Types of Skin Creams: Your Guide to Choosing the Right Cream for Each Skin Type

Skin types and their needs vary from person to person, so it’s essential to understand the different types of skin creams to choose the one that suits your skin and its needs.

But before asking about types of skin creams, what are the types of skin?

Different Skin Types

Skin types vary according to specific characteristics and can be divided into:

• Oily Skin

Oily skin produces a high amount of sebum from the sebaceous glands spread throughout the skin, usually appearing shiny due to the constant oiliness.
Oily skin requires special care steps to remove excess oil and prevent related issues such as acne, enlarged pores, and other common oily skin problems.

• Dry Skin

Unlike oily skin, dry skin suffers from low sebum production, making it prone to dryness, cracks, and sometimes flaking. It needs special care to provide sufficient hydration and avoid these problems.

• Sensitive Skin

This type of skin is delicate and reacts strongly to any ingredients it comes into contact with. It often shows allergic symptoms like redness, irritation, and itching when exposed to unsuitable products. Sensitive skin requires great caution when choosing any skincare product.

• Combined Skin

This skin type features more than one skin characteristic in different facial zones. For example, one area may be oily while another is dry.

Types of Skin Creams

Skin creams can be classified by their use, and types of skin creams are:

1. Moisturizing Creams

Among most known types of skin creams is moisturizing cream. It is designed to increase or restore skin hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier. Moisturizing creams improve skin softness and usually contain hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid, nourishing oils such as jojoba oil and olive oil, and additional beneficial components like vitamins and antioxidants.
All skin types need regular moisturization, especially dry skin, due to its lack of natural moisture.

2. Brightening Creams

Used to reduce dark pigmentation caused by prolonged sun exposure, medication use, or recurring skin inflammation.
These types of skin creams work by reducing melanin production — the pigment responsible for skin color. Brightening creams often contain vitamin C, lactic acid, and sometimes hydroquinone.

3. Sunscreen Creams

These creams protect the skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause pigmentation, darkening, and wrinkles.
It’s important to choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin type with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

4. Anti-Wrinkle or Wrinkle Treatment Creams

Among the most popular skin creams, anti-aging creams typically contain collagen and vitamin C to help stimulate collagen production and absorption.
Using wrinkle-prevention creams from the age of 30 is recommended to delay the appearance of aging signs.

5. Medicinal Creams

Many creams are designed for medical purposes, such as treating acne, allergic reactions, burns, and more.
Ingredients vary according to the cream’s purpose, but it’s vital to ensure high product quality and skin compatibility — especially for sensitive skin.

6. Exfoliating Creams

Exfoliating creams help remove dead skin cells and the outer skin layer and are often part of treatment protocols for acne scars and skin brightening.
They come in different strengths (mild to strong), each suited for specific uses. One of the most famous exfoliating creams is Avalon Alpha Plus.

Tips for Using Skin Creams Correctly

When choosing one of the types of skin creams, follow these tips to maximize benefits:

• Always test any new cream on a small area to check for allergic reactions.
• Store the cream in proper conditions according to packaging instructions — in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
• Follow the usage instructions, especially for medicinal creams, including duration of use.
• Apply the cream in a gentle circular motion on the targeted area for best results.
• Discontinue use immediately if any side effects occur, and consult a dermatologist if they persist.

In conclusion, using the right cream in the correct way and at the right time ensures the best results, regardless of the cream’s purpose.