A cartoon hand applies a gentle, dermatologist-recommended moisturizer to an adolescent's face.

Derm-Recommended Moisturizers for Every Teen Skin Type

Let’s clear up one of the biggest skincare myths right now: if you have oily skin, you absolutely still need a moisturizer. In fact, skipping it can make your skin produce even more oil to compensate, leading to clogged pores and more breakouts. This is just one of many confusing pieces of advice floating around that can make building a routine feel impossible. The truth is, a simple, consistent routine is your best bet for healthy skin. The most critical part of that routine is finding the right dermatologist recommended moisturizer for adolescent skin. This guide will bust the common myths and give you a straightforward list of what actually works.

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize Gentle, Simple Care: Teen skin is fundamentally different from adult skin and doesn't need harsh anti-aging ingredients. A simple, consistent routine focused on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is far more effective than a complicated one.
  • Look for Hydrating, Non-Pore-Clogging Ingredients: Scan labels for powerhouse hydrators like hyaluronic acid and barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides. A "non-comedogenic" and fragrance-free formula is your safest bet to avoid breakouts and irritation.
  • Moisturize Daily, Even If Your Skin Is Oily: Skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for dehydration. Using a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day helps balance your skin and establishes a healthy habit for life.

Why Does Teen Skin Need Special Care?

If you’ve ever felt like your skin has a mind of its own, you’re not wrong. The skin you have as a teen is fundamentally different from the skin you had as a kid or the skin you’ll have as an adult. It’s going through a major transition phase, and that means it needs a different kind of attention. Think of it less like a problem to be solved and more like a unique chapter that requires its own special care routine.

The biggest driver of change is hormones, which can send your oil glands into overdrive and lead to everything from a shiny forehead to unexpected breakouts. Because of this, using products designed for adult concerns like wrinkles or extreme dryness can often do more harm than good. Instead, the goal is to find a gentle, supportive balance that keeps your skin healthy, hydrated, and happy without causing irritation. Understanding what your skin is going through is the first step to giving it exactly what it needs.

The Science of Teen Skin

Starting around age eight and through your teen years, your body is buzzing with hormonal changes. These shifts directly impact your skin by changing how much oil it makes, which is why acne can suddenly become a concern. At the same time, your skin has a natural moisture barrier that acts like a protective shield. Its job is to lock in hydration and keep irritants out.

This barrier can be weakened by all sorts of things, from sun exposure to pollution. A good moisturizer is your barrier’s best friend. It helps reinforce that shield, replenishing any lost moisture and ensuring your skin stays strong, calm, and resilient against environmental stressors.

Common Teen Skin Concerns

It’s tempting to try every viral product you see on social media, but many of those trends are pushed by adults using products with strong, active ingredients that aren’t meant for younger skin. Getting the right skincare advice is key, because using too many products or formulas that are too harsh can easily overwhelm your skin, leading to redness and irritation.

Another common myth is that oily or acne-prone skin doesn’t need moisturizer. In reality, the opposite is true. When you skip moisturizer, your skin can get dehydrated and try to compensate by producing even more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and more breakouts. The key isn’t to dry your skin out but to give it the right kind of lightweight, balanced hydration.

What Makes a Moisturizer "Dermatologist-Recommended"?

When you see "dermatologist-recommended" on a bottle, it’s more than just a sticker. It means the product has been vetted by skin experts who understand what young skin truly needs—and what it doesn't. For teens, this is especially important. Your skin is still developing, and using the right products can set you up for a lifetime of healthy skin, while the wrong ones can cause irritation and breakouts.

A derm-recommended moisturizer is typically formulated to be gentle, effective, and free of common irritants. These products focus on supporting your skin's natural functions rather than overwhelming them with harsh chemicals or overly complex ingredients. It’s all about finding a balance that hydrates and protects without causing problems. Think of it as a stamp of approval that says, "This is a safe, smart choice for your skin."

