The basics

Lotions, creams and serums may contain humectants to moisturize and hydrate, as well as emollients to help seal in moisture and protect your skin. One of the biggest distinctions between these three is consistency.

Lotions are usually thinner in texture, because they contain greater amounts of water than oil. Creams, however, are oil-based and thick, containing deeply moisturizing ingredients. Serums are water-based, designed to be used in conjunction with both lotions and creams. And although they offer incredible benefits to the skin, serums are generally optional.

Lotions

Because lotions are lightweight and made with minimum amounts of oil, they’re ideal for normal to oily skin. Drier skin types typically require more hydration. Lotions get absorbed quickly and can be used day and night. You’ll find a wide array of formulas.

• Product picks:

  • For oily skin, try a lightweight lotion with sun protection. Using a multi-functional product saves money and time. NeoStrata Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 is ideal for oily skin and also contains sunscreen.

  • If blemishes are a concern, choose lotion with active acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or sulfur. SensiClear Blemish Free Acne Treatment Lotion features salicylic acid to prevent and treat blemishes.
  • For anyone concerned with fine lines and wrinkles, look for lotion that contains anti-aging ingredients to improve overall skin texture, such as M.D. Forte Facial Lotion II.

  • Mattifying lotions, such as Bliss Steep Clean Moisture Lotion, are an excellent choice for oily skin that still needs moisture. In addition to hydrating the skin, these lotions absorb excess oil and help control shine.

  • Ultra-sensitive skin can also benefit from lotion. Pevonia Rose RS2 Gentle Lotion is uniquely formulated to soothe and heal eczema and dermatitis without harsh chemicals or irritating ingredients.

Creams

Because of their thick and rich consistency, creams provide dry and sensitive skin with extra moisture. Moisturizing creams contain many healing ingredients, including oils, plant extracts, hydrators and humectants, and they provide the skin with a protective layer, sealing in moisture and fending off environmental damage. They also give skin a smooth, velvety appearance and certain anti-aging creams will even improve the depth of fine lines.

Cream is also beneficial for combination skin that shows a slight shine during the day but requires more moisture than a lotion can provide. Use cream sparingly or strictly on the driest parts of your skin (such as the cheeks and neck).

• Product picks:

  • Dry or sensitive skin will enjoy the dual action of Murad Perfecting Day Cream SPF 30, which deeply hydrates while protecting from both UVA and UVB rays.

  • Anti-aging creams are targeted to hydrate dry skin and minimize the appearance of environmental damage. Dr. Brandt Lineless Cream Age Inhibitor contains green tea, white tea and grape seed extracts. Peter Thomas Roth Mega Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Cellular Crème features vitamins A, C and E and peptides, which help to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines.

  • Night creams are designed to repair and regenerate skin while you sleep. Acneic or combination skin will find relief from blemishes and redness with BABOR Pure Night Cream. Dry skin will benefit from the cell-regenerating properties of Molton Brown Facezone Overnight Renewal with rosebud extract and vitamin E.

Serums

One of the biggest benefits of serums is that they’re designed to penetrate deeper into the skin. They contain less “oils, wax and heavy lipids,” and are lighter, according to Daniel Maes, Ph.D., vice president of research and development at Estée Lauder, in Notebook. In addition, serums deliver high concentrations of skin-nourishing ingredients.

• Product picks:

  • For overall skin clarity, use hyaluronic-acid rich Murad Sensitive Skin Smoothing Serum in conjunction with a daily moisturizer. This serum will bind moisture to the skin and prevent dehydration, perfect for sensitive or extremely dry skin types.

  • If you have acne, look for a serum that features salicylic acid or glycolic acid to refine skin and reduce breakouts. Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum, made with organic apple and lemon extracts as well as white willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid), will minimize redness and clear up blemishes.

  • Damaged skin that shows signs of hyperpigmentation will benefit from a lightening serum, made with either botanical lighteners such as licorice root or lemon extract, or a chemical lightener such as hydroquinone. Sothye W Double Lightening Serum is a two-step, botanical brightener which fades discoloration and stimulates cell renewal.

Bottom line

Many people find that with seasonal changes they need to switch moisturizers. For instance, normal skin can get oily during the summer (thereby needing a lighter moisturizer) but might need extra hydration in the winter (from a cream).

You might want to consult a skin care specialist about which combination of products is best to use. For example, some moisturizers can hamper the effectiveness of serums. “In the case of products formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, the oils used in creams and lotions can interfere with the acidity of the active ingredients, making them less effective,” dermatologist Natasha Cook, M.D., tells Notebook.

See also:

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