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How Do I Choose the Best Hydrating Face Cream?

M. Chambers
M. Chambers

Choosing the best hydrating face cream can be a challenge, especially since there is a wide variety of face creams available to consumers. In addition, those who have oily or acne-prone skin will have different skincare needs than those who have normal or dry skin. The ingredients used in skincare products and creams can also vary widely, so choosing a face cream with components that best suit the individual's specific needs is also important. Individuals with sensitive skin may want to choose a hydrating face cream that is fragrance-free and designed for delicate skin, as well.

Hydrating face creams are designed to supply moisture to the skin that is typically lost after washing with soaps and cleansers. Even those who have oily skin usually need to use a moisturizer or a face cream after washing, as the skin can become dry and irritated from the loss of moisture. Choosing the appropriate face cream is important because using a product that does not suit personal skincare needs can result in irritation, dryness, and acne.

A hydrating face cream.
A hydrating face cream.

Dry skin is a common problem for many, especially those with mature skin. Those who have dry skin need a hydrating face cream that delivers extra moisture and soothes dry or rough areas. Ingredients used in face creams targeted towards dry skin often include essential oils, chamomile, aloe vera, green tea extract, and humectants. Glycerin, water, and panthenol are also commonly used in skin creams for dry skin. When selecting a cream for dehydrated skin in need of intense hydration, it is important to choose a product that contains plenty of emollients and moisturizing properties.

Hydrating face cream is intended to replace moisture lost after the face has been washed.
Hydrating face cream is intended to replace moisture lost after the face has been washed.

Those who have oily skin usually have entirely different skincare needs than those with dry skin. While oily skin still needs a moisturizer, it can be easy to clog the pores with products that contain oil. The ideal hydrating face cream for those with acne-prone or greasy skin usually consists of water-based moisturizers, silicone, and aloe vera extract. A skin cream that contains too many emollients and oils can easily clog pores on oily skin, so it is wise to choose a product that is oil-free and designed for skin that is susceptible to acne.

Sensitive skin can become irritated by artificial ingredients and fragrances used in skin creams. For sensitive skin-types, it is best to choose a moisturizer that is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and free of harsh chemicals. Many creams and lotions are petroleum-based, which can often aggravate sensitive skin. While it is not always damaging to use a petroleum-based product, those with sensitive skin usually should avoid it as it can cause irritation.

Those who spend time in the sun often need a face cream or lotion with sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more protection it provides against the sun's damaging rays. Using a hydrating face cream that contains SPF can also help ward off the appearance of age spots and sun damage caused by exposure to the ultraviolet rays.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

My roommate uses 100% pure aloe vera gel as a hydrating face cream. She says it takes a while for her skin to absorb it but she never experiences dryness. Plus, aloe vera gel has healing properties and it's good for blemishes and scars.

She buys the gel online and it's very affordable too. I think I might switch to aloe vera gel as well when my current cream runs out.

I also want to try vitamin E cream sometime. I heard great things about vitamin E oil. Has anyone tried it?

SarahGen

@fify-- I will have to try a gel cream sometime. I use a regular, glycerin based face cream for my dry, dehydrated skin. Glycerin based creams work okay, they create a barrier on skin and prevent moisture from escaping. But on very dry, cold days, it's not enough.

fify

When I hear the word "hydrating," I immediately think of water. I think a hydrating face cream must have lots of water in it. Gel type face creams usually have the most water content. This type of cream is also suitable for people with oily, acne-prone skin.

Some people think that those with oily skin don't need hydration but that's not true. Someone's skin can be oily but dehydrated at the same time and many acne clearing creams make this worse.

I have oily and dehydrated skin and I use a hydrating gel cream daily. It's great. It makes my skin soft and supple but doesn't give me acne. I think anyone can use this kind of face cream.

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    • A hydrating face cream.
      By: picsfive
      A hydrating face cream.
    • Hydrating face cream is intended to replace moisture lost after the face has been washed.
      By: moonrise
      Hydrating face cream is intended to replace moisture lost after the face has been washed.