When healthy, hydrated and glowing skin is the ultimate goal, finding the right moisturiser is an obvious piece of the puzzle that needs solving. But how do you know which moisturiser to go with? Do you opt for the anti-ageing and fine lines? Is it important to find something that solves other skin dilemmas you’re facing, such as acne? Should you lean towards a lightweight solution or a rich creamy base? Damn, that’s a lot to consider.

Finding a moisturiser is a bit like swiping through Tinder, sure, there are plenty of options and a few that look great. But, we both know they’re not all your type. An essential part of every skin care routine, selecting a moisturiser that suits your skin type can become surprisingly overwhelming for fear of choosing the wrong one. It’s not enough to start using a particular product because your best friend swears by it. You need to find the moisturiser that is right for you and complements the other steps in your daily skin care regime.

Knowing your skin type

First things first, it’s important to understand your skin type. In order to do so before you do anything else first thing in the morning, stand in front of the mirror and take a good look at your skin. What you’re looking for are noticeable signs of excess oil or dryness. Does your face look oily? Does it feel neutral in that it’s not dry and tight but also not covered in oil? Or does your skin feel tight and itchy? Based on the outcome of your findings, the way your skin appears in the morning can help determine what your skin type is. Yes, it can be as simple as that.

You know your type, now it’s time to match make

Now that you understand where your skin sits on the spectrum of oily to dry skin types, its time to select a product; keeping an eye out for potentially irritating ingredients such as retinol and chemical exfoliants like salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid is important as these ingredients which can be irritating for just about anyone are likely to wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Other added ingredients like fragrances and preservatives can also trigger an unwelcome reaction.

Pro tip: For maximum results, always apply moisturiser to clean, slightly damp skin. By doing this, the moisturiser is more likely to lock in that hydration left on your skin after cleansing. If other steps in your routine cause a lapse in time from the moment you wash your face to the time you’re ready to apply your moisturiser, try introducing a face mist into your routine to get a similar result.