Must-Have Daily Moisturizers

Anyone who washes his or her face knows the importance of a good daily moisturizer to fend off that tight, dry feeling and keep the skin soft and supple. Men: that includes you, especially if you shave. (If you don’t like the idea of using a “beauty product,” then think of it as a matter of comfort, like wearing socks with your shoes.)

A facial moisturizer with SPF is essential; all-over sunscreens tend to feel thick and heavy on the face, but we’ve all heard by now that harmful UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin even in the wintertime, or on a cloudy day. Thus, when it comes to facial moisturizer, a gentle formula with SPF 15 or higher is your best bet year round.

Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion is a solid pick. It has SPF 30, whereas most daily facial moisturizers only have SPF 15. At about $10, it’s wallet-friendly as well. On the downside, some people may find this product a bit heavy; it goes on thick and has to be rubbed in thoroughly.

Aveeno Positively Ageless SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer is a good alternative for those in search of a lighter-weight product. Aveeno