Understanding Clinical Tests and Safety Standards

Dermatologists almost always agree on one thing for teen skincare: simplicity is everything. Your skin doesn't need a 10-step routine packed with potent actives. In fact, using too many products or formulas with strong ingredients can backfire, leading to redness, breakouts, and allergic reactions. The best products for teens have short, understandable ingredient lists. A great routine starts with the basics: a gentle cleanser, a lightweight moisturizer, and a daily sunscreen. This simple trio does the heavy lifting to keep your skin balanced and protected. This philosophy is at the core of our Beyond Clean Beauty promise—creating formulas that are both safe and effective for young skin.

Key Ingredients to Look For

Learning to read an ingredient label is like gaining a skincare superpower. When scanning for a moisturizer, keep an eye out for powerhouse hydrators that are known to be gentle and effective. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid pull moisture into the skin, while ceramides help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier to lock that moisture in. Glycerin is another fantastic, no-fuss hydrator. According to skincare experts’ tips, these ingredients are celebrated for their ability to hydrate, strengthen, and calm the skin. It’s also smart to look for formulas that are "non-comedogenic," which means they won't clog your pores. Just as important is what to avoid: fragrances are a common cause of skin irritation, so fragrance-free is usually the safest bet.

The Best Ingredients for Teen Moisturizers

Walking down the skincare aisle can feel overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know what actually works? The secret is on the ingredients list. Understanding a few key players can help you cut through the noise and find a moisturizer that truly supports your skin. Think of it less like a chemistry test and more like learning the all-star ingredients that will help your skin feel its best. Let's break down what you should be looking for.

Humectants for Serious Hydration

Ever wonder how some moisturizers make your skin feel so plump and dewy? You can thank humectants for that. These ingredients are like moisture magnets, drawing water from the air and the deeper layers of your skin to the surface. The two most common ones you’ll see are hyaluronic acid and glycerin. They give your skin a big drink of water, which is essential for keeping it balanced and healthy. Even if your skin feels oily, it can still be dehydrated. A good humectant helps restore that essential hydration without feeling heavy or greasy, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and comfortable.

Emollients and Ceramides to Protect Your Skin Barrier

If humectants add water to your skin, emollients help keep it there. They work by smoothing and softening the skin while strengthening your skin's protective barrier. Think of your skin barrier as a tiny security guard—it keeps the good stuff (like moisture) in and the bad stuff (like irritants and pollution) out. Ceramides are a standout emollient because they're lipids that your skin naturally produces to keep this barrier strong. When you add them to your routine, you’re reinforcing your skin’s natural defenses. This is especially helpful if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide are fantastic for calming irritation and maintaining a healthy, resilient complexion.

Why You Need a Non-Comedogenic Formula

The word "non-comedogenic" might sound complicated, but it simply means a product is formulated to not clog your pores. This is a non-negotiable for teen skin, which is often more prone to breakouts. It’s a common myth that if you have oily skin, you should skip moisturizer. In reality, the opposite is true. When your skin gets too dry, it can go into overdrive and produce even more oil to compensate, leading to more clogged pores. The key is to choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer—like a gel or a light lotion—that hydrates your skin without weighing it down. This gives your skin the balance it needs to stay clear and healthy.

How to Choose a Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

Figuring out your skin type is the first step to building a routine that actually works. Once you know if your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, you can find a moisturizer that gives it exactly what it needs to feel balanced and healthy. Think of it like this: you wouldn't wear a winter coat in the summer, right? The same idea applies to your skin. Using the wrong moisturizer can lead to everything from clogged pores to dry patches. The goal is to find that "just right" formula that leaves your skin feeling comfortable, hydrated, and happy. Let's walk through how to pick the perfect moisturizer for your unique skin.

Best for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

If your skin has a natural shine that builds throughout the day, you likely have an oily skin type. It might seem counterintuitive to add more moisture, but skipping this step can actually cause your skin to produce even more oil to compensate. The key is to choose a lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates without clogging your pores. Look for gel or water-based moisturizers that feel weightless and absorb quickly. These formulas provide the necessary hydration to keep your skin's oil production in check while helping to calm any redness or irritation associated with breakouts. A great skincare routine will always include a moisturizer that works for you, not against you.

