When it comes to skincare, a good facial moisturiser is as essential as water to your body.
Yet, many people either skip this step or grab whatever’s trendy without considering their unique skin type.
Using the wrong moisturiser can do more harm than good.
It can lead to clogged pores, excess oil, dryness, or even breakouts.
So, how do you choose the right one? Let’s break it down.
Why moisturising matters
Moisturising is not just about avoiding dry patches. A good moisturiser helps:
- Balance your skin’s natural oil production
- Protect against environmental damage
- Improve texture and elasticity
- Support the skin barrier
- Enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products
Skipping moisturiser or choosing the wrong one can disrupt your skin’s equilibrium, leading to issues like dehydration, irritation, or acne flare-ups.
To choose the right moisturiser, you first need to understand what your skin needs.
Oily skin
If you have a shiny T-zone, enlarged pores and are prone to breakouts, then you most likely have oily skin.
What to look for
- Lightweight, gel-based or water-based moisturisers
- Non-comedogenic formulas (won’t clog pores)
- Ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid
Oily skin still needs hydration, and skipping moisturiser can actually cause your skin to overproduce oil to compensate.
Dry skin
If you have dry skin, it would have flaky patches, feel tight and appear dull.
What to look for
- Rich, cream-based moisturisers
- Emollients and occlusives like shea butter, ceramides, or squalane
- Hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid
Dry skin lacks lipids to hold moisture in, so a rich moisturiser helps restore the skin barrier and soothe irritation.
Combination skin
This skin type is oily in some areas (usually the T-zone) and dry or normal elsewhere.
What to look for
- Lightweight lotion or gel-cream textures
- Balancing formulas with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or green tea
- Multi-moisturiser strategy (use different products on different zones)
A balanced approach prevents over-moisturising oily areas and under-nourishing dry ones.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is easily irritated, prone to redness and reacts to new products.
What to look for
- Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations
- Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, or oat extract
- Minimalist ingredient lists
The wrong moisturiser can trigger flare-ups or compromise your skin barrier further.
Normal skin
This skin type rarely breaks out or feels dry and has an even tone and texture.
What to look for
- Light, non-greasy lotions or creams
- Ingredients that maintain hydration, like hyaluronic acid or peptides
Even if your skin is “normal,” keeping it hydrated helps delay signs of ageing and maintain your natural glow.
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