When choosing a moisturizer for your skin type, there are a lot of factors to consider. For example, do you have oily skin, and if you do, is it also very sensitive and reactive? If it is then your options may become a bit more limited.
And, aside from your skin type the weather can also affect the type of moisturizer your skin will need. During winter, extreme cold and dry winds can strip the skin of moisture, in which case you’d opt for a heavy moisturizer to seal in hydration. But, you may not end up needing the same heavy moisturizer during the summer months.
Once you’ve got down your skin type, then you can consider the specific skin concerns you are looking to target. So, if you deal with acne you can look for moisturizers that specifically target this concern.
While you don’t necessarily have to be a cosmetic chemist to figure out the best moisturizer for your skin, it does help to do your research beforehand especially when it comes to ingredients. Not all ingredients are going to target your specific concern and you’ll want to look out for the ones that may trigger sensitive skin.
Moisturizers for each skin type
Narrowing down your skin type will go a long way in helping you determine the right moisturizer for your skin type. Let’s say you have oily skin, you probably won’t want to slather your already oily skin in an occlusive moisturizer (moisturizers with petrolatum, oils, butters).
Oily/Combination Skin
Oily skin is characterized by the overproduction of sebum especially on certain areas of the face, like the t-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). This excess oil may also trigger acne and clogged pores. Similarly combination skin types also deal with excessive sebum but also have dry spots here and there.
A great moisturizer for this skin type would be something that’s on the lighter side and water-based so it doesn’t weigh down the skin. You don’t want a moisturizer that’s too heavy and may end up clogging up your pores even more, like oil or butter-based moisturizers.
The Hanhoo Dermafix Blemish Moisturizer is more on the lightweight side to help keep oily and combination skin types hydrated without feeling greasy or heavy on the skin. Plus it's made with Green Tea and Calamine to help control excess oiliness.
Dry Skin
If you deal with dry skin then your skin may appear flaky and can feel tight and dry. With the lack of moisture in the skin dry skin types may also have more pronounced fine lines and dull skin.
Dry skin types can benefit the most from oil or butter based (think Shea Butter) moisturizers. A thicker moisturizer can help alleviate the tightness associated with dry skin and can also help keep the skin moisturized longer.
The Hanhoo Men Blemish Moisturizer is a bit on the creamier side to help give the skin extra hydration and is made with Avocado Oil to help keep dry skin moisturized.
Normal Skin
Normal skin type is pretty self-explanatory. It’s generally well-balanced; not too oily and not too dry. But, weather can always affect anyone’s skin no matter the skin type. So, if you have normal skin but are going through bouts of dryness due to cold, harsh weather then you can try out a thicker moisturizer for the time being (until the weather lets up).
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin isn’t necessarily a whole skin type on its own. Any skin type can have a combination of oily and sensitive or dry and sensitive. In this case you want to be really careful of the ingredients in your moisturizer.
When shopping for a moisturizer while also being mindful of reactive skin, it’s best to stick to moisturizers with fewer ingredients, no fragrance or essential oils, and no alcohol. These ingredients can cause redness and irritation in sensitive skin types.
Final tips…
Regardless of skin type, make sure to check out the label of your moisturizer to assure that the ingredients are best suited for your skin. And while you don’t have to know the exact function of every single ingredient it helps to look out for anything you already know doesn't mesh well with your skin or for ingredients that will best help with your skin concern. Like, if you have dark spots, try out a moisturizer with brightening ingredients like Niacinamide or Vitamin C.