Best for Dry Skin

Does your skin often feel tight, flaky, or rough? That’s a clear sign of dry skin, which needs a moisturizer that can deliver some serious hydration. Your best bet is a richer, thicker cream packed with nourishing ingredients. Formulas with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils help repair your skin's moisture barrier and lock in hydration for the long haul. Don't worry about thicker creams feeling greasy; many are formulated to absorb beautifully, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and comfortable all day long. When you shop for products, look for words like "hydrating," "rich," or "nourishing" on the label.

Best for Combination Skin

Welcome to the club! Combination skin is super common and means you’re dealing with both oily and dry areas at the same time—typically an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with drier cheeks. This skin type requires a bit of a balancing act. You might find that using two different moisturizers works best: a lightweight gel on your T-zone and a slightly richer cream on your cheeks. Or, you can look for a versatile, medium-weight lotion that hydrates dry patches without making oily spots feel greasy. It’s all about listening to your skin and giving each area the specific care it needs.

Best for Sensitive Skin

If your skin easily gets red, itchy, or irritated, you have sensitive skin. The most important thing is to choose a gentle, soothing moisturizer that’s free of common irritants like fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals. Look for products labeled "hypoallergenic" with calming ingredients like oat, aloe, and niacinamide. Lightweight lotions and gel creams are often great choices because they hydrate effectively without feeling heavy. Our Beyond Clean Beauty promise means we formulate our products to be safe and effective, which is especially important for skin that needs a little extra love and care. Always remember to patch-test a new product on a small area before applying it all over your face.

Top Dermatologist-Recommended Moisturizers for Teens

Finding the right moisturizer can feel like a huge task, but it doesn't have to be. A good moisturizer is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine—it keeps your skin hydrated, balanced, and protected. When dermatologists recommend products for teens, they look for gentle, effective ingredients that won't clog pores or cause irritation. We’ve rounded up some of the best, derm-approved options that are perfect for young skin, whether you’re dealing with dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity. These picks are all about giving your skin exactly what it needs without any of the harsh stuff it doesn’t.

Bright Girl Daily Moisturizer

Of course, we have to start with our favorite. The Bright Girl Daily Moisturizer was created by a double board-certified dermatologist specifically for the unique needs of young skin. Its lightweight, cloud-like texture feels amazing and absorbs quickly without any greasy residue, making it perfect for morning and night. It’s packed with gentle, effective ingredients like shea butter for softness, squalane for hydration, and soothing botanicals like chamomile and turmeric. This formula is designed to hydrate and calm your skin, helping to support a healthy skin barrier. It’s a simple, clean, and effective choice you can feel good about using every single day.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

This moisturizer is a classic for a reason and often gets a nod from skin experts. CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a fantastic two-in-one product because it combines hydration with crucial sun protection. It contains SPF 30 to shield your skin from UV rays, which is one of the most important things you can do for your skin’s long-term health. The formula is lightweight, oil-free, and includes ceramides to help restore and maintain your skin’s natural barrier. It’s a great, no-fuss option for your morning routine, especially if you want to combine your moisturizer and sunscreen steps.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

If your skin tends to be on the oily or combination side, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel could be your new best friend. This moisturizer has a unique gel-cream texture that feels incredibly refreshing and light on the skin. Its star ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which is amazing at drawing moisture into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated without adding any oil or heaviness. Because it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic, it won’t clog your pores, making it a safe bet for anyone concerned about breakouts. It provides serious hydration that lasts all day, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

For teens with sensitive or easily irritated skin, this moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is a top-tier choice. The Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is oil-free and formulated with a high concentration of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide. This powerful combination works to help restore the skin barrier, soothe redness, and provide long-lasting hydration. It’s incredibly gentle and has been tested on sensitive skin to ensure it won’t cause a reaction. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a product that calms your skin while keeping it moisturized and healthy.

Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

Sensitive skin deserves a little extra love, and that’s exactly what this moisturizer delivers. The Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer is formulated with prebiotic oat and feverfew, two ingredients known for their incredibly soothing properties. The lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly, providing a wave of hydration that instantly calms dry, irritated skin. It’s hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, parabens, and dyes, making it one of the gentlest options out there. If your skin is reactive or you’re dealing with redness, this moisturizer can help restore balance and leave your skin feeling comfortable and hydrated.

