Gel or cream? Which type suits my skin best?

Toner, serum, ampoule, lotion, moisturizer, moisturizing gel… and the list goes on. Are you overwhelmed by all these names and all the options you have?

The list of K-beauty skincare products, especially, is long, but moisturizer is always the most important product. By choosing the perfect moisturizer for your skin, you can save hours of searching for additional products to combat your individual skin concerns. The issue with moisturizers is the texture. Gel or cream?

What are the differences between Gel and Cream?

Moisturizing Gel or Moisturizing Cream?

Moisturizers are mainly divided into two categories: gels and creams. Gel moisturizers and cream moisturizers have opposite textures due to the ingredients they are made of but have no difference in their effectiveness. But which texture is better? It depends entirely on your taste and needs. To find the perfect moisturizer for your skin, here are some questions to ask yourself in relation to your skin type and skin needs.

Which moisturizer texture suits your skin?

Facial/eye moisturizers are usually oil-free, which makes them feel watery and lightweight. If the sticky feel of skincare products bothers you, consider a moisturizer instead. Gel moisturizers can hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. Because they are so lightweight, gel moisturizers can also be used as a makeup base. However, due to their lightweight texture, they evaporate more quickly and you may need to reapply more often than moisturizers.

If you prefer the “sticky” feel of a moisturizer, then avoid facial gel moisturizers. Moisturizing creams have a thick and heavy texture, which creates a long-lasting protective barrier on the skin. The oil prevents moisture from evaporating quickly and helps the beneficial ingredients of the cream to be absorbed. They are also ideal for leaving the skin soft and are more convenient to use, since they only need to be applied once. Most natural beauty masks that contain oils have this texture.

What skin type do you have?

Gel moisturizers are water-based, while creams are oil-based, so you should choose your foundation based on your skin type.

Gel moisturizers have become particularly popular recently as an alternative to oil-based skin care products. The water molecules and hyaluronic acid capsules contained in gel moisturizers allow for hydration without leaving a greasy residue on the skin’s surface. This is why they are best suited for oily, acne-prone skin. To avoid acne and unexpected breakouts, you should avoid anything that could clog your pores. Gel moisturizers allow for internal hydration, which means that the skin’s hydration is activated from within the skin, unlike the way oil-based moisturizers hydrate the skin by “locking” moisture in the oil barrier.

Natural, deeply hydrating facial gel from Wishtrend

Wishtrend innovates with the product (moisturizing eye gel) that offers deep and intensive natural hydration of the eyes in the form of a Gel. This way you combine everything to get the perfect result!

The rich texture of moisturizers is a testament to the powerful combination of ingredients they contain. Oil-based ones contain more beneficial compounds, such as essential oil extract, vitamin F, and phospholipids, so they not only moisturize but also nourish the skin.

- People with dry skin can really benefit from using a moisturizer because it works on so many levels. Also, moisturizers can help with fine lines and wrinkles.

- Did you also know that oil-based creams can actually prevent acne contrary to the common belief that they can cause it?

- In people with dry skin, it can suddenly break out when there is an imbalance in moisture and oil levels. Moisturizing creams are the solution for those who want to replenish these levels.

Try the unique product from Klairs' Korean cosmetics collection: Klairs - Fundamental Eye Awakening Gel, Moisturizing Eye Gel with Caffeine

But also the moisturizing cream that soothes the skin: Klairs - Rich Moist Soothing Cream - Soothing cream with rich hydration

What should you pay attention to when taking care of your face?

Every skincare product has its own strong feature, but also some minor side effects that depending on skin type and skin problems, can sometimes be serious.

- Gel moisturizers absorb quickly and are usually lightweight, leaving your skin feeling fresh and refreshed. The alcohol in them allows them to provide quick hydration, but they can cause dryness and irritation if you have sensitive skin. While there is still some debate about the pros and cons of alcohol in skincare products, if you want an alcohol-free product, use a moisturizer instead of a gel.

- Oils are another ingredient to look out for when choosing a face cream. Natural and essential oil extracts can help your skin, but at the same time make it oily if it has a tendency to become oily. Those who live in hot and humid climates should also be careful when applying moisturizer before an outdoor activity.

Now you have a general idea of ​​which moisturizer to choose. You don't have to limit yourself to just one type of moisturizer. Remember that you could switch from gel to cream to maximize hydration.