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.
The consistency of a lotion is sort of liquid-y, as it is designed to spread easily and absorb quickly into your skin. They are made to deliver hydration as well as strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier. Generally speaking, lotions will be richer formulations than their gel counterparts.
Water molecules and capsules of hyaluronic acid in gel moisturizers allow hydration without leaving greasy residues on the surface of the skin. This is the reason why gel moisturizers go best with acne-prone, oily skin.
In general, creams are better for people with dry skin while lotions are better for those with oily skin. The thicker formulas lock in moisture and/or provide a protective layer to better keep skin hydrated and supple. Thinner formulas help prevent clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Who Should Try Gel Moisturizers? True to their easy-breezy reputation, gel moisturizers are effective for most skin types. They're particularly helpful for people with acne-prone skin or oily skin since they don't add oil to the skin's already-oily surface, Dr. 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.
The difference between a Gel and Cream:
Gels are mostly colourless and disappear when applied. Despite having a colour base, creams are also not visible once applied, although gels are absorbed faster.
All the same, body lotion isn't meant for facial skin, so it could make some skin concerns worse. Sticking to products specifically formulated for your face will generally do more to benefit your skin in the long run.
So, a lotion can actually be a moisturizer. Moisturizers use a mixture of oil and water soluble components (emulsion) to restore the outermost layer of the skin to its natural condition. You'll find common emollients such as petroleum jelly and mineral oil, plus waxes used to thicken the creams and seal in moisture.
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.
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.
So, anything that is water- or alcohol-based should come first, followed by your gels, then your light lotions, then heavier creams, thick serums, and, finally, anything ointment-based (i.e. water-free). One way to tell how heavy the product is? Dr. Schultz says to read the ingredient list.
"Heavier lotions and creams can worsen congestion of pores and lead to increased oil production that can exacerbate acne breakouts," Dr. Hartman said. "The label should say oil-free or non-comedogenic to be sure."
Even though it's liquid like a toner, a lotion does not contain alcohol and generously hydrates your skin. It's a more gentle cleanser and can be soothing for sensitive skin. A tonique (or tonic) contains a small amount of alcohol, offers a deep cleanse, and includes humectants to lock in skin's moisture.
Gels generally contain even more water content than lotions and are usually oil-free, making them a good moisturizing choice for oily skin types. Gels also tend to have a thinner consistency than lotions, so they generally do not leave a film or greasy feeling on the skin.
A good rule of thumb is that skincare products should be applied lightest to heaviest (with the exception of SPF, which always comes last). Because of its water-like consistency, toner is meant to be applied immediately after cleanser and before serums, moisturizers, and oils.
In the beauty and skincare industries, however, most do recognize that the word moisturizer implies a product that has the express purpose of adding moisture or locking moisture in the skin, and lotions have a higher water content and a broader swath of skin-soothing applications.
A body lotion is a thick, smooth liquid solution we apply on the skin while moisturiser is a skincare product that helps to retain the moisture in the skin and prevent dryness. Moisturisers can come in multiple forms like gels, creams and lotions. However, most lotions are moisturisers.
MOISTURIZER DO: APPLY IT IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANSING
When you're done washing your face, don't towel off completely. That's because applying skin cream to a damp face can help lock in hydration. The same thing goes for the rest of your body—apply lotion to damp skin after showering.
When creating an acne treatment plan, dermatologists sometimes include a moisturizer. Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy, so a moisturizer may be the last thing you'd think of trying. A moisturizer, however, may be just what you need if you're using one of the following acne treatments: Benzoyl peroxide.
Gel lotion is any type of gelantinized preparation, made with specially formulated ingredients to be applied topically to the skin for various purposes. Unlike liquid lotions, a gel lotion tends to solidify and coagulate, and will not become runny.
Packed with hydrating ingredients
Even if your skin produces excessive oil, it may still be dehydrated due to the lack of water. Since gel moisturisers are water-based and contain water retaining ingredients like hyaluronic acid, they can instantly hydrate your skin and make it look fresh.
What are the benefits of Gel Moisturizers? They hydrate your skin giving your skin radiance, clarity, and improved texture. Give your skin an oil-free texture as they don't contain thicker oil. Moisturize dry skin by getting absorbed quickly over the skin and locking the moisture.