More Dermatologist Favorites

A common piece of advice from dermatologists? Keep it simple. You don’t need a complicated, 10-step routine to have healthy skin. Experts often recommend gentle, fragrance-free formulas that focus on hydrating and protecting the skin barrier. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests looking for products labeled "oil-free" and "non-comedogenic" if you have oily or acne-prone skin. The key is to find a product you love and will use consistently. Listening to your skin and giving it simple, effective care is always the best approach.

Why Moisturizing as a Teen Matters

Moisturizing might seem like a simple step, but it’s one of the most powerful things you can do for your skin, especially during your teen years. Think of it less as an optional extra and more as a daily essential, like brushing your teeth. Consistent moisturizing does more than just fight dryness; it sets your skin up for long-term health by protecting its natural defenses, balancing oil production, and establishing a self-care routine you’ll be thankful for later. Let’s get into why this step is a total game-changer.

Support Your Skin's Natural Barrier

Your skin has a built-in protective shield called the skin barrier. Its job is to keep the good stuff (like moisture) in and the bad stuff (like pollution and irritants) out. When this barrier is strong, your skin looks and feels calm, clear, and healthy. A daily moisturizer is like a support system for this barrier. It helps lock in hydration and reinforces your skin’s defenses against environmental stressors. For teen skin, which can be more prone to sensitivity and breakouts, keeping this barrier happy is crucial. It’s a simple, effective way to prevent problems before they start, all while following a philosophy of Beyond Clean Beauty that prioritizes skin health.

Prevent Your Skin From Overproducing Oil

It’s one of the biggest skincare myths out there: if your skin is oily, you should skip moisturizer. But the opposite is actually true. When you don't moisturize, your skin can get dehydrated and try to compensate by producing even more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and more breakouts. It’s a tricky cycle to get into. Using a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer gives your skin the balanced hydration it needs without feeling heavy or greasy. This signals to your skin that it’s hydrated and can chill out on the oil production. So, even if you have an oily T-zone, a good moisturizer is your best friend for keeping things in check.

Build Healthy Skincare Habits for Life

The skincare habits you create now will stick with you for years to come. Think of moisturizing not as a quick fix, but as a long-term investment in your skin’s future. During your teen years, your skin is amazing at producing collagen, so you don’t need to worry about complex anti-aging products. Instead, your focus should be on protection and balance. Establishing a simple, consistent routine—like cleansing and moisturizing every day—is one of the best gifts you can give your skin. It’s a foundational act of self-care that teaches you to listen to your skin and treat it with kindness, a principle that inspired our story at Bright Girl.

Moisturizing Myths to Ignore

The world of skincare is full of confusing advice, and it can be tough to separate fact from fiction. When you’re just starting to build a routine, it’s easy to fall for common myths that can do more harm than good. Let’s clear up some of the biggest misconceptions about moisturizing so you can give your skin exactly what it needs to be healthy and happy. Getting these basics right will help you build a simple, effective routine that you can count on for years to come.

Myth: "Oily skin doesn't need moisturizer."

This is probably the most common myth out there, and it’s one we need to bust for good. It might seem logical to skip moisturizer if your skin already feels oily, but doing so can actually make the problem worse. When your skin gets dehydrated, it can go into overdrive and produce even more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. Experts agree that keeping oily skin hydrated is key to helping it find balance. The trick is to use the right kind of moisturizer—something lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores). This will give your skin the hydration it needs without adding extra shine.

Myth: "More products mean better results."

Seeing influencers with 10-step skincare routines can make you feel like you need a cabinet full of products to get great skin. But for teen skin, less is almost always more. Dermatologists often recommend a simple, consistent routine. Overloading your skin with too many different products, especially those with strong active ingredients, can lead to irritation, redness, and even more breakouts. Instead of piling everything on, focus on the essentials: a gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a daily sunscreen. A simple, curated skincare set can give you everything you need without overwhelming your skin.

Myth: "Teens need anti-aging ingredients."

