Q:
What is the best facial moisturizer?
A:
Contrary to what you may have seen advertised, there aren't any facial moisturizers capable of turning back the hands of time or producing the same results as an invasive cosmetic procedure. That said, finding the right facial moisturizer for your particular skin type can help your skin restore its natural defense barriers against moisture loss and against free radical and environmental damage. Your skin will look and feel healthier not only because it is hydrated but also because it will be more effective at repairing itself, producing collagen and reducing inflammation. As a general rule when shopping for facial moisturizers, we strongly suggest only considering ones that are packaged in opaque, airtight containers. Moisturizers in clear and/or jar packaging are discouraged because it isn't sanitary to use your fingers to get the moisturizer out. Furthermore, repeated exposure to light, air and bacteria will break down the ingredients in the moisturizer causing it to lose its effectiveness over time.
Most facial moisturizers are designed for normal to dry skin types, and some of the best ones we've come across include Estée Lauder's Nutritious Radiant Vitality Essence Oil ($45/1.0 fluid ounces) and Olay's Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($18.99/ 1.7 fluid ounces). Oily skin doesn't necessarily need a moisturizer unless the other skincare products you are using are too irritating or harsh on your skin. In general, if you have slightly oily, combination or acne-prone skin, you should opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer (serums or gels), and you should never apply it to the areas of your face where you get oily. Some good facial moisturizers for slightly oily, combination or acne-prone skin include Peter Thomas Roth's Clini-Matte All Day Oil-Control SPF 20 ($48/1.7 fluid ounces) and MD Formulations' Moisture Defense Antioxidant Hydrating Gel ($44/1.0 fluid ounces). If you have sensitive skin, you should only use noncomedogenic moisturizers and you should especially avoid ones that contain fragrance, petrolatum or lanolin. We think two of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin are B. Kamins' Calming Lotion ($75 /1.7 fluid ounces) and CeraVe's Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($12.99/3.0 fluid ounces).
Most facial moisturizers are designed for normal to dry skin types, and some of the best ones we've come across include Estée Lauder's Nutritious Radiant Vitality Essence Oil ($45/1.0 fluid ounces) and Olay's Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($18.99/ 1.7 fluid ounces). Oily skin doesn't necessarily need a moisturizer unless the other skincare products you are using are too irritating or harsh on your skin. In general, if you have slightly oily, combination or acne-prone skin, you should opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer (serums or gels), and you should never apply it to the areas of your face where you get oily. Some good facial moisturizers for slightly oily, combination or acne-prone skin include Peter Thomas Roth's Clini-Matte All Day Oil-Control SPF 20 ($48/1.7 fluid ounces) and MD Formulations' Moisture Defense Antioxidant Hydrating Gel ($44/1.0 fluid ounces). If you have sensitive skin, you should only use noncomedogenic moisturizers and you should especially avoid ones that contain fragrance, petrolatum or lanolin. We think two of the best moisturizers for sensitive skin are B. Kamins' Calming Lotion ($75 /1.7 fluid ounces) and CeraVe's Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($12.99/3.0 fluid ounces).