When choosing a moisturizer, it is important to always take into account your skin type. Is it dry, oily, sensitive, or aging? Dry skin types are better off with cream formulations, formulations that contain more oil than water in the base. Normal skin types may prefer a lightweight lotion for the day and a cream formula for use at night. Oily skin can be a little more tricky. During the day, either a moisturizer with shine-control properties or a hydrating serum would probably be ideal. At night, a non-comedogenic lotion should be used. During the winter, when the air is more dry, the non-comedogenic lotion could be used in the daytime as well.
When possible, it is best to choose a moisturizer than contains ingredients that will target other skin concerns as well. Persons with acne-prone skin should look for moisturizers with anti-bacterial or anti-inflammatory ingredients. During the summer, a moisturizer with antioxidants such as Green Tea, Vitamin E or Vitamin C, can help provide additional protection from sun damage. Those with sun damaged or flaky skin should look for moisturizers with Alpha Hydroxy Acids or Retinol. Those with age spots, freckles, or acne scarring should look for skin lightening ingredients like Vitamin C, Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, or Azelaic Acid.
