In a regular skincare regimen, you shouldn’t skip using this one product: face creams. Some cleansers for the face tend to take away the natural coat of oil that moisturises your skin. Therefore, it’s essential to use a face cream afterwards.
You must be wise in selecting face creams, particularly those you’re supposed to use daily. However, too many choices can be confusing.
This guide is here to help you. It lists six things you should know before buying your next face cream to add to your daily skincare routine.
Think of face creams as food for your skin. If you scrutinise the ingredient lists of your groceries, you should also examine your skincare products.
The ingredients in face creams inform you of the product’s effectiveness and how well it will work for your skin. Look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which rehydrate the skin and make it softer. Vitamin C and E are also worth looking for, as they’re excellent antioxidants.
If sustainability is important to you, look for face moisturisers with vegan collagen and other plant-based ingredients. Many of these ingredients have multiple benefits, and creams without artificial additives might even be gentler on the skin.
Overall, you should look for 23 ingredients dermatologists consider useful for targeting common skin concerns. These include retinoids, which 96.8% of experts recommend for fine lines and wrinkles, and hydroquinone, garnering a 98.4% consensus for dark spots. (1)
Not every skincare product works on every skin type. Some face creams work better on dry skin, while others are better for ageing skin.
For example, if your greatest worry is wrinkles, use anti-ageing products that keep your skin looking as young and smooth as possible. Anti-ageing creams contain components such as grapevine resveratrol, which stops the loss of firmness. Applying this type of cream to oily skin may be too much for your face to bear.
Most face creams are formulated only for skin hydration, but some options also offer sun protection. UV rays could cause issues like premature ageing and skin cancer. Using SPF-infused products daily can prevent your skin from ageing faster, especially if you’re exposed to sunlight often.
A face cream with at least SPF 30 should be enough for daily protection. However, for prolonged sun exposure, consider layering sunscreen over it. Skincare experts explain that a cream or moisturiser with SPF isn’t equivalent to a dedicated sunscreen. Sunscreens are formulated for UV protection, whereas face creams are primarily hydration-focused. (2)
Moisturising your face should be done twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. This step in your skincare routine works best when you use separate day creams and night creams.
Face creams for daytime are generally lighter in weight and formulation, which makes them compatible with sunscreen and makeup. On the other hand, creams for night feel a little heavier and thicker. Because of this, they take longer to absorb, but they help deeply moisturise your skin as you sleep.
You should also consider the climate. If you live somewhere that’s constantly cold and dry, you may need an oil-based cream or one with a thicker consistency. Creams with humectants are best for humid climates, as they absorb water from the air.
You should also choose the right cream type for certain travel destinations. For example, if you’re going skiing, you’ll need something different for when you’re going island-hopping.
Some people have sensitive skin, which makes searching for skincare products even more challenging. If you’re one of them, you need to double-check what you’re putting on your face.
That’s why knowing your skin type and checking the ingredients list is crucial before buying a face cream. Fragrances, parabens and certain natural ingredients may trigger skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema. A study found that leave‐on products, like creams or lotions, and some scented products were linked to a higher chance of fragrance allergies. (3)
Remember to do a patch test even when a product is labelled as ‘safe for all skin types’ or ‘best for sensitive skin.’ Apply a small amount of cream somewhere you won’t accidentally wash or rub away, such as behind your ear or inside your arm. Leave it for as long as you would typically use the product. Keep testing at least twice a day for seven to ten days. If you feel an uncomfortable reaction, wash the product off immediately.
It’s always best to review products based on other customers’ experiences, particularly if you’re buying the face cream online. This can give you more information about the product you wish to purchase.
If possible, sort reviews based on customers’ skin type and age. Specific descriptions of how a face cream affected their face could give you an idea of how it would behave on your skin.
Anything you apply to your skin needs careful thought, including face creams. You must consider factors like ingredients, skin type, allergies, and day and night use. The right product will be worth every cent. It will also be something you’ll rely on for a long time to maintain your skin’s health, youth, and beauty.
References
1. “Survey: Dermatologists Recommend 23 Key Skincare Ingredients,” Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/survey-dermatologists-recommend-23-key-skincare-ingredients-2025a10009i5
2. “The truth about SPF moisturiser – and how it compares to sunscreen,” Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/spf-moisturiser-sunscreen-compare-b2744264.html
3. “Skin exposure to scented products used in daily life and fragrance contact allergy in the European general population ‐ The EDEN Fragrance Study,” Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8247875/