So a thin, lightweight, water-based gel moisturizer will provide enough hydration for most skin types, but if you're experiencing dry skin or have a skin condition like eczema, you may find it doesn't moisturize as well as a cream, Saedi says.
The main difference between gel and cream moisturizer is their texture; a gel moisturizer lighter and more watery than a cream moisturizer. More importantly, gel moisturizers are suitable for oily skin, while cream moisturizers are suitable for dry skin.
It also doesn't hurt to use both a moisturizer and hydrator. Just hydrate by applying humectants like hyaluronic acid first, then follow up with an occlusive like plant oils to lock it in. Or, if you want to keep things simple, look for a product that does both.
As you might have already guessed from their textures, gel moisturizer is water-based and cream moisturizer is an oil-based moisturizer. You need to choose your base wisely according to your skin type. Gel moisturizers have gained popularity more recently as an alternative to oil-based skincare products.
Hydration gives skin a soft and elastic feel — but it won't last long if the water is able to evaporate. On the other hand, slathering moisturizing creams and balms onto dry skin may temporarily make it feel smooth, but dehydrated skin will still look dull and feel uncomfortably tight.
Use both hands to apply moisturizer to clean, still-damp skin. Use short but firm strokes with your hands to spread the moisturizer over your body and smooth it into your skin. Be sure to apply moisturizer in the direction of the hair follicle and don't rub too hard to avoid skin irritation.
Instead, they hydrate and moisturize the skin without leaving a film or residue which is especially important in oilier skin types that are prone to shine. Many gel moisturizers are formulated with hyaluronic acid which can deeply hydrate skin.
We'll jump straight to the answer—no, gel moisturizer isn't better than cream. As with any skin care product, it all comes down to your skin type, preferences, and the concern you're looking to tackle. Technically, cream and hydrating gel are the same thing, as they're both moisturizers—just different types.
A gel moisturizer is water based and usually free of oils, which can be especially beneficial for those with oily skin (more on that later), according to Northwestern Medicine. Some formulations include oil, though in lower quantities than you'd find in traditional moisturizers, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Sufficient skin hydration helps prevent acne breakouts and keeps the first signs of aging at bay. When people with oily skin skip hydration or don't properly hydrate their skin, their oil glands receive feedback to produce more sebum.
In short, yes. "A daily moisturizer is necessary to maintain your skin's moisture barrier and to prevent environmental damage to your skin," Weinstein explains.
One of the most frequent questions I get asked as a beauty editor is whether face mists actually work. The answer is yes – with a caveat. They will always hydrate, but you've got to be savvy with the formulas you buy into, and after that the way you apply them.
What's the difference between hydration and moisture? Simply put, hydration equals water, and moisture equals oil. If your skin is dehydrated, it is lacking water. And if your skin is dry, it is lacking oil.
In addition to moisturizing the skin, aloe vera gel can ease or soothe conditions like.
Take an adequate amount of gel and apply it all over your face and neck. Use Mamaearth Face Gel twice-once in a day and at night. What is face gel used for? Face Gel is used for:Hydrating your facial skin.
“It's good to put moisturizer on after you cleanse your face,” Jaliman says, which can be twice a day, morning and night.
Back to oily skin. For most people, moisturiser is a key part of their skincare routine, and while it's easy to think you should use drying products, that's not always the case. Instead, look for lightweight, gel-textured products that are non-comedogenic so they don't further clog pores.
Gels tend to be the thinnest and absorb most quickly into the skin. Oftentimes, gels contain alcohol, which can contribute to some drying of the skin, also making them unlikely to clog the pores. Lotions contain a higher percentage of water than creams do, which tend to be thicker than lotions.
The best overall moisturizer for acne-prone complexions is Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion (view at Sephora), a super-lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates, heals, soothes, and helps prevent breakouts.
Instead of moisturizer, you can go all-natural, and choose an organic body oil instead. Oils like sweet almond, argan and coconut are great options in lieu of heavy creams. Body oils can get a bit messy, so apply it after a shower, and allow it to absorb before getting dressed.
To make a natural moisturizer, start with a natural oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. Mix the oil with a bit of aloe vera gel, which is cooling and hydrating. If you like, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the mix.
If you over-moisturize, the leftover moisturizer just sits on your face. With nowhere to go, this extra moisturizer will eventually fill up the pores on your skin and clog them, resulting in the production of acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Just as you should cleanse your skin twice a day, your face is calling out for moisture at least two times a day—in the morning and at night. You want to moisturize after every time you cleanse. This way, you can lock in moisture and keep skin from drying out.