Creamy moisturizers have a richer, more emollient texture than gels, due to their superior composition in fat. Fats include namely butters and vegetable oils, however they also include essential fatty acids, Vitamin F or phospholipids. Thus, creams will have a nourishing, protective and softening effect on the 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.
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.
Furthermore, gel moisturizers have a higher water content, hyaluronic acid, and natural moisturizing factors while cream moisturizers have a higher fat content and emollients. More importantly, gel moisturizers are suitable for oily skin, while cream moisturizers are suitable for dry skin.
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.
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.
Moisturizer is used for restoring the moisture in the skin of the body whereas cream blocks and prevents the moisture loss. Cream is an emulsifying agent used for topical applications. Moisturizer is absorbed into the skin as it is derived from plant extracts, oils and other nutritional components.
When the temperatures go up it's easier to wear something more light and refreshing than a cream. Use a gel moisturizer if you want to have dewy, fresh skin without any residue and also want a product that can withstand hot temperatures without turning your skin into an oily mess.
A gel cream is a hydrating product that usually comes in a jar. But it doesn't have that thick, creamy, oily texture that more traditional moisturizers in jars have — think Jell-O instead of mayo. They feel better on your skin than watery lotions, but are much less gloppier than creams.
Is moisturizer good for oily skin? Yes. Moisturizer is a necessity in any skin care routine. When your skin is properly hydrated, its natural response is to stop producing extra sebum (aka oil).
Gel-creams are water-based. They deliver hydration and moisture quickly to skin unlike oil-based moisturizers, which can take time to be absorbed by your skin. With their light formulations gel-creams are non-comedogenic and can make your skin look fresh and dewy without it being oily or shiny.
They make skin softer - Along with hydration, face gels can make your face skin look energized, bright, and clean. It helps in making the texture of your face soft and smooth. They can be easily retained - Thick oily moisturizers slip off the skin, but face gels are easily absorbed and do not leave any residue.
Due to their high water content, creams are easily absorbed, so they can cover large areas of skin. Their oil content also means they stay on your skin's surface to help protect against moisture loss, which makes them ideal for treating dry skin, rashes, or skin lesions.
GEL-CREAMS
They are suitable for dehydrated and/or mixed skin types.
My already dry skin is in constant need of extra moisture from the first day of winter through the last. To quench it, gel-cream moisturizers provide substantial hydration without feeling heavy on your skin, says Naissan Wesley, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.
As a general rule, face nourishers like serums, moisturisers and oils should be applied starting with the lightest formulas. Serums are thin and full of active ingredients you want to drive deep into your pores, so start with them before you move on to fuller-bodied creams.
Oils hydrate better
Since oils are lipophilic which means they love fat, they can pass through our skin and fat layer much more easily as compared to creams, thus hydrating skin in a more efficient manner. Using the pure form of these oils, is much more beneficial,” she explains.
"Most moisturizers can function as both a day cream and a night cream," says Dr. Muneeb Shah, North Carolina-based dermatologist and skincare influencer. However, there are a few key differences between the two. For instance, a day cream is typically lightweight, making it easy to wear under makeup.
It goes a bit like this: a balm or oil cleanser (1), a foaming cleanser (2), an exfoliant (3), a toner (4), an essence (5), an ampoule or serum (6), a sheet mask (7), an eye cream (8), a moisturizer (9), and then either a thicker night cream or sleeping mask or an SPF (10).
Stinging, burning, irritation, dryness, or redness at the application site may occur. Acne, unusual hair growth, "hair bumps" (folliculitis), skin thinning/discoloration, or stretch marks may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Unfortunately, the reality is somewhat different. Unfortunately, skin care creams are barely absorbed by the skin, and simply sit on the surface. Now, you might be thinking “but after using the cream, my skin looks and feels soft and hydrated.” All you are feeling, however, is the layer of cream on top of your skin.
A face cream has more active ingredients and is specialised to cater to specific needs such as brightening or hydrating. However, body lotions mainly cater to concerns regarding firming or deeply moisturising your body.