Have you ever heard of your skin’s moisture barrier? The skin moisture barrier is what keeps all the good things, like moisture, in your skin, and keeps the bad things like bacteria and pollution from getting into your skin. 

The outermost skin on your body (the epidermis) is actually made up of five layers, and the outermost of those layers is the stratum corneum. At its healthiest, this layer is tightly packed with cells as your skin’s first line of defense. 

If your skin feels rough, dry, inflamed, red, sensitive, or just not right, you likely have a damaged moisture barrier. A damaged moisture barrier can be caused by not using enough moisturizer, over-exfoliating your skin, drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, or even the environment – too much sun, wind or cold! 

So, your skin’s moisture barrier is important. And if you think yours is damaged, it’s ok! It can be repaired!

Make sure you’re staying hydrated, starting on the inside by drinking a lot of water! Being hydrated has so many health benefits, so make sure you start there. 

In addition to finding a moisturizer below that works with your skin type, you can layer on additional products to help repair your moisture barrier. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, which can hold water up to 1000X its weight, or a lactic acid that can increase the moisture content in your skin. 

**Please Note: This post contains affiliate links and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links. Amazon prices are current as of 2/6/22.

Moisturizer Types

Depending on your skin type, there are some things you may want to look out for when picking the right moisturizer for you.

Oily

Oily skin types should look for a moisturizer that is oil-free and water-based, like a gel moisturizer. Gel moisturizers are lightweight, but will still keep your skin hydrated without feeling greasy.

Dry

The best moisturizers for dry skin are cream formulas. They’re going to feel a little heavier on the skin, but will sink in and provide additional hydration. Cream moisturizers will contain oil-based ingredients to retain moisture in the skin.

Normal/Combination

Normal and combination skin types can determine if their skin is more on the dry or oily side, and try either a cream or gel-based moisturizer. Or, they can try a cream formula that isn’t as thick as those developed for dry skin. 

Sensitive

Sensitive skin types should look for formulas without fragrance, and those that have called out they’re free of parabens and irritants. 

By Skin Concern

Anti-Aging

Anti-aging moisturizers will contain retinol or retinoids that have anti-aging properties. Don’t expect to see dramatic changes, but with consistent use you may see some improvements. 

Tone

A moisturizer for tone correction will help to even out your skin tone, like with dark spots or melasma. Or will brighten your skin overall with Vitamin C.

Acne

Moisturizers targeted at preventing acne will be similar to oil-free products, with some additional acne-fighters. 

Jen’s Favorite Moisturizer: 

Right now, my current favorite moisturizer is the Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24. Before this I used the Micro Sculpting Cream, and decided to try a brightening formula when the jar ran out. 

I had a long period of time years ago, when my moisture barrier was definitely damaged. But at the time, I had no idea what a skin moisture barrier was! My skin was so dry, and flaky and mad at me

A friend of mine was a “rep” for a skincare company brand, and they had a gentle line of products. My friend wasn’t interested in selling the product to make money, so bought it for me with her discount.  

I needed to use super gentle products on my skin for a while to repair my skin’s moisture barrier, so I could then move on to products that could address different issues, like brightening.

Dianne’s Favorite Moisturizer

I’ve mentioned in a few posts that I’ve been having trouble with my skin lately, especially with breakouts. So much so that I had to visit the dermatologist to get some prescription medication to get it all cleared up. It’s finally doing better!

I use two different moisturizers each day. In the morning I use CeraVe AM Moisturizing Lotion because it has SPF 30 in it and I like a little lighter moisturizer before I apply primer or foundation. If I have big event the next day I will make sure to use a good/heavier moisturizer the night before.

In general, in the evening I alternate days between a retinol product and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, depending on what I think my skin best needs that day. I do try to use the retinol more often, but sometimes I feel my skin just need some extra hydration.

I’ve been wanting to try some new products and my face is finally at a place where I feel comfortable doing that. The product I am most excited about trying is It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness moisturizer. I am currently listening to the audio book by Jamie Kern Lima, who is the founder of It Cosmetics. In her book, “Believe It” she talks about she started It Cosmetics with a concealer to cover the redness in her face. So, I know she “gets it” and I can’t wait to try it. I will report back and let you know how it goes.

Have you signed up for our newsletter yet? You can sign up below. Our newsletter provides exclusive content for our subscribers. We’re giving you a sneak peek at one of our “subscribers only” content. Jen takes on the latest TikTok trend, called “slugging” which is putting Vaseline on your face to lock in skincare products and retain moisture. You can read the post HERE. Funny enough, our mom/grandma did that her entire life.