Moisturizer is one of the most important skincare products that everyone should use every day. But, there are so many moisturizer options on the shelves that it’s no surprise people don’t know how to choose the right one. While any moisturizer is better than none, the right moisturizer can completely transform your skincare routine. In this blog, you can learn more about some of our top dermatologist-recommended moisturizers to boost hydration and keep skin looking its best. We’ll also discuss the right moisturizers for specific skin types and skin health needs to help you decide which product is right for you.

Understanding Your Skin's Needs

Not all skin requires the same level of moisture. Numerous factors impact what moisturizer to use, including:

• Skin type – The best moisturizer for dry skin is thicker while oily skin needs light, easily-absorbed products. Know your skin type and look for hydration products designed for your needs.
• Climate – If you live in a dry area, you may need to choose a heavier moisturizer. If you live in a more humid climate, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer.
• Lifestyle – For those who exercise regularly, sweating may necessitate a lighter moisturizer. If you spend a lot of your day outdoors, you may want to use a thicker moisturizer to protect against the elements.

Best Moisturizers for Every Situation

While working with a dermatologist is always your best bet to find the perfect moisturizer for your unique skincare needs, we have curated the list below of the best moisturizers recommended by dermatologists for every skincare need:

• Hydration-Boosting Cream Face by skinbetter Science – This unique moisturizer combines skin barrier-repairing ceramides with soothing and brightening botanicals for a gentle hydration boost. The velvety texture is thick enough to be deeply hydrating, but it’s light enough to be easily absorbed.
• Firming Night Treatment by Revision Skincare – If you’re struggling with sagging skin due to aging, the Revision Skincare Firming Night Treatment is for you. This product combines shea butter and peptides with calming ingredients like chamomile to brighten and hydrate skin. The skin-plumping peptides also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leave the skin looking firm and smooth.
• Dermal Repair Cream by Senté – Following dermatologic treatment, sunburn, or skin injury, a dermal repair cream can be essential to restore skin’s health and hydration. Sente Dermal Repair Cream is also an excellent option for daily hydration. Safe enough for sensitive skin, this product promotes healthy skin, even skin tone, and a smooth, youthful appearance. This non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formula is safe and effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
• Ultra-Light Moisturizer with TriHex Technology by ALASTIN Skincare – This lightweight moisturizer is perfect for those with oily and acne-prone skin, while still hydrating enough to be used as a daytime moisturizer for those with dry skin. The innovative TriHex technology promotes skin health through the production of healthy collagen and elastin for smooth, firm skin.
• Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 by SkinCeuticals – This moisturizer uses a unique combination of 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids to restore the skin’s natural protective barrier to improve moisture retention. While this formulation is thicker and creamier, it is easily absorbed into the skin.
• Intellishade Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Original 8oz – If you’re looking to streamline your skincare routine, this is the product for you. Revision Skincare Intelllishade Original combines a tinted moisturizer with UVA and UVB protection broad-spectrum sunscreen. This product hydrates the skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizes pores, prevents photodamage, and keeps skin sun safe.

Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin

Each person has unique skin health goals and needs, and the right moisturizer is essential to meet these individual goals. The best way to find the right moisturizer is to consult with a dermatologist who can make personalized recommendations. You can also keep the following tips in mind when choosing a moisturizer for your skin type:

• Oily skin – Choose a light, water-based or gel-based moisturizer that will be easily and fully absorbed into the skin. If you have combination skin or the weather is dry, you may want to apply a thicker moisturizer in the evening.
• Dry skin – Use a thicker, cream-based moisturizer in the morning and evening to prevent dry skin from becoming chapped and flaky.
• Acne-prone skin – Look for products that are marketed specifically as non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores. These moisturizers are typically lightweight and easily absorbed.
• Eczema-prone & sensitive skin – For sensitive and eczema-prone skin, look for what these products don’t have. You’ll want moisturizers free from dyes, fragrances, and other unnecessary ingredients. You may want to choose a product with skin barrier ingredients like ceramides.

Tips for Effective Moisturizer Application

The ideal way of applying moisturizer begins with an effective skincare routine. You should always begin your morning and evening skincare routines by cleansing your skin. Then, you should apply other skincare products, treatments, and serums in order of thinnest to thickest or as directed by your dermatologist. Once your skin is prepared with an effective skincare routine, you can apply your moisturizer. In the morning, don’t forget to follow up your moisturizer with sunscreen. To apply moisturizer, keep the following tips in mind:

• Give your face a little mist with water before you apply your moisturizer. It helps to lock in hydration.
• On top of lightly misted skin, apply moisturizer in a gentle, upward motion to lift the skin rather than pulling or tugging at the skin in a downward motion.
• Don’t rub moisturizer into the skin roughly. Be gentle.
• For thicker creams that don’t spread easily, gently tap them until they are absorbed into the skin.
• For thinner, gel moisturizers, you should apply them using circular movements until they’re completely absorbed.
• You need to apply enough moisturizer to coat your skin without leaving the skin feeling oily. After application, check your skin. If it looks greasy or feels oily, pat it with a damp cloth to absorb excess product.

Come Back to Explore More from Derm Skincare

We hope you’ll explore the moisturizers outlined on this page and the other moisturizers available on Derm Skincare. Come back to read our blog regularly to learn more about skincare products and how to boost your daily routine. We hope you’ll also explore the rest of our high-quality products that were hand-selected by dermatologists for the Derm Skincare site.