Medical-Grade Moisturizers

What is a medical-grade moisturizer?

A moisturizer supports the skin's moisture barrier, locks in hydration and helps every other step of your routine work better. Medical-grade moisturizers from SkinCeuticals, ZO Skin Health, EltaMD and Obagi use ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide at effective, well-studied levels to hydrate and improve the look of fine lines and texture.

Medical-grade vs. drugstore moisturizers

The difference comes down to formulation quality and targeting. Professional moisturizers use better-quality emollients and actives, are matched to specific skin types and concerns, and are sold through authorized channels so they stay fresh and authentic. For many people that means better hydration, a more comfortable, hydrated barrier and fewer reactions.

Choosing a moisturizer for your skin type

• Dry skin: a richer cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help support and hydrate the moisture barrier.
• Oily or combination skin: a lightweight gel or lotion that hydrates without heaviness.
• Sensitive skin: a simple, fragrance-conscious barrier cream.
• Mature skin: a moisturizer with peptides or antioxidants to support the look of firmness.
• Acne-prone skin: a light, non-comedogenic formula that will not clog pores.

Key ingredients to look for

Ceramides and cholesterol help support and hydrate the moisture barrier, hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in hydration, niacinamide helps balance and even the look of skin, and peptides and antioxidants support the look of firmness and daily defense. A good medical-grade moisturizer pairs a comfortable texture with a few of these well-studied actives.

How to use a moisturizer

Apply morning and night after your serum, while skin is slightly damp to help lock in hydration, then follow the morning application with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Do oily and acne-prone skin need moisturizer?

Yes. Skipping moisturizer can leave skin looking oilier and feeling less comfortable. A light, non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps skin balanced and helps other blemish-prone-skin products work with less irritation.

Shop authentic medical-grade moisturizers in Canada

BelleSkin is an authorized Canadian retailer, so every moisturizer is genuine, fresh and correctly stored, never grey-market, and shipped across Canada with free shipping over $99.