Gel moisturizer or cream for combination skin?

What is the difference between gel and cream?

Choose the texture that meets your needs, rather than treating gel and cream as rival political parties. You can try different moisturizers or a combination rather than committing to one format indefinitely. A lighter product can be useful during the day, and your preferred moisturizer can change between summer and winter.25

What should you look for on the label?

Look for noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. If you also get acne, useful descriptions include oil free and won't clog pores; these identify moisturizers that are unlikely to cause acne, rather than promising that breakouts cannot happen. The format name alone is not enough to make that choice.46

For sensitive skin, favor little or no fragrance, because fragrances can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Glycerin helps attract moisture, and ceramides help keep moisture in the skin. When trying a formula containing ingredients that concern you, test it on your inner arm for a few days before putting it on your face.6

Familiar, less expensive brands can be just as good as pricier options, so choose for your skin's needs rather than the packaging.6

How should you apply moisturizer?

1. 1Wash your face. Most people with combination skin can cleanse morning and evening. If washing leaves your skin dry or irritated, switch to a gentler cleanser rather than repeatedly stripping away more oil.
2. 2Leave some water on your skin after washing. Applying moisturizer to damp skin helps trap water.
3. 3Smooth the moisturizer gently onto your skin, in the direction of hair growth, rather than rubbing vigorously.
4. 4Use moisturizer daily when your skin feels dry. If a lighter formula leaves dryness unresolved, try a thicker moisturizer after cleansing.

Before buying a richer cream, check whether your cleansing routine is contributing to dryness. Overwashing removes natural oils and can make skin drier. Double cleansing is not recommended if you do not wear makeup, because the extra wash can add dryness without being needed.1

What should you expect?

Emollients, the moisturizing treatments that soften skin and help hold water in, can make skin feel softer and less rough as you start using them. A comfortable formula you actually use is more useful than a texture chosen out of loyalty to a noun. Choose by how well the moisturizer meets your skin's needs, not by a fixed gel or cream rule.2

If you use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, tretinoin or isotretinoin, daily moisturizer can help you tolerate the dryness and irritation these acne treatments cause. Less acne has been seen after 4 to 8 weeks in routines combining an acne friendly moisturizer with acne medication and cleanser. That is a combined treatment timeline, not a reason to expect gel or cream alone to clear acne.4

Stop using a moisturizer that causes a new skin rash. If stinging persists or products repeatedly cause a rash, ask a doctor or dermatologist to help you choose an alternative. Severe skin symptoms need medical assessment rather than another change of texture.235