From oily to dry and sensitive skin: A guide to finding the right moisturiser for your everyday skincare routine

Buying a moisturiser without knowing your skin type? Here's what a dermatologist wants you to consider first.

A moisturiser works beautifully for a friend of yours. But is it necessary that it works the same for you? It is possible that it may leave your skin feeling greasy or uncomfortable. It is a reminder to all of us that the best choice depends on how our skin feels. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Geetendra Singh, founder and CEO of Episenz and a consultant physician in Mumbai, shared a quick guide to finding the right moisturiser.

Consider the formulation

Moisturisers help protect the skin barrier. It is the outer layer of the skin that holds the moisture in and keeps the irritants out. When that layer is intact, your skin feels comfortable and behaves predictably. Most formulas work through three kinds of ingredients.

How a moisturiser is applied is also very important.

"One of them is humectants. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid come in the list. These are ones that attract and hold water. Then come the emollients that soften rough, uneven skin. And third come the occlusives, such as petrolatum and dimethicone,” explained Dr Singh. They slow the rate at which water escapes. There are ceramides too that sit alongside these. Ceramides help replenish the natural fats. Ones that keep the barrier working. A good moisturiser is made to combine a lot of these together. The balance between these ingredients finally turns out in how the product feels.

Matching the product to the skin

According to Dr Singh, combination skin is a tricky one. It cannot work with just one product for the whole face. A light lotion can go on everywhere, with a richer cream used only on the drier areas, often the cheeks. Sensitive skin is best served by simplicity. It doesn't need you to complicate things any more for it. A fragrance-free formula with a short ingredient list is all you need.

Normal skin usually does well with a light lotion. But that too needs to be adjusted as the weather changes.

Timing and technique

How a moisturiser is applied is also very important. It matters as much as which one you choose to buy. Skin that is slightly damp after washing holds on to more water. Hence, if you are applying the product within about three minutes of washing or bathing, then it makes a visible difference. The method of application is also important. You pat it on gently instead of rubbing. For very dry skin, one must apply it twice a day.

A fragrance-free formula with a short ingredient list is all you need.

Climate matters too

Dr Singht highlighted that climate also plays an important role in the choice of product. In the heat and humidity of coastal cities like Mumbai, the choice is very different. Here, a heavy cream can feel sticky and may add to breakouts. In the north, it is different again as winter approaches. The humidity drops, and pollution tends to rise. At that time, many people find their skin needs something richer. Rather than changing everything with the season, it is better to adjust the weight of the moisturiser by one step. That is usually enough. You can use a gel or light lotion in humid months and a cream in dry ones.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.