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A good skincare regimen can have anywhere from three to thirty steps – but no matter how intensive your routine is, the most important step is always the same: moisturizer.
Even if your skin doesn’t seem dry, hydration is essential for several reasons. The main one is that well-hydrated skin is better equipped to heal itself from damage. This could be fine lines and dark spots, or even damage you can’t see from free radicals and sun exposure. And no matter how old you are, keeping your face moisturized helps to promote a youthful appearance by preventing the damage that ages skin in the first place.
But not all moisturizers are the same. For best results, you should be sure to use a face cream with dermatologist-approved ingredients known to nourish the skin in a healthy way.
So we turned to the experts to find out which moisturizer is the absolute best. And as it turns out, you don’t need to break the bank to take care of your skin…
"Moisturizers function to retard transepidermal water loss in order to create an optimal environment for our skin barrier," Dr. Jeriel Weitz of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City told SheFinds. "The optimal water content for the outermost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum is between 10-30%. Moisturizes function as either humectants which draws water into the skin or as occlusive which creates a barrier that prevents water from escaping the skin."
Dr. Weitz advised to look for moisturizers made with glycerin for best results, because this ingredient "is a type of humectant that attracts water from deeper layers of the skin or the air in humid environments."
She added, "Glycerin is safe for all skin types and will leave your skin feeling smooth, supple and well-hydrated."
Glycerin might be powerful, but it is also affordable. While you can easily find a glycerin-based moisturizer for $40 or more, we've found a few options from top-rated brands that cost between $13 and $25.
The Glossier Priming Moisturizer ($22) is made with a lightweight, glycerin formula that makes it perfect for daytime wear. It also contains hyaluronic acid - another strong humectant.
You could also try out the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($13.99), which provides intense hydration to the face and body using a formula that is dermatologist-tested and safe for sensitive skin.
And finally, our third recommendation is the Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer ($35). This affordable face cream not only contains glycerin, but it is also formulated with mineral electrolytes and potassium to restore moisture and keep it locked in all day.
