Trae’s Guide to Moisturizers for Every Skin Type

Hey beautiful friends,

Moisturizer – it's a skincare essential, but with so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your skin? The key lies in understanding your unique skin type: dry, oily, or combination. Each type has specific needs, and the right moisturizer will keep your face feeling hydrated, healthy, and radiant.

Know Your Skin Type:

• Dry Skin: Feels tight, flaky, and may even be itchy or uncomfortable. Dry skin lacks moisture and can appear dull or ashy.

• Oily Skin: Prone to shine and may experience breakouts. Oily skin produces excess sebum, an oil that can clog pores.

• Combination Skin: A combination of dry and oily zones. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is oily, while the cheeks are normal or dry.

It took a variety of moisturizers for me to determine my skin type. When I was in my 20s I had combo, but now I have realized I am in the dry skin phase of my life. So be sure you look for changes as you age, it won’t always be the same. How do you determine your skin type? The best advice I received was to wash your face with your daily soap or face scrub. Pat it dry and wait for 20-30 minutes. Don’t put anything on your face right away, just let it sit. If your skin feels tight and uncomfortable like mine did, then you have dry skin. If you immediately feel greasy or oily, you know you have oily skin. If your face is oily in some areas and dry in others, you have combination skin. Of course, you can always seek advice from your dermatologist and have them verify.

Once you know your skin type, you can choose a moisturizer formulated to address your specific needs:

Dry Skin Heroes:

• Look for: Thick, creamy formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter. These ingredients attract and retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling plump and hydrated.

• Avoid: Products labeled "oil-free" or "astringent," as they can further dry out your skin.

• I have found that Urban Retreat’s product line has changed my skin and complexion dramatically!

  • https://www.urban-retreat.com/me/angie-brisbin/?ref_id=NDc3NDAw

    • I use the whole system but my moisturizer is the Ultraderm Day Cream - Dry. I use it once in the morning and once before bedtime. I don’t feel dry all day long!

Oily Skin Solutions:

• Look for: Lightweight, oil-free formulas with mattifying ingredients like clay or witch hazel. These ingredients absorb excess oil and control shine without clogging pores.

• Hyaluronic acid can also be a good option for oily skin, as it hydrates without feeling greasy.

  • Not only for oily skin, but I use this on my visible wrinkle spots. I tend to swap between UR’s and The Ordinary’s hyaluronic treatments. I apply these before my moisturizer. Make sure to count to 26 before layering on more products! That is how long it takes for normal skin to absorb!

    • https://www.urban-retreat.com/index.php?route=product/search&search=hyaluronic&category_id=0

    • https://amzn.to/3vJ3W1b

• Avoid: Comedogenic ingredients (ingredients that can clog pores), often labeled as "comedogenic" on the product label.

Combination Skin Champions:

• Look for: Lotions or gel-creams that offer lightweight hydration without excess oil. Hyaluronic acid is a great choice for combination skin because it hydrates without clogging pores.

• Consider using a different moisturizer for your T-zone and cheeks. A mattifying moisturizer can be used on the T-zone, while a more hydrating formula can be used on the cheeks.

Beyond the Basics:

Here are some additional tips for finding your perfect moisturizer:

• Patch test new products: Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see if there's any irritation.

• Layer your skincare: Apply a hydrating serum under your moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration.

• Look for SPF: Sunscreen is essential for all skin types, so choose a moisturizer with SPF protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

  • My absolute favorite UVA/UVB daily sunscreen for my face is Tula Skincare: https://amzn.to/4cYSKOI

    • This does not smell bad, doesn’t get greasy, and I have never broken out from using it.

• Consult a dermatologist: If you have any concerns about your skin or are unsure which moisturizer is right for you, a dermatologist can offer personalized advice.

With the right moisturizer, you can achieve a healthy, hydrated complexion that glows from within. So, ditch the dry patches and greasy shine, and find your fountain of youth in a bottle!

What's your favorite moisturizer?

P.S. I am an affiliate marketer and may earn commission from purchases made through certain links in this post. However, all recommendations are based on my personal experience and what I find works best for me. #ad #commissionsearned