Finding the right moisturizer for your skin is essential to your skin’s overall health. Contrary to popular belief, all skin types need moisturizer—not just dry skin types. A good moisturizer has many benefits for your face, including replenishing the skin’s hydration levels after cleansing.

Cleansing the skin, while necessary, can strip the face of its natural oils and leave you with a dry complexion.  Cleansing, using moisturizer, and applying sunscreen are the three most important steps in any skincare routine—so skipping the cleansing step is not an option.

The benefits of face moisturizer

A moisturizer can seal in hydration, while also protecting your skin from irritation. When the skin becomes dry and irritated, it is not only uncomfortable, but it can lead to redness, cracked skin and itchiness. Moisturizer can also deliver active ingredients that can encourage cell turnover and lead to more youthful looking skin. Dermatologists agree that moisturizing is not a step that should be skipped in any skincare routine.

Choosing the correct moisturizer for your face

How to choose the right face moisturizer for your skin? First, it’s important to figure out your skin type to help determine the correct moisturizer for your face. Once you determine your skin type, you can research the most beneficial skincare ingredients for your dry, oily, combination or aging skin. Below, Global Education Manager at HydroPeptide Allison Shoemaker shares which skincare ingredients to look for in your moisturizer based on your skin type.

The best moisturizer for dry skin: 

Dry skin needs a moisturizer that will add things like fatty acids, ceramides, cholesterol, and other barrier enhancers to help protect the skin and prevent loss of hydration through the skin.  Other key ingredients like antioxidants and peptides are a plus. Try HydroPeptide Power Luxe, a hydra-rich infusion cream that protects the skin’s barrier and prevents dryness and sensitivity.

The best moisturizer for oily skin:

Oily skin needs low to no oil content, but lots of hydration and humectants.  It is important to keep oily skin hydrated.  Additional ingredients that help control oil and reduce inflammation are a plus. Try HydroPeptide AquaBoost, an acne-fighting, lightweight moisturizer that absorbs oil while also adding much needed hydration back to the skin.

The best moisturizer for combination skin:

Ideally you should treat the t-zone (forehead, nose, and chin—the area that secretes the most oil) and u-zone (cheeks and chin area, where it is typically the driest) with moisturizers that will provide what is needed for that particular area. 

Try HydroPeptide Face Lift, a non-oily and super lightweight daily moisturizer that incorporates antioxidants to protect from the environment plus humectants to protect the skin’s barrier. 

The best moisturizer for aging skin: 

Aging skin tends to be more dry, so you need additional moisture and barrier protection, along with advanced ingredients to address signs of aging.  These include ingredients such as peptides to address structural protein production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Try HydroPeptide Power Lift Moisturizer, packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid to fight fine lines and wrinkles and plump the skin while sealing in moisture.