Body & beauty

Moisturise right

Your guide to picking the perfect moisturiser for your skin

We all know that moisturising is a must when it comes to keeping our skin break-out-free, feeling fresh and looking youthful, but with hundreds of creams and oils lining the shelves, it’s hard to know which one you should be picking up. To help you narrow it down, skincare expert Elizabeth Rimmer reveals what you should looking out for.

For dry skin

Most skins are naturally oily. Many people think they have dry skin, however this can just be a symptom of using the wrong products. For those with genuinely dry skin conditions, I recommend choosing creams over lotions as these are more effective and less irritating. Look for ingredients such as oils, lactic acid, urea and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work together in order to create an occlusive layer on dry skin that helps retain moisture.

Try:

Purepotions Daily Moisturiser, £24.99 for 300ml, available at Waitrose, Boots and Holland & Barrett, purepotions.co.uk

For oily skin

Oily skin is characterised by excess sebum on the skin’s surface which can lead to both clogged pores and acne. I suggest lighter, water-like textures such as gels instead of creams as they contain lower concentrations of oils, waxes and emulsifiers. I would also recommend using a product that contains salicylic acid from natural sources which can reduce sebum secretion.

Try:

Pai Geranium and Thistle Rebalancing Day Cream, £34, paiskincare.com

For sensitive skin

If you have a proven history of sensitive skin, I recommend looking for a moisturiser which is labelled hypoallergenic. Look for products that are free from sodium lauryl sulphate, a chemical compound used as a foaming agent in some skincare products. To avoid this, try opting for natural shea butter for a more nurturing effect.

Try:

Aurelia Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser, £52, aureliaskincare.com

For mature skin

Choose a moisturiser which contains a broad spectrum SPF30 and antioxidants such as vitamin C. SPF protects against ageing UV rays and should be used every single time you step outside regardless of the weather or season. Although all skin types and ages should wear regular SPF, as our skin matures it is even more imperative in order to combat the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.

Try: