All About Moisturizer

Even if you have oily skin, moisturizer is a must. Not only does it prevent premature aging, but skin can overproduce oil if it's too dry. It's important for makeup because it will prevent dry makeup from looking chalky and helps the makeup stay on longer.

Oil vs Oil Free
I always suggest using oil free moisturizers. The only exception would be if you have skin that is so dry that it continuously flakes or if you have mature skin that is no longer prone to break outs or other sensitivities. I also look for ones that say they are non-comedogenic (won't clog pores).

Face vs Body
Always use lotion that is specifically designed for the face. Lotion designed for bodies have more potential to block your sebaceous glands, which produce oil. They may also contain other ingredients like wax and fragrances.

SPF vs Non-SPF
These days it's hard to find a moisturizer without at least SPF 15. For everyday use, you should use a moisturizer with SPF to prevent skin damage. However, SPF can cause white reflections with flash photography leading to a ghostly, shiny looking face. If you will be wearing sheer coverage foundation or tinted moisturizer in flash photography, make sure it doesn't contain SPF.

Acne Medicated
There are many products advertised as medicated for acne that contain salicylic acid. Anyone who has a sensitivity to aspirin products should not use salicylic acid products. Salicylic acid may irritate skin and worsen acne. If your acne does not improve at all within 1 month or worsens when using a salicylic acid product, discontinue use.

A few over the counter medicated acne products contain benzoyl peroxide. This is an ingredient that is prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne as facial creams. You may be familiar with the brand Proactiv, these are very low strength (2.5%) benzoyl peroxide products. You can find benzoyl peroxide products over the counter that are equally or more powerful (2.5-5%) for much less than the Proactiv system costs. You will need to read labels of the acne products and look for benzoyl peroxide. Again, if it has no effect or your acne worsens you may want to discontinue use. I was prescribed a benzoyl peroxide face cream before they identified the cause of my acne.

I prefer to avoid all acne medicated moisturizers because they iritate my skin, which makes me break out instead of preventing or healing break outs.

Anti-Aging
There are too many anti-aging products on the market to count. The real key to anti-aging is taking care of your skin so that it stays youthful instead of trying to undue damage. Most anti-aging products just moisturize the skin more or contain silicon to fill in wrinkles, giving the appearance of improvement. Some products contain retinol, a vitamin A derivative. These will be the most effective anti-aging products. Other products claim that antioxidants are anti-aging. While antioxidants are great for you and may prevent future damage to your skin, they won't remove your sun damage and wrinkles.

Product Suggestions

Overall Best Moisturizer: Olay Complete All Day Moisture for Sensitive Skin

• Lightweight
  
• Oil free
• Non-comedogenic
• PABA Free
  
• Broad Spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection
• Vitamin E and Aloe
• Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
• I use this product every day and I have never broken out from it

Best Dry Skin Moisturizer: Olay Total Effects Moisturizing Vitamin Complex, Fragrance Free

• Thick and creamy
• Oil free
• Non-comedogenic
• Color and fragrance free
  
• Vitamins B3, E and pro-vitamin B5
• Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  
• Improves surface dullness
• Minimizes the appearance of pores
• I used this product before I found the Complete All Day, it was a little too heavy for me

Best Fine Wrinkle Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion

• Lightweight
  
• Doubles skin surface cell regeneration vs untreated skin
• Amino-peptide complex combined with vitamin C
• Broad spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection
  
• Suitable for everyday use for normal, dry, and combination skin
• I am a fan of the Regenerist line, I use the Daily Thermal Mini Peel

Best Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Moisturizer: ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

• Oil free
• Non-comedogenic
• Contains retinol, proven to reduce deep wrinkles
  
• ROC is one of the top companies in proven anti-aging products
• I would suggest using this with the Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, Serum and Eye Cream
  

Best Moisturizer for Photography: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moustire Combination Skin

• Oil free
• Noncomedogenic
• Fragrance and alcohol free
• Lightweight
  
• Moisturizes dry areas while controlling shine in oily areas
• I included this because it's the only easily available SPF-free moisturizer that I have found and it is for sensitive, combination skin
  

As you can see, I am a big fan of Olay. I have continuously had good results from their products. I am also a huge fan of ROC, but their products are more expensive. I will be using ROC products in the future.

Applying Moisturizer
After washing your face, apply a small amount onto your fingertips. Dab a little bit on your forehead, each cheek and chin. Rub the moisturizer evenly into your skin. Then apply it to your neck and declote (top of your chest, optional). Then proceed with your makeup application. If you don't want to use your fingertips you can use a foundation makeup brush or a cosmetic sponge. Using a sponge may cause loss of some product because it will be absorbed by the sponge. Apply moisturizer after every time you wash your face.