What is the largest organ of our body? It is the skin! It is not just a bag that covers our whole body but it is a protective barrier that defends against dirt and debris. By locking in moisture it also maintains the hydration levels of the body.

Importance of Moisturizer
Our body has a particular moisture level that needs to be maintained, without which it becomes prone to dryness and irritation. Skin helps seal in moisture and protect against external irritants like dirt and pollution. It keeps a regulates temperature cools down the body when it becomes too hot by oozing out sweat.

Moisturizers protect the skin against dehydration and provide the epidermis layer with anti aging ingredients thereby improving the skin texture. This further enhances the skin tone and makes it soft and supple. Dehydrated skin is prone to damage by ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Therefore, it becomes absolutely essential to apply moisturizer on a daily basis to correct these flaws.

Moisturizers are vital for people with dry skin because they are all the more susceptible to dryness which further causes flaky and tight skin. It's best to use moisturizers that contain emollients and humectants. Emollients like petroleum and lactic acid strengthen the skin's barrier function and humectants attract moisture from the air and retain it. Popular humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic.

Moisturizers as per Skin Type
Different skin types require different kind of treatment. One particular moisturizer may not be suitable for all. The choice of moisturizer should be essentially based on your skin type. Dry skin needs a cream based formula while oily skin requires a lighter combination.

Here is a list of skin types and what moisturizer that may work best for the various skin types:

Dry Skin
The moisture barrier is intrinsically weak in dry skin thereby leading to further dryness and flakiness. And with age and due time, this natural barrier breaks down. Also, cold weather and sun damage accelerate the process. People with dry skin should use rich creamy moisturizers that help replenish lost moisture and stays on the skin for long periods of time.

Oily Skin
Many people nurture the misconception that oily skin does not require moisturizers. However, that is not the case. Excessive oiliness of the skin is a result of overproduction of sebum. But there is a distinct difference between oil and moisture. Use a lightweight, water based, oil free moisturizer that doesn't add to the greasy shine but provides necessary moisture.

Combination Skin
Moisturizing combination skin is tricky. Ideally you should be using two kinds of moisturizers; a creamy one for the dry areas on cheeks and the neck and a lightweight one for the T zone. But that becomes much of an ordeal. Therefore, it is best to choose a moisturizer that is especially formulated to address the needs of your skin type.

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin needs to be handled very carefully because the slightest mistake can make the skin react tremendously. Select a moisturizer that soothes the skin and calms any irritation or reactions.

Apart from selecting the right moisturizer you also need to follow a good skin care regimen so as to bring about enhanced benefits!