The best gel moisturizers can do wonders for oily skin. They are ideal for skin that is excessively oily or prone to breakouts. These gels are cool, refreshing and extremely lightweight on the skin. Most times when you apply moisturizers, you get a sticky feeling because of all the heaviness of those moisturizers. The latest news in skincare is that you don’t necessarily have to stick to moisturizers that are heavy on your skin.
Gel moisturizers are nothing new in the face of skincare currently but because of their effect of cooling the skin and also being light most people would rather use them in the hot and humid seasons.
If you are one of those people who generally have had no idea about gel moisturizers till now, then you need to do some reading up and find the right one for your skin care schedule.
Why Prefer Gel Moisturizers?
You will find the gel moisturizers give you more hydration than your average lotion or cream as they are usually water-based and non-greasy and oil free. They are considered especially effective against hot and humid conditions.
This is why most people prefer to have gel moisturizers around particular during the summer. They also heal and cool sunburned skin.
Gels are thick but they are reasonably smooth on the skin and this makes them very easy to apply. They apply evenly and also dry up quicker than other creams and also allow for application of makeup and leave it free from caking.
They are also lightweight and gentle which makes them perfect to use regardless of it being day or night.
If you want to get maximum value out of your moisturizer then you need to let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or if you can, overnight. This will help give you that refreshing application that can reduce your morning puffiness.
Gel Moisturizers For Oily And Acne Prone Skin
Because of their water-based properties, gel moisturizers are particularly well-suited to people with oily, combination or acne-prone skin. These are the exact reasons why:
Oil-free
Gels being entirely oil free do not clog your pores and are able to add hydration without your skin ending up looking shiny or wet. So when you need to apply makeup on yourself, the gel foundation gives you a solid base to work on without melting or warping. Because it doesn’t have oil content, it feels light even with make up on your skin.
Cooling Effect
Gel moisturizers naturally cool the skin and also soothe skin problems that arise because of other factors.
Gel Based Moisturizers
Like all things, gel based moisturizers need to have the right ingredients so as to be effective. Like traditional moisturizers, they have different ingredients that work to renew, soothe and rejuvenate skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid helps prevent signs of aging by getting rid of fine lines and wrinkles. It also works to heal your skin’s condition and repair wounds that normally occur with acne affected skin.
Hyaluronic acid has strength of moisture absorption that is about 1000x its own weight. This helps it lock in the hydration and release it back into the skin. It is also considered a light humectant which helps it seal in the moisture.
If you are looking for an ingredient that is very effective at managing dry skin, then this could be it. People with such skin type can definitely find a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid as it is very popular.
Skin Nutrients
Vitamin C is a very important component when it comes to skin care and it serves to get rid of dark spots that are normally caused by sun damage and aging. Vitamin E is a potent anti-oxidant that reduces damage due to oxidation.
Ingredients like this help repair and fill the skin with nutrients which gives you a more youthful appearance.
Natural Extracts
There are also some types of natural extracts like sea weed that can help skin increase their cellular regenerative abilities and also increasing its elasticity. When you skin has increased elasticity it has less chances to develop fine lines and wrinkles.
Organic products like this also give you a youthful glow and improved skin texture without the inherent risk most chemicals have. This obviously makes them a popular choice for facial and cosmetic products.
There are also other extracts like white tea and honey suckle which actively help improve skin by soothing roughness and reducing inflammations.
Sun Protection
The problem with the majority of gel based moisturizers is that they don’t have sunscreen. SPF has become an integral part of the moisturizing regime of late because of the increasing exposure to UV rays recently. There are of course gel-cream alternatives that combine all the advantages of gels and creams including broad spectrum sun protection.
Review – Best Gel Moisturizers
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
This product from Neutrogena has oil-free and non-comedogenic properties which make it feel great on your skin. It gets absorbed quickly into the skin which gives it a healthy-looking glow.
Its ingredients are olive extracts which strengthen your skin’s resistance against losing moisture while locking in hydration. Olive extracts also help smoothen your skin and get rid of other skin problems making it healthy and supple.
It has purified hyaluronic acid which makes skin plump and reduces wrinkles and fine lines on your skin. It makes your skin feel less dry and tight.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has been put through clinical tests which prove its ability to keep skin hydrated through a period of 48 hours. This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and there is an alternative gel-cream if you have extra dry skin.
PROS
- Completely Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- 24 hour hydration
- Quality ingredients
- Dye-free
- Releases moisture over a long period
CONS
- Is scented
- No sun protection
2. PureLx Allure Oil Free Moisturizing Gel
This is another gel formula which comes with clinically proven ability to aid acne-prone skin. Since its oil-free, it has natural non-comedogenic properties and it also helps control secretion of body oils as well.
Immediately on using it you skin will feel moisturized but will not look shiny. This light gel goes on easy and is applied evenly on the skin.
The natural ingredients present helps reduce skin irritations. For example, the sea weed extracts it contains promote regeneration on a cellular level while strengthening your skin’s resistance against adverse weather and UV rays.
Additionally, it contains hyaluronic acid which helps keep skin hydrated and young looking. People have shared that this product will leave your skin looking young and healthy.
PROS
- Not tested on animals
- Oil-free
- All skin type compatible
- Natural
CONS
- Scented
- No sun protection
3. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
This moisturizer contains natural extracts from cucumber and green mango which helps to keep your skin clean and fresh throughout the day. It’s light and non-greasy which can help you with various skin problems.
Clean & Clear Morning Burst Hydrating Gel Moisturizer comes with a subtle scent that invigorates your senses but this fades away reasonably quickly.
People who have naturally oily skin did not experience breakouts post usage of the cream. But on the other hand, people with dry and super sensitive skin have said that it works great for them.
PROS
- Light weight
- Non-comedogenic
- Invigorating Fragrance
CONS
- May smell too strong at first
- No sun protection
Conclusion
What we have found is that gel based moisturizers are a great alternative for people who have oily skin or a type of combination skin. It is lightweight and is absorbed quickly into skin which helps prevent clogging of your pores while still providing enough moisture for your skin.
While most of the products on this list have their own benefits and properties, it was up to us choose one that could provide you with the best of the best. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel is our choice for the best gel based moisturizer. It works for most skin types and comes at a great price which makes it an affordable choice but without it lacking in effectiveness.