Walk down any skincare aisle, and you’ll see products packed with anti-aging ingredients like retinol and peptides. While these can be great for mature skin, they are completely unnecessary for teens. Your skin is in its prime and naturally produces plenty of collagen, which is what keeps it looking firm and youthful. The focus for you should be on protection and prevention, not correction. Using harsh anti-aging products can irritate your skin. Instead, stick to gentle, hydrating formulas that support your skin barrier and protect it from the sun. That’s the real secret to maintaining healthy skin for life.

How Parents Can Help Build a Routine

Helping your teen establish a skincare routine is a great way to teach them about self-care and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. But let's be real—getting them to stick with it can be a challenge. The key is to keep it simple, positive, and consistent. Instead of making it another chore on their to-do list, frame it as a daily ritual for feeling good. By working together, you can create a routine that addresses their skin's needs and fits easily into their life.

Make Skincare Fun

Many teens get their skincare advice from social media, where trends often promote harsh products and complicated routines that aren't right for young skin. You can counter this by making their at-home routine a more enjoyable and personal experience. Turn it into a special ritual by shopping for products together or adding fun accessories like a cozy skincare headband. You could even do a gentle face mask together once a week. The goal is to create a positive association with skincare, transforming it from a have-to into a want-to moment of self-care.

Create a Routine That Sticks

When it comes to teen skincare, less is more. Dermatologists agree that a simple, consistent routine is the most effective approach. All your teen really needs are three basic steps: cleanse, moisturize, and protect. Start with a gentle face wash to clean the skin, follow with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate, and finish with a mineral sunscreen of at least SPF 30 in the morning. Using a curated skincare set can make this process even easier, taking the guesswork out of which products to use. Consistency is what delivers results, not a shelf full of products.

Lead by Example

Your habits have a bigger impact than you might think. It's great that teens are interested in taking care of their skin, and you can guide them toward safe and effective products by modeling a healthy routine yourself. When they see you consistently washing your face and applying sunscreen, they’ll understand it’s a normal part of a healthy lifestyle. Use this as an opportunity to talk openly about skin health, not just appearance. By showing them you value your skin, you teach them to do the same and help them make smart choices, which is central to our mission at Bright Girl.

Ingredients to Avoid in Teen Moisturizers

Knowing what to put on your skin is only half the battle—knowing what to avoid is just as important, especially when your skin is still developing. Many popular skincare ingredients are designed for adult concerns like wrinkles and sunspots, and they can be way too aggressive for younger complexions. Using the wrong products can lead to irritation, redness, and even more breakouts, which is the exact opposite of what you want.

At Bright Girl, our entire philosophy is built on creating formulas that are both gentle and effective for young skin. We call it Beyond Clean Beauty because it’s not just about avoiding toxins; it’s about using scientifically-backed ingredients that truly support your skin’s health without causing harm. Think of it as a curated list of "yes" ingredients and a firm list of "no's." Let’s walk through some of the common ingredients that you’ll want to skip in your skincare routine.

Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals and Irritants

When you’re scanning an ingredient label, it can feel like you need a chemistry degree to understand it. But there are a few key players you can learn to spot and avoid. Potent anti-aging ingredients like retinoids, strong chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), and high-concentration Vitamin C serums are often too intense for teen skin. While they work wonders for adults, they can strip your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity.

Another one to watch out for is fragrance. Both synthetic and natural fragrances can be major culprits for allergic reactions and irritation. The best approach is to stick with products that are specifically formulated for young, sensitive skin. According to dermatologists, you should avoid certain products unless your doctor specifically recommends them for a particular skin concern.

Why "Natural" Isn't Always Better

The word "natural" sounds great, but it doesn't automatically mean a product is safe or right for your skin. Many social media trends promote complex routines with tons of different products, many of which are packed with potent botanical extracts and essential oils. The problem is, using too many strong ingredients—even natural ones—can overwhelm your skin, causing redness, breakouts, and allergic reactions. After all, poison ivy is natural, but you wouldn't put it on your face!

The key isn't about whether an ingredient comes from a plant or a lab; it's about whether it's been proven to be safe and effective for your skin type. That’s why having a dermatologist formulate products is so important. It ensures that every ingredient is chosen for a specific purpose and used at a level that helps, not hurts. A simple, consistent routine with gentle, targeted products will always give you better results than a shelf full of trendy, potentially irritating ones.

Where to Shop for Teen Moisturizers

Finding the right moisturizer doesn’t have to be a treasure hunt. Great options are available everywhere, from your favorite brand’s website to the aisles of your local drugstore. The key is knowing what to look for and where to find products that are gentle, effective, and made for young skin. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or helping your teen build their first routine, here are the best places to start your search.

Online and Brand Websites

One of the best ways to find a moisturizer you can trust is to shop directly from a brand that specializes in teen skincare. When you shop online, you get access to the full product line, detailed ingredient lists, and customer reviews. This is especially helpful when you’re looking for formulas designed to be gentle and non-irritating. Brands that focus on young skin, like Bright Girl, put a lot of care into creating products that support a healthy skin barrier without harsh or unnecessary additives. Plus, shopping directly from the source often gives you access to special sets and deals.

Drugstore Finds

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a fantastic, dermatologist-approved moisturizer. Drugstores are full of affordable and effective options that are perfect for teen skin. Brands like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Vanicream are often recommended by dermatologists for their simple, gentle formulas packed with beneficial ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Look for products labeled "non-comedogenic" (meaning they won't clog pores) and fragrance-free to minimize the risk of irritation. These drugstore moisturizers prove that a great routine can be both accessible and budget-friendly.

Shopping Tips for Parents

Helping your teen find the right skincare can feel overwhelming, but a few simple tips can make it much easier. First, remember that less is more. A teen’s routine only needs a few key products: a gentle cleanser, a light moisturizer, and sunscreen. If your teen is dealing with specific issues like persistent acne, a visit to a dermatologist can provide personalized advice. Most importantly, talk to your teen about their skin. Ask them what their concerns are and what they want from their products. This helps you guide them toward safe, effective options that are backed by science and will make them feel confident.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will a moisturizer make my oily skin even greasier? It’s a common fear, but the right moisturizer will actually do the opposite. When your skin is dehydrated, it can panic and produce even more oil to try and moisturize itself. By using a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic moisturizer, you give your skin the balanced hydration it needs. This signals to your oil glands that they can relax, helping to reduce that extra shine over time.

Can moisturizing actually help with my breakouts? While a moisturizer isn't a direct acne treatment, it plays a huge supportive role in keeping skin clear. Acne-prone skin is often irritated and inflamed, and a healthy, hydrated skin barrier is much better at calming itself down. A good moisturizer helps strengthen that barrier, reduces redness, and can prevent your skin from overproducing the pore-clogging oil that leads to breakouts in the first place.

When is the best time to apply moisturizer? For the best results, you should moisturize twice a day. Apply it in the morning after washing your face to hydrate and protect your skin for the day ahead. Then, apply it again at night as the final step in your routine. This helps lock in moisture and supports your skin’s natural repair process while you sleep.

Do I really need a separate moisturizer for day and night? You don't necessarily need two different products, but you absolutely need sun protection during the day. The easiest way to do this is to use a moisturizer that contains at least SPF 30 in the morning. If you love your regular moisturizer, you can simply apply a separate sunscreen over it. At night, you can use that same moisturizer without the need for SPF.

What should I do if I think a new moisturizer is irritating my skin? If you have sensitive skin, it's always a smart idea to patch-test a new product before putting it all over your face. Apply a small amount to a discreet area, like behind your ear or on your inner wrist, for a few days. If you don't see any redness or irritation, you're likely good to go. If you do react, it’s best to stop using the product and stick to gentle, fragrance-free formulas.

Dr. Angela Casey
About the author

Dr. Angela Casey is a double board-certified Dermatologist and Micrographic Surgeon with over two decades of experience. She graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University and completed her dermatology residency at University of Pittsburgh, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Casey is a partner at the Center for Surgical Dermatology and founded Bright Girl to provide safe, effective skincare specifically formulated for young skin ages 8-24.

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