All About the Different Types of Moisturizers: Gels, Lotions, Creams, Oh My!
There are many different types of moisturizers on the market these days, and it can be confusing to decipher which ones are best for you. Moisturizers are an essential part of any skincare routine, and finding the right face moisturizer can feel overwhelming. But don't worry—we're here to help!
First, let's talk about what facial moisturizers have in common. Most moisturizers contain ingredients to prevent loss of moisture while also drawing moisture into the skin. We call these ingredients humectants, and they include ingredients such as algae, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and propylene glycol. In addition, moisturizers also often contain emollients that fill in the spaces between skin cells, making the skin soft, smooth, and flexible. Emollients include ingredients such as rice bran, jojoba, and sunflower oil.
Now that we know what moisturizers have in common, let's look at the different categories and the skin types they are best suited for.
Gels
Our first style of moisturizer, gels are usually water or hyaluronic acid-based and generally oil-free. Gels boost and help maintain water levels in the skin and are appropriate for all skin types and ideal for acne-prone skin. That being said, dry skin types will likely want another moisturizer or hydrating SPF/sunscreen to boost their gel moisturizer.
On the other hand, those with oily skin can get away with just using a gel! This will help prevent water loss without overloading your face with more oil. Examples include Face Reality Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel, Rhonda Allison Luminous Wine Gel, and BiON Pure Hydration. Use these gels under your moisturizer to boost water hydration level, alone under your daily SPF, or in the PM under Face Reality Acne Med.
Gel-Creams
Gel-Creams are water-based rather than oil-based so they are lighter and soak into the skin faster than oil-based products. Like gels, these moisturizers are often less likely to clog pores. These qualities make gel-creams great for people with acne-prone skin who need help keeping hydrated without triggering breakouts. Look for nourishing ingredients like antioxidants or niacinamide that do more than just hydrate your skin. Some of our favorites are Le Mieux Sheer Hydration and Sorella Apothecary Daily Greens Moisturizer.
Lotions
Most lotions work well for all skin types. Lotions are heavier than emulsions but lighter than creams. This a very common style of moisturizer that can work for many different skin types. They are a good option for applying in the morning under makeup when you need more moisture without being too heavy. When shopping for this type of moisturizer, look for antioxidants, ceramides, or peptides that nourish your skin. Examples include Sorella Apothecary Blueberry Milk Moisturizer, Michele Corley Purifying Oxygen Lotion, and Face Reality Clearderma.
Creams
Creams are best for dry and aging skin as they have a higher oil content and are heavier than other moisturizing options. Cream formulations are usually used at night and often contain peptides or other nourishing ingredients that work overnight to help plump, moisturize, and reduce wrinkles while you sleep. Sometimes, you'll even see them referred to as night creams since that's their intended use. Creams usually take longer to soak into the skin as they are meant to slowly absorb. Look for actives like peptides and plant extracts that will boost collagen and nourish skin to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. These powerful options can be fantastic for helping to restore a healthy skin barrier as well! Examples are NeoGenesis Barrier Renewal Cream, Skin Script Hydrating Moisturizer, and Le Mieux 24 Hr Age Defying Cream.
Oils
Facial oils are great post exfoliation or when your skin is extra dry and flaky. You can also add them to your normal moisturizer to boost up the hydration during winter months. Some of our favorites are Rhonda Allison Infuse 7, Rhonda Allison Pure Grape Seed Elixir, Sorella Facial Nectar, and ORGAID Organic Facial Oil.
Balms
The most heavyweight option for moisturizers, balms are an excellent choice for damaged skin barriers and those who are exposed to extreme weather. Balms are also known as occlusives, which means they create a physical protective layer over the skin. This allows them to lock moisture into the skin and protect it from outside damage. It's extremely common to find balms that use petrolatum or mineral oil, which is totally safe and fine. If you want a more natural alternative, look for products with beeswax or lanolin instead. While balms can be your main moisturizer, they also excel as a spot treatment to restore problem areas. Anytime you notice a patch with dryness or flaking, just soothe and nourish it with your favorite balm. Examples of balms include Sorella Apothecary The Balm and iS Clinical SHEALD Recovery Balm .
As you can tell, you have a lot of choices when it comes to just moisturizers. If you ever need help choosing the right moisturizer, feel free to reach out to our live chat or if you'd like a personalized skincare routine, try out one of our free skincare checkup.
