It is advisable to apply moisturizer, especially for dry skin types, to prevent the skin from being dry and to keep it in a healthy state. With so many formula types available in the market, it becomes difficult to decide between a gel or cream. Moreover, while both have their merits, they are formulated for different skin types and skin concerns hence knowing what each is capable of in respect of moisturizing is key. In this article, we will help you figure this out by including reviews and comparisons of the most popular differences in gel and cream moisturizers.
Gel moisturizers
Gel moisturizers are typically cool water or any other gel-like ointments that absorb internally and do not leave an excess sticky feeling on the skin. Their texture is often light and gets absorbed very fast which makes gel moisturizers typically recommendable for oily or combination skins. They are formulated with a high proportion of water and are usually used for moisture replenishment on the skin barrier without oily coating.
Advantages of Gel Moisturizers
- Lightweight: The moisture gels after application feel very light and take relatively less time to settle into the skin which is the reason why many people with oily skin like them.
- Non-greasy: As a result of gel and serum, which are largely water-based, they do not leave behind a greasy or heavy burden making them suitable to put on before makeup.
- Refreshing: The gel moisturizer contains a cooling gel that is effective in comforting irritated skin, most especially in tropical weather.
- Great for Acne-Prone Skin: The best gel lotion for the face does not contain heavy oils so it is less likely to cause blockages of pores and thus breakouts.
Disadvantages of Gel Moisturizers:
- May Not Be Moisturizing Enough for Dry Skin: Gel formulas are lightweight and may not provide enough moisture for people with very dry skin, especially in colder months.
- Limited Barrier Protection: Unlike the rest of the lotions, these kinds of moisturizers lack a lot of occlusive ingredients such as oils or butter, therefore moisture retention and barrier protection to the skin are limited.
Best Gel Moisturizers:
Moisturizing Properties: This gel working with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera works fantastic in the fancy center of a reasonable price circle in high moistureaffinity skin moisturizers.
Best For: Oil to combination skin or thirsty customers wanting a bloom of moisture.
Moisturizing Properties: This gel from the drugstore would be hard to beat as it has sour skin without the heaviness of a moisturizer this finish is unusual as it is rare to find moisturizers in various formulations.
Best For: A range of skin types but especially normal–oily skin requiring an inexpensive yet steady daily moisturizer.
Moisturizing Properties: Fusing Japanese herbs and water, this opulent cream also assists in pore minimization and smoothing the skin.
Best For: Oily to combination skin but particularly those who enjoy luxe pampering products.
Cream Moisturizers
At the other end of parameters cream moisturizers are thicker in structure as well as more emollient in nature making them more suitable for dry or elder skin types requiring more moisture. Creams usually comprise rich emollients which may be oils or butter which aid in the deep onset of moisture and also fortify the skin barrier.
Advantages of Cream Moisturizers:
- Deep Moisturizing: No other products render such deep intense moisture, which is lasting making the cream moisturizer perfect for dry, patches or matured skin.
- Rich emollient: Creams usually include oil, ceramide, or butter compounds and this creates the skin and locks water in.
- Ideal for Dry Skin: Thicker formula forms a barrier over the skin surface thereby preventing the loss of moisture and relieving dry and irritated skin.
- Perfect for the cold days: Most moisturizers for creams are ideal during the cold seasons when there is lower humidity and excessive cold weather causes more skin dryness.
Disadvantages of Cream Moisturizers:
- Heavier Texture: Creams tend to be thick and greasy on an oily or acne-prone person, which makes them unsuitable for those skin types.
- Slower Absorption: Because of this rich content in consistency, they are not easily absorbed on the skin and a residue may still be left over which may be of concern to the heavy makeup wearers.
Best Cream Moisturizers:
Moisturizing Properties: This moisturizing cream is an affordable option that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and replenish the protective barrier of the skin cuffs.
Best For: skin that is dry to very dry or if one has sensitive skin that seeks cool soothe moisture that lasts.
Moisturizing Properties: This cult product is well known for its texture and the magic it brings to the skin; tummy tucks the skin and provides intense nourishment.
Best For: Skin type dry to mature and are on the lookout for pure bliss loaded higher end moisturizer with anti-aging properties.
Moisturizing Properties: This thick cream is rich in natural oils and plant extracts and is designed to moisturize extremely dry skin.
Best For: Very dry, rough, or cracked skin, on the face and body especially.
Selecting The Right Moisturizer According to Skin Type
- Oily or Combination Skin:
If your skin type is oily or combined, most likely, the best option for you is a gel. This is because it’s light in weight being water-based meaning it will moisturize but not leave your skin oily or clog the pores. Look out for hyaluronic acid gel moisturizers for hydration and salicylic acid if you are prone to acne outbreaks. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is very nice for providing moisture without additional oils.
- Dry or Mature Skin:
To combat such skin types and skin conditions creams or cream moisturizers have been formulated. Creams that contain ceramides, hyaluronic acid or nourishing oils should keep your skin well hydrated for the long haul and repair the lipid barrier. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is the best value for money for patients with dry skin due to its potent barrier restorative mechanism and quite a low price.
- Sensitive Skin:
Moisturizers such as gels or creams can both be useful for sensitive skin depending on how they are made. When applying moisturizers make sure they have no scents and include soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, ceramide, or niacinamide. Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is a gel moisturizer with a clean composition that can be used on delicate areas without causing any discomfort.
In conclusion, Which One is Better – Gel or Cream?
To begin with, let’s clear up who is right in this controversial debate – gel or cream moisturizer. However, there is no absolute, cut-and-dried answer to that question. The most effective moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type, individual preferences, and the time of the year. Gel moisturizers are for oily skin or even combination skin types, and are ideal in hot and humid weather or as a hydrating day product. In contrast, cream moisturizers are thicker and richer and tend to be used at night to combat dry skin or wrinkles, and mature skin, particularly in frosty winter months.
There may be several factors you can consider if you are still confused regarding some working methods. You can try taking a gel-based moisturizer in summer and cream-based in winter. The idea here is to get a clear and peaky feeling of your skin and use products that ensure adequate hydration and moisture specific to your skin type. Happy moisturizing!
