How to pick the right moisturiser for your skin type?

Finding the right moisturiser for your skin type is a little bit like dating: you will probably try quite a few options out for size before you find your perfect fit. But once you do, it is well worth the period of trial and error!

We all know that using a moisturiser is vital for glowing, healthy skin but not all moisturisers (even if they are incredible), will produce the same results across different skin types. That’s why at Cactus, we don’t just believe in using a moisturiser, but using a moisturiser that is the best possible match for the needs of your skin.

How to know your skin type?

Your first step to finding the right moisturiser is knowing your skin type. Whether your skin is Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Very Dry, Sensitive or any combination of these (and yes, you skin can change), should dictate the types of products you keep in your daily retinue.

 If you don’t already know, here is our quick guide to working it out.

Oily Skin:

If your skin feels greasy to the touch, has enlarged pores, acne or spots and you find it difficult to keep makeup in place then it sounds like you may have oily skin.

If this is you, your skin will benefit from a skincare routine that helps to balance out your natural oil production and prevents it from creating excess oil.

 Cactus recommended moisturiser: 

• The Light Balancing Crème

Combination Skin: 

If your skin feels oily across your T-zone, but you are prone to dry patches on your cheeks and jawline then you have combination skin.

If this is you, then your skin will benefit from a lightly hydrating but balancing skincare regimen.

Cactus recommended moisturiser:

•  The Light Balancing Crème & / or
• the Nature’s Antioxidant Crème if you’re more dry than oily.

Normal Skin:

If your skin generally feels quite balanced, rarely oily, and rarely dry then it sounds like you have normal skin.

Your skin will benefit from a routine that helps to maintain this balance of hydration.

Cactus recommended moisturiser:

• The Nature’s Antioxidant Crème

Dry Skin:

If your skin often feels stretched, your pores are nearly invisible, and you suffer from occasional flakiness or dry patches then you have dry skin.

Your skin will benefit from a deeply moisturising routine to help it regain its suppleness and hydration.

 Cactus recommended moisturisers:

• The Intense Hydrating Crème
• The Moisture Boost Serum

Very Dry Skin:

If your skin always feels tight and you often suffer from flakiness, dry patches or scaliness and your skin still feels stretched even after using a moisturiser then you likely have very dry skin.

If this is you, then your skin will benefit from a moisture intensive skincare program to help it regain its natural balance.

Cactus recommended moisturisers:

• The Intense Hydrating Crème
• Moisture Boost Serum
• Daily Rejuve Facial Oil

Sensitive Skin:

Sensitive skin is obviously not necessarily a skin type all on its own. You may be oily, dry or anywhere in between and still have sensitive skin but having sensitive skin should definitely dictate the types of products you use.

All people with sensitive skin should patch test any new product first before applying it to the entire face. The Cactus range was formulated by a lady with incredibly sensitive skin and so is sensitive skin friendly but should still be patch tested as everybody’s skin reacts differently to new products.

In general, the types of ingredients to avoid if you have very sensitive skin include:

• Synthetic fragrances that will cause irritation.
• Chemical sunscreens (instead look for zinc based).
• Harsh exfoliants (like micro-plastics, harsh shells & chemical exfoliators).
• Sulfates (SLS & ALS) as they can strip skin of hydration & cause irritation.
• Cosmetic alcohols / astringents that will dry out your skin.
• Retinols not specifically designed for sensitive skin.