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| Home > Skin Care > Moisturizing Your Face Moisturizing Your Face As the climate changes throughout the year, so does our need of different skin care products to help our skin adjust to the different seasons. Of all skin care products, moisturizers are considered as one of the more important ones. Moisturizers come in various forms - creams, lotions and oils. They work by attracting and trapping moisture and oil in the skin, leaving it soft and supple. They remove the dull, ashen appearance of dry skin that many women are prone to. A good moisturizer also serves as a barrier between your skin and other elements such as harsh wind and pollution. It protects your skin from all the dirt you are exposed to and prevents your pores from clogging up. Choosing the right moisturizer is key to keeping your skin smooth. To choose the best moisturizer for you, you'll need to consider your skin type. Depending on your skin type, you may either choose an oil-based, water-based, oil-free, or vitamin-enriched moiturizer. For Oily Skin. If you have oily skin, you can typically forgo a moisturizer. Yes, you read that right. And despite what you may have heard, moisturizers will not prevent wrinkles. If you have oily skin, you normally won't need a moisturizer unless your skin gets dry in the winter. When this happens, opt for an oil-free formula that hydrates the skin. Consider products containing glycerin or other humectants that draw moisture to skin without clogging pores or imparting a greasy feel to the skin. For Combination Skin. If you have combination skin, apply a light lotion once or twice a day to the dry areas of the skin only. You will probably not need to apply the moisturizer to the forehead and nose as these are typically oily. During the summer, you can opt to switch to an oil-free product or eliminate it altogether. For Normal Skin. If you have normal skin, you would usually not need to moisturize unless your skin becomes dry in winter or in certain climates. In which case, you can opt to use an oil-free moisturizer. For Dry Skin. If you have dry skin, it is recommended that you moisturize two or three times a day. Pay close attention to your skin during the day as the frequency by which you need to moisturize your skin may vary depending on the climate. During the fall and winter, use a rich cream or lotion designed for dry skin and switch to a lighter lotion in the spring and summer. Avoid products containing vitamin A or retinol, which can further dry up the skin. Also, steer clear of greasy products that can clog pores, especially if your skin is acne prone. For Sensitive Skin. If you have sensitive skin, check to see whether you have oily, dry or combination skin and follow the guide above. But take special care in choosing your moisturizer carefully. A water-based formula may be best. Avoid ingredients that can irritate your skin such as alcohol, lanolin, retinol, vitamin A, PABA sunscreen, or fragrance. For Hyperpigmenting Skin. If you have hyperpigmenting skin, whether dry, combination or sensitive skin, moisturizing your skin is very important. Note that excessive dryness of this type of skin can lead to itching, scratching, and discolorations. When selecting moisturizers, it is best to avoid products with added ingredients such as vitamins, exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs), and benzoyl peroxide. These extra ingredients have the potential for inflamming the skin and then producing further hyperpigmentation. Always patch test your skin before using these products. On the other hand, a moisturizer containing sunscreen may be beneficial in preventing sun-induced pigmentation. When selecting moisturizers for this type of skin, it will be best to follow the guidelines for sensitive skin.
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