Using a good quality moisturizer every day is one of the best ways to take care of your skin. However with all the different moisturizers being offered out there it’s important to find one that works well for your skin. Katrina Wong Shue who’s had problems with severe eczema ever since she was a kid has found that GlamGlow Waterburst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer works best for her. While this might work for her, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for you. Moisturizers fit for dry skin types might leave your skin feeling extra sticky, or one that works for oily skin might cause you break outs. Below, we’ll take a look at the best moisturizer ingredients to look out for depending on your specific skin type.
For Acne-Pone Skin: Salicylic Acid
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. For individuals with acne-prone skin, he recommends looking for a moisturizer that contains salicylic acid. The ingredient is often found in acne spot treatments and can help treat pimples and ensure that your pores are kept clear. Clean and Clear’s Dual Action Moisturizer is one such cream that contains salicylic acid. The moisturizer helps exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin to treat acne while hydrating it at the same time. Another product Dr. Zeichner recommends is Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer which works well for people with blackheads, keeping pores clear from any blockage. For those with more sensitive acne-prone skin, consider combining salicylic acid with unique anti-inflammatory botanicals like purslane and Chinese rhubarb or Indian chrysanthemum and Baikal skullcap.
For Dry Skin: Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another common ingredient for creams and oils. The vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that’s great at reducing UV damage in skin. It’s also a great way to nourish and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. That being said, Vitamin E works well for people with dry skin. In Pretty Me’s review of the AR Vitamin E cream, they explain how Vitamin E has the ability to soften even the roughest parts of your body like the elbows, knees, and the bottoms of the feet. Indeed, Healthline discusses how Vitamin E makes for an excellent moisturizer for dry, patchy areas of skin. For those with very dry skin on the face, The Body Shop has it’s own Vitamin E Intense Moisturizer that helps restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
For Oily Skin: Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is said to be a powerhouse ingredient for oily skin, especially for those who are prone to breakouts as well. Glycolic acid helps reduce excessive oil while prevent the plugging of pores that can lead to breakouts. Bustle points to Vichy Normaderm Anti-Aging Resurfacing Moisturizer for a glycolic acid cream that works well for oily skin. What’s great about these kinds of creams is that they’re non-sticky, non-comedogenic, and they provide a matte finish which works for people whose complexions tend to look shiny.