makes the skin look plump and smooth and supports the skin barrier function. It keeps it healthy so you’re less prone to infections and breakouts.
What to look for in a moisturiser for dry skin
Those with dry skin suffer from a lack of oil in the top layer of the skin. Some signs of dry skin are tightness after washing your face, roughness, dry and flaky patches, and a lack of radiance. If you have dry skin, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Be Minimalist Sepicalm 3% + Oat Moisturizer
Price: ₹ 349
If you have dry skin that tends to break out sometimes, this formula is worth a go. It soothes and calms redness and irritation and is non-comedogenic. It is full of skin-friendly ingredients like oat extract, squalene, and amino acids that will drive away all signs of dryness and leave you with plump, soft skin.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Price: ₹ 1,699
This drugstore find does exactly what it claims: It moisturises skin and gives it a plump, dewy look. It is packed with hyaluronic acid, amino-peptide complex, and niacinamide that work in sync to nourish and replenish skin.
Cetaphil Moisturising Cream
Price: ₹ 465
This one takes a while–at least 10 minutes–to dry up on the skin but it gives you long-lasting hydration without clogging your pores. It is a fragrance- and paraben-free formula so if you have sensitive, dry skin, use it without worry.
What to look for in a moisturiser for oily skin
Most people are under the misconception that if they have oily skin, they do not need to use a moisturiser. This couldn’t be further from the truth because if you skip this step, your oil glands may go into overdrive to compensate for the hydration that they need. Look for products labelled as acne-prone, non-comedogenic, oil-free, and lightweight. Ingredients like salicylic acid and green tea are great when managing greasier skin.
Re’equil Oil-Free Moisturiser
Price: ₹ 350
Oily skin tends to, unfortunately, break out more often but this moisturiser can help with that. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic, ticking both the boxes on our list of requirements. It has the added benefit of alpha-bisabolol, an ingredient that reduces inflammation and irritation.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Price: ₹ 1,000
This formula does a great job of hydrating oily skin without making it look or feel greasy. It sinks into the skin immediately and gives it a smoother and plumper appearance. For this, you have to thank the hero ingredient: Sodium hyaluronate, a form of the famed hyaluronic acid. However, if you are someone who prefers fragrance-free formulas, steer clear of this one as it does have a very strong scent.
The Formula Rx Barrier Relief Lightweight Gel-cream Moisturizer
Price: ₹ 699
Coming in hot in this list of must-try moisturisers is this one from an upcoming homegrown brand called The Formula Rx. It has a comfortable gel-cream texture that is oil-free, lightweight, and incredibly hydrating. This one also uses hyaluronic acid which attracts water and binds it to the skin and niacinamide and colloidal oatmeal that soothes it.
What to look for in a moisturiser for normal and combination skin
BIODERMA Hydrabio Gel Crème
Price: ₹ 599
French skincare brands are touted for how well they work for skin because of their gentle and minimalist approach. This formula is a great pick for normal and combination skin as it contains niacinamide that calms down any irritation, salicylic acid that prevents and heals breakouts, and glycerine that provides a punch of hydration.
Quench Botanics Chialeader Oil Control Moisturizer
Price: ₹ 599
This formula is made using calendula flowers that reduce inflammation and rose myrtle fruit that soothes acne. The texture is fresh and light and helps to control oil and the in-built rollerball is a nice touch. But, if you have skin with active acne, it is best to squeeze out the product and use it with your fingers as rubbing the ball around may aggravate acne.
How to apply moisturiser
It goes without saying that moisturiser should be applied to cleansed skin. But did you know, applying it with 60 seconds of washing your face–on moist skin–is one way to trap moisture and prevent it from escaping?
Conclusion
No matter what your skin type is, it will benefit from moisturising. If you have dry skin, heavier, creamier products may be your best bet to preventing flaking and if you have oily skin, lightweight, gel textures are the way to go. For combination skin, lotion-like textures work wonders. Remember, the idea is to balance the amount of oil your sebaceous glands produce so you can have a healthier skin barrier.
FAQs
If I have oily skin, can I use an SPF moisturiser?
Yes. Some moisturisers contain SPF and just applying this with a hydrating serum can do the trick. Make sure you use an adequate amount of SPF (two-finger lengths, at least) to prevent sun damage.
Can I apply moisturiser multiple times a day?
Yes, you can. But make sure you are applying it on cleansed, damp skin.
Do I need to patch test my new moisturiser?
Yes. You need to patch test any and every new product you introduce in your routine.