Some people still think that all moisturizers are the same and it’s just a cream that you can put on your face to keep it hydrated. But not exactly! There is such a wide variety of moisturizing products, and they all feel, smell different and provide different benefits to your skin.

We all must have spent so much time wandering the skincare aisles wondering which product to choose from the wide range of skincare products that encompasses face creams, body and facial moisturizers, and lotions or ointments for dry, sensitive, light, or dark skin. A moisturizer that doesn’t agree with your skin type usually leaves you still dry and uncomfortable, or worse, stings shortly after applying it.

So, how would you choose the best one for your skin type and how would you know which moisturizer is best for you?

Well, let’s help you choose the right moisturizer for giving your skin the healthy glow you’re looking for?

Cream, lotion and ointment – what is the difference?

The most important aspect of choosing a moisturizer is the type of your skin – oily, dry or a combination of both. If you have itchy or dry skin, you should lock in moisture with a thick ointment. Creams are thinner, help hydrate your skin and are good for normal skin. Lotions are the lightest as water is their main ingredient and are perfect for oily skin.

Based on the thickness of your moisturizer, you can decide on when and where to use it on your body. It is recommended to choose a light moisturizer for day and a heavier one for nighttime. It is also advisable to use a thicker cream for your body and a lightweight moisturizing lotion for your face. And, stick with lighter, hydrating moisturizers for summer season.

Moisturizers for various skin care concerns.

Sun Protection:Despite your skin type, it is recommended to use a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (Sun Protection Factor). To apply on face, look for one that is oil and fragrance-free.

Antioxidants: Moisturizers with antioxidants such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract can help keep any skin type looking fresh and healthy. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals molecules that break down skin cells.

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: If you’re prone to acne, choose a non-comedogenic (a skincare product or cosmetic that is formulated so as not to cause blocked pores) facial moisturizer.

Dry Skin: Select a heavier moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which can help keep your skin hydrated. Ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin.

Sensitive Skin: Go for a hypoallergenic (a skincare product that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction)and fragrance-free moisturizer. The less ingredients the safer as fewer ingredients mean fewer potential interactions with fragile skin. Choose the one that contains less than 10 ingredients.

Itchy Skin: If a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream doesn’t relieve itching, try 1% hydrocortisone steroid skin cream  at the affected areas for no longer than one week but   if this doesn’t resolve the itch ,consult a dermatologist as you may have a more serious skin problem.

Eczema: Use a thick moisturizing ointment containing petrolatum or use petroleum jelly to help soothe cracks and keep skin supple.

Things to avoid while choosing a moisturizer

More isn’t always better when it comes to the list of ingredients in a moisturizer. To get the most benefit for your skin, avoid some popular extras.

Colorings and perfumes:Fragrance is the NUMBER ONE most common cause of skin irritations and allergic reactions to personal care products.  Whether you want to moisturize dry or sensitive skin, or something in between, most experts say to avoid unnecessary and potentially irritating ingredients, like added colors and perfumes. Be aware that unscented is not the same as fragrance-free.

Body-friendly ingredients: What’s good for your body isn’t always good for your face. Cambio suggests avoiding facial moisturizers with popular body product ingredients like lanolin, mineral oil, waxes, or shea butter. “These can clog pores and cause acne on the face,” she says.

Overusing steroidal ingredients (for itchy skin): Limit your use of steroid cream or ointment to only one or two weeks unless your doctor recommends it longer. Overusing these creams can make skin very thin and lead to other

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Skin Moisturizer

Consider Your Skin Type: Is your skin dry, oily, normal or a combination of types? Are you acne-prone or have sensitive skin? A clear understanding of your skin type should help you determine which type of moisturizer to be used because different products are formulated for different skin types.

Read Labels: The label on any skin product may seem very attractive, but you can learn a lot from reading it closely. Specifically, look for moisturizers that are labeled “allergy tested” (less likely to cause allergic reactions) and “non-comedogenic” (less likely to clog pores). These labels don’t guarantee that a moisturizer won’t irritate your skin, but they are a solid starting point for most people.

Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp: Whichever moisturizer you choose, it will work better if you apply it to damp skin. Think about a sponge that’s dried out. If you put moisturizer on it, it won’t go anywhere. But if you soak the sponge in water and coat it with moisturizer, the sponge will absorb it. Your skin works the same way, happily lapping it up.

Make your moisturizer do double-duty:The best way to combat skin damage from the sun’s UV rays is to put on sunscreen every day. Be sure your moisturizer contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The pros recommend vitamin A or alpha-hydroxy acid for an anti-aging boost. Don’t forget to moisturize your neck and apply with upward strokes

Choosing a good moisturizer for your skin is already hard enough but taking the above tips into consideration can help you be smarter about how to care for your skin and ultimately find the best moisturizer that works for you.