Moisturisers:

Find out what moisturisers can and cannot do for your skin and how to select a moisturiser that suits your skin needs.

Moisturisers prevent and treat dry skin and prevent moisture loss, but that's not all they do. Moisturisers can protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections. There are plenty of moisturisers available.

Here's help finding the right moisturiser for you.

Which moisturiser is best for you?

On the most basic level, moisturisers hold water in the outermost layer of skin. They also act as a temporary barrier. Many moisturisers contain some combination of humectants, emollients and other ingredients.

The moisturiser that's best for you depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions, such as acne. For general guidelines, consider the following:

•Normal skin. Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. To maintain this natural moisture balance, use a water-based moisturiser that has a light, nongreasy feel. These moisturisers often contain lightweight oils or silicone-derived ingredients, such as cyclomethicone, dimethicone, and dimethicone copolyol.

•Dry skin. To restore moisture to dry skin, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturiser that contains ingredients that help keep your skin hydrated.

•Oily skin. Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. Oily skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that remove oils and dry out the skin. A light moisturiser can also help protect your skin after washing. Choose a water-based product that's labelled non-comedogenic, which means it is less likely to clog pores.

•Sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is susceptible to skin irritations, redness, itching or rashes. Look for a moisturiser that contains soothing ingredients, such as chamomile or aloe, and doesn't contain potential allergens, such as fragrances or dyes. Also, avoid products containing acids, which can irritate sensitive skin.

•Mature skin. As you age, your skin tends to become drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. To keep your skin soft and well hydrated, choose an oil-based moisturiser that contains petrolatum as the base, along with antioxidants or alpha hydroxy acids to combat wrinkles. These ingredients help hold in moisture and prevent flaky, scaly skin.

Keep in mind that skin type can vary, depending on environment, hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy and menopause, and other health related conditions. Medication can also have a negative effect on skin condition.