Beauty
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Daily Face Cream?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

Choosing the best daily face cream usually involves the consideration of several factors. Skin type, weather, and inclusion of sunscreen are a few things to examine. In addition, it is important to note that many times price is not a key indicator of the efficacy of a daily face cream. Your individual budget will likely help dictate the types of products you consider purchasing as well.

Skin type is perhaps one of the most important aspects of choosing a daily face cream. Different products are formulated for many specific types of skin, and use of the wrong one can potentially wreak havoc on your skin. The basic types are oily, combination, and dry. A moisturizer’s weight, the presence of oil in a cream, and the amount of moisture it provides are three aspects of a cream that are different for each skin type.

Face cream.
Face cream.

Weather can sometimes affect how your body responds to moisturizers, so it might be advisable to own more than one type of skincare product. Many people find warm weather causes their skin to become overly moisturized, which can mean that fewer products might be needed. Dry skin during the winter could possibly benefit from a concentrated product that delivers more moisture.

Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.
Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.

Sunscreen is one of the vital components of a daily face cream if you are making an attempt to avoid early facial wrinkles and protect your skin from the sun's potentially harmful rays. Exposure to the sun is often blamed for the early onset of wrinkles. A daily face cream containing sunscreen will usually help protect you from excessive exposure, though sunscreen can be irritating to especially sensitive skin types.

Some people believe the more expensive a product is, the better the quality. This is often not the case, and avoiding the purchase of expensive skincare products that have not been proven successful is usually a good idea. Sometimes, inexpensive products are just as good as their expensive counterparts. One of the keys to finding them is to research your options by using books, magazines, or consumer guides, though personal experience is often the best barometer.

While it is important to find a daily face cream that is right for your skin type and provides the results you desire, it is also usually a good idea to look for products that fit within your budget. Skincare items can usually be found in a range of prices, making it relatively easy to find one right for you. Regardless of budget, finding a product that works well for you is perhaps the most important thing to focus on.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

A daily face cream should be moisturizing enough to keep skin hydrated all day but it should not clog pores. So it should be noncomedogenic. Otherwise, it will cause blackheads and whiteheads to form.

Unfortunately, creams with oils are moisturizing, but they clog pores. So they're not suited for daily use. Glycerin doesn't clog pores and that's what my daily moisturizer contains.

ysmina

@fBoyle-- There are lots of face creams on the market with moisturizing ingredients. You might want to try creams with natural oils like olive oil, cocoa butter or shea butter. Oatmeal is another great, moisturizing ingredient and it's suited for sensitive skin.

I think people with sensitive skin generally have issues with fragrance. So you might want to buy something that's hypoallergenic or fragrance free. I personally have to use a fragrance free face cream because once I developed a rash from my face cream which was heavily perfumed.

As for SPF, I use a cream with SPF 30 year around. In winter, SPF 15 might be enough, but you don't want anything less than SPF 30 for summer.

fBoyle

What is the best face cream for someone with dry and sensitive skin? And what level SPF should my cream have?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Face cream.
      By: picsfive
      Face cream.
    • Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.
      By: goodluz
      Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.