Different Types of Moisturisers & How to Choose Between Them

The primary purpose of a moisturiser is to increase hydration in skin. How does moisturiser work towards this? In a couple of ways: moisturisers deliver hydrating ingredients to the surface layer of skin, whilst creating a barrier to hold moisture in. Other benefits include: 

• Protects against trans-epidermal water loss  

• Helps prevent dry or itching sensations  

• Improves the appearance of dullness in skin and promotes brightness  

• Helps to increase the appearance of plumped and firmed skin 

What are the different types of moisturisers?

There are three types of moisturisers: humectants, occlusives and emollients. While both provide hydration and moisture, they work in slightly different ways.  

What moisturiser should I use for my skin type?

By implementing the best moisturiser for your skin type and needs into your skincare routine, you can both strengthen and hydrate your skin. The best way to determine the best moisturiser for you is by selecting based on your skin type. There are five overarching skin types – dry, oily, combination, sensitive and normal – and each one benefits from different ingredients and moisturiser texture.    

Moisturiser for dry skin

A thicker-textured formula can provide much needed hydration to dry or very dry skin. Humectants, occlusives and emollients work well for these skin types. CeraVe Moisturising Cream is developed for dry and sensitive skin types, combining ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support 24-hour hydration.  

Moisturiser for sensitive skin

Comfort and hydrate sensitive skin with a fragrance- and alcohol- free moisturiser. Look for a moisturisers containing humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, in addition to emollients like ceramides and panthenol to strengthen the skin moisture barrier and minimise irritaiton. For sensitive skin, keep things simple with the lightweight Moisturising Lotion or add extra nourishment with the Moisturising Cream. 

Moisturiser for oily skin

Oily skin types should look for non-comedogenic skincare products for oily skin, opting for humectants over other moisturising ingredients. Chemical exfoliants like lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid are beneficial for oily skin moisturisers to provide hydration while also gently lifting dead skin cells that contribute to clogged pores and breakouts. For oily skin, we recommend the Oil Control Moisturising Gel-Cream, made with Oil-Absorbing Technology to reduce shine and manage excess sebum.  

Moisturiser for combination skin

Similar to oily skin, look for a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores around the T-zone. Keep the skin balanced with a lightweight moisturiser, like the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion. Ingredients-wise, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane and niacinamide are great options for combination skin.  

Moisturiser for normal skin

If you have normal skin, look for a moisturiser that keeps your skin's natural balance. The CeraVe Facial Moisturiser with SPF50 is non-comedogenic and formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and SPF 50+ for daily use.* 

*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours before and after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions. 

What are the different Types of Facial Moisturisers?

To give your skin a boost of hydration and help strengthen the skin’s barrier, facial moisturisers should be used within both your AM and PM skincare regime. A compromised skin barrier can lead to unwanted sensitivities and uncomfortable feeling skin. Formulated with 3 essential Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, CeraVe’s facial moisturisers Can help to strengthen and maintain the skin’s protective barrier while providing much-needed hydration.

Day Time Moisturisers

When considering which AM moisturising lotion to opt for, consider one that has been formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant molecule, meaning that it attracts and retains moisture, which can assist in moisturising and protecting the skin barrier all throughout the day.

The CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF 15 is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to mild acne.

Evening Facial Moisturisers

When considering facial moisturisers for the PM, look for light, non-greasy lotions that effectively hydrate the skin. A gentle formula that will not clog the pores, is essential for those with acne-prone skin. This is due to blemishes forming when the skin’s openings or pores are blocked and the natural flow of oil is impeded. With a delicate texture, evening facial moisturisers should work to moisturise the skin and provide it with long-lasting hydration.

With its gentle formula, the CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to mild acne.

Types of Body Moisturisers

We often give our face the most attention in regard to skincare, however, finding the right body moisturiser is also very important. The body is exposed to different environmental elements, fabrics and holds genetic predispositions that can affect the skin. CeraVe offers a range of body lotions and moisturisers to effectively hydrate and lastingly moisturise the skin on the body.

Moisturising Creams

Moisturising creams are well regarded in terms of effectively nourishing dry skin, with their rich and creamy textures. In addition to being deeply hydrating,
body moisturisers should also be fast absorbing into the skin. When choosing a moisturising cream for the body, look for nourishing ingredients like Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, to hydrate, help strengthen and maintain the skin barrier – keeping external irritants out.

Apply the CeraVe Moisturising Cream as required, it is suitable for use on dry to very dry skin types as well as skin prone to mild eczema. 

Lightweight Moisturising Lotions

A lightweight moisturising lotion can help restore the skin’s moisture and hydration levels. Look for an oil-free moisturiser that is dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic. Effective formulas should feature hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to deliver a moisture supply for the skin, whilst helping the skin maintain hydration. Apply a body moisturiser as often as required, its light texture should be absorbed quickly into the skin.

The CeraVe Moisturising Lotion is suitable for dry to very dry skin types. 

Smoothing Body Creams

Smoothing body creams can hydrate and gently exfoliate which make them effective on visibly rough and bumpy skin. Look for a smoothing body cream that is formulated with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that is often used in chemical exfoliants. Salicylic acid will prompt the skin to gently shed its dead skin cells, encouraging a faster skin cell turnover rate which can visibly reduce dry, rough or uneven skin textures.

Use the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream for exfoliation and hydration, it is suitable for use on on dry to very dry skin types and those prone to mild keratosis pilaris, rough or bumpy skin.

How to add moisturiser in a skincare regime

The right moisturising formula still requires specific application methods to work effectively. Here's our top 5 tips for adding moisturiser to your routine: 

• Patch test new products and monitor for any adverse reaction — this is especially important if you have sensitive skin!
• To support your moisturiser, avoid cleansing skin with hot water, as this can remove moisture from skin.
 

• Apply moisturiser onto cleansed, damp skin. This helps moisture to be sealed into the skin.
  

• Always finish your daily routine with a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UV radiation.
  

• If you’re unsure how much moisturiser to apply, always seek out the direct instructions on the product. 

Found this article helpful? Keep reading to discover which skincare ingredients to combine with ceramides