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How Do I Choose the Best Day Cream?

Amber Eberle
Amber Eberle

A day cream is a product that is intended to improve the feel and appearance of your face. There are many face creams available that are formulated to remedy different skin issues. The best day cream for your face is one that is compatible with your skin type, age and budget while also providing sun protection as well as vitamins and nutrients that promote healthy skin.

Your skin type determines the type of day cream that is best for you. Skin types are divided into normal skin, oily skin, dry skin and combination skin. Each type of skin requires a different type of day cream, and the amount of sun protection needed depends on where you live, as well as how often you expose your skin to the sun.

A day cream.
A day cream.

Normal skin usually does not experience breakouts or have dry or oily patches. This type of skin requires a face cream that lightly moisturizes. Oily skin is prone to breakouts, blackheads and large pores. A water-based cream is the best option for this skin type.

Dry skin becomes dry and tight-feeling very easily. This type of skin needs a day cream that is made with super moisturizing components. Combination skin is a complex mix of oily skin and dry skin. This type of skin requires a cream that is made for combination skin or a mix of creams made for oily and dry skin.

Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.
Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.

Sun protection is very important in a day cream. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a day cream that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 is recommended. A person who does not spend a lot of time outdoors can use a cream with an SPF of 15.

Many day creams contain ingredients that are claimed to improve the state of your skin and make you look younger. A day cream can contain ingredients that improve the appearance of fine line and wrinkles while promoting collagen growth. Choose a cream that meets your needs.

The best day cream depends on the individual's budget.
The best day cream depends on the individual's budget.

The best cream for your face also depends on your budget. High-end cosmetic companies produce a number of creams that are fairly expensive. There also are budget-friendly day creams available in drugstores. Both high-end and budget creams contain items that moisturize your face while protecting it from the sun and promoting collagen growth.

Discussion Comments

Wisedly33

@Grivusangel -- I'd also add that it's good to check ingredients if you have very sensitive skin, since some sunscreen formulas can really mess up your skin.

I have sensitive skin and one type of day cream I tried made my face red and itchy. I later determined it had to be the sunscreen, since I got the same reaction with some sunscreen I used on a weekend.

I have to be very, very careful with day cream or makeup that contains sunscreen. I've had some bad times with that stuff.

Grivusangel

A good day cream should also be absorbed very easily. Otherwise, makeup will slide right off the skin. A night moisturizer can be heavier, but a day cream should be light enough to not feel like it's clogging your pores or not allowing your skin to breathe.

Most day creams are labeled as such, and many department stores have samples or testers so you can see how a cream works on your individual skin type.

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    • A day cream.
      By: picsfive
      A day cream.
    • Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.
      By: goodluz
      Skin type is an important aspect of choosing a daily face cream.
    • The best day cream depends on the individual's budget.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      The best day cream depends on the individual's budget.