Skin Care Moisturizer Cream

The Importance of Moisturizer...No Matter What Your Skin Type

Hydration is absolutely essential in contributing to the wellbeing of your skin. Without it, you'd likely suffer from dryness and risk increased exposure to harmful external elements. You would also experience possible itchiness and a general sense of discomfort, especially during cold weather. Other conditions, such as dry air and pollution, can also cause dryness that is exacerbated by a lack of moisture.

Moisture keeps the skin elastic, healthy, balanced and protected. These are all extremely important components that contribute to making the skin as beautiful as it can be. Fortunately, the market is saturated with products formulated to maintain the skin's natural moisture. There is something available for every skin type, so whether you already suffer from dryness or have an oily, sensitive, normal or combination type complexion, you'll easily find something that will work for you.

If your skin is oily, you won't find any comfort in using a thick, rich cream. These are better suited towards individuals with dry skin, who need all the lubrication and nourishment they can get. Oily skin types will find greater success with lotions, which are thinner and lack the ingredients that make creams so emollient. Water-based formulas are ideal for oily skin, while oil-based versions are best for dry types.

Skin Care Moisturizer Cream

Low- to high-end, watery to viscous, common to exclusive: No matter what type of moisturizer cream you happen to be looking for, it's likely you can narrow it down to the very last detail and still find the one your skin has been dreaming about. Since the vast variety can be confusing to anyone, it's helpful to have a list of popular, effective choices to refer to. Here are a few selections to get you started:

Laura Mercier Mega Moisturizer Creme

If you suffer from dryness, you owe it to yourself and your skin to treat it as well as possible. That means keeping it moisturized with something like this deeply hydrating treatment. Don't let its lightweight texture fool you; this formula is effective enough to heal even the most parched skin. It's recommended for individuals who live in cold climates, travel frequently, have mature skin or simply deal with extremely dry skin regularly.

Individuals with normal to oily skin may consider the regular version of the Moisturizer Creme. It's equally lightweight, and both versions contain a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 and are suitable to wear underneath makeup. Both are available at Laura Mercier.

L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream

Never underestimate the power of shea butter. Nature's most powerful moisturizer works its magic in this hydrating cream. It's most suitable for individuals with exceptionally dry skin. Clinical tests have shown this product maintains an ideal level of hydration for up to 24 hours while also protecting the skin from harsh external elements. In addition to healing shea butter, it also contains chestnut extract and wheat protein. This cream is available at L'Occitane.

Cosmedicine Private Nurse Recovery and Repair Cream

Anything that touts itself as your private nurse had better live up to some very high expectations! This unique cream is formulated for individuals with aging skin. Its powerful ingredient list includes crosslinked sodium hyaluronate, a moisture-binding agent found in some of the newest prescription wrinkle fillers. In addition to softening and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, this skin care moisturizer cream adds fullness and suppleness and plumps depressions, leading to a more youthful complexion. It's available at Cosmedicine.

Cetaphil Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Cream

You don't have to break the bank to indulge. Cetaphil's moisturizing cream is formulated specifically for chronic dry skin, and it's especially ideal for individuals who deal with sensitivity. It's frequently recommended by dermatologists worldwide, and is especially renowned for its ability to effectively bind water to the skin and seal in moisture. Purchase it at drugstores nationwide, or online at Drugstore.com.

Philosophy On a Clear Day H2O2

Give oily skin a boost with this hydrogen peroxide-based cream by Philosophy. Ideal for individuals with acne-prone skin, this product is formulated to work on even the most stubborn blemishes. Its lightweight consistency is second only to its soothing formula, and the ingredients work to brighten the skin, reduce blemishes, unclog congested pores and leave the skin feeling refreshed. It's available at Philosophy.

Some Points to Remember

Obviously, this is just a sampling of what's available today. Visit a diverse beauty product store, such as Sephora, for a complementary skin consultation, product recommendations and samples.

Regardless of your skin type, the most essential skin care item you should use is sunscreen. If possible, find a moisturizer cream that contains an SPF of at least 15.