Your skincare routine plays a critical role in your skin’s overall health and appearance. If you don’t regularly care for your skin, it noticeably changes. And your moisturizer is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting and hydrating your skin. A good moisturizer can prevent sun damage, keep skin looking supple, and give you a healthy glow.
If you aren’t moisturizing your skin properly and giving it what it needs, your skin will become dull. You could even wind up with oiliness, acne breakouts, and other terrible side effects. So choosing the right moisturizer is critical.
Are you using the right moisturizer for your skin? Here are five signs that can signal that it’s time for a new kind of moisturizer.
1. You’re Experiencing Redness or Rashes
No one wants to see the skin on their face turn red – or, even worse, discover a visible rash. But redness and rashes are actually a pretty common skin problem. And something as simple as your daily moisturizer might be the culprit.
Redness can be caused by irritation. If your everyday moisturizer is causing different areas of your skin to turn red, you might have sensitive skin. You may need a lighter formula. Or, you might need to switch to a product that’s gentle enough for your skin.
Rashes can develop if you’re allergic to one of the ingredients in your moisturizer. Every time you apply the moisturizer, you’re introducing inflammatory ingredients that your skin simply can’t tolerate. This means you need to switch to a moisturizer that eliminates potential allergens like fragrances, powerful acids, and even potentially anti-aging ingredients.
2. Your Skin is Dry
Dry skin is usually a problem that’s easily solved by applying moisturizer. But sometimes, even applying moisturizer daily can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and flaky.
If you’re experiencing signs of dry skin, such as cracking, peeling, or dullness, your basic moisturizer might not be able to correct them. Signs of dry skin appearing even when you apply moisturizer daily mean your current moisturizer isn’t able to properly hydrate your skin. Instead, you need a stronger, more deeply hydrating product.
Moisturizers that include ingredients like >hyaluronic acid and glycerin tend to be more hydrating because they pull moisture from the air to provide long-lasting effects. You can also try thicker moisturizers, like mineral oil> or even Vaseline.
3. You’re Developing Acne
Breakouts happen – but they don’t always have to. You might be experiencing breakouts because of hormonal changes, changes in your skin’s oil production, or even the weather. But sometimes, acne can develop because of the moisturizer you’re using.
Some moisturizers contain comedogenic ingredients, or ingredients that clog skin’s pores. Each time you apply your moisturizer, you might be introducing ingredients that block your pores. And that can result in blackheads, pimples, and other breakout-related woes.
Instead, look for moisturizers that are free of potential comedogenic ingredients. These are usually labeled “non-comedogenic”, “oil-free”, or “non-acnegenic,” which helps you identify which may be safe for breakout-prone skin.
4. Your Skin is Oily
Adding more moisture to skin that’s already oily can create some serious skin problems. Although all skin types need hydration, using a moisturizer that leaves you feeling or looking greasy can do more harm than good. And if your skin is feeling oily or greasy after you apply your daily moisturizer, you need a new product.
If you have oily skin, you need to be careful about the moisturizer you use. Any moisturizer with an oil base can cause shininess, greasiness, and even more breakouts. Don’t have oily skin, but you’re still experiencing oiliness? Try choosing a lighter moisturizer that won’t weigh you down.
5. You’re Seeing Clumps of Tiny Bumps Form
If you’re experiencing breakouts, take a close look at your skin. Breakouts that appear as clusters of hard, little white bumps on your face might not be acne – they may be milia. Milia can’t be “popped”, and they can be difficult to eliminate without a dermatologist’s help.
Milia typically appear when you’re using the wrong moisturizer. They’re a side effect of using a moisturizer that’s too thick or heavy for your skin, or a moisturizer that is too aggressive for the skin on your face. For example, you can get milia if you use a body lotion on your face as a moisturizer.
Instead, you’ll want to try a product that’s specifically designed to be used as a daily facial moisturizer. Products that aren’t specially formulated for your face can be too harsh on this more delicate skin. They can also be too heavy and more prone to clogging pores.
Find a New Moisturizer to Solve Your Skin Woes
If you’re experiencing any of the signs and skin effects mentioned above, it’s likely time to find a new moisturizer. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent products available online, at your local drugstore, and even at beauty and makeup retailers that can benefit your skin.
The key is to do your research. While it’s tempting to choose a moisturizer that’s affordable and able to hydrate skin, no two moisturizers are the same. Each product has its own formula and its own pros and cons. In order to choose the best option for your skin, you’ll need to look into the ingredients, user reviews, and what each moisturizer is meant to do. Then, you should also compare prices and look for budget-friendly options that will suit your skin.