Skin Care

How to Know When It's Time to Break Up With Your Moisturizer

Plus, tips on finding your perfect match

by Heather Cichowski | COMMENT

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Moisturizer Buying Tips If it's time to find a new moisturizer, Shamban says that the first thing to do is look at a product's label. Look for products that use natural oils and antioxidants and are noncomedogenic and free of fragrances, colors and preservatives. Next, scan the ingredient list. Moisturizing ingredients include ceramide, squalane, hyaluronic acid and vitamins.

According to Lancer, "A moisturizer should be water-retaining [and] water-salvaging, so it's a humectant and a moisturizer. A good moisturizer has a complex formulation to it. Along with hyaluronic acid, [a moisturizer should have] ceramide and some degree of retinol, vitamin A, E and maybe B." The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, $5.80, has hyaluronic acid, amino acids and dermal lipids, plus it's formulated without oil, alcohol, nuts, gluten or fragrance.

Be aware that having to apply a second coat of moisturizer doesn't necessarily mean you've picked the wrong product. Our skin's needs can change throughout the year so we might need more moisturizer in colder months. Sometimes, people don't apply enough the first time. If skin still feels tight or itchy after a second layer, then it's likely time to switch to a new product.

If you've been using a product for more than three days and skin is still dry, flaky itchy and/or scaly, it indicates the moisturizer is inadequate — or perhaps your entire skin care routine is lacking, says Lancer.

Image via Imaxtree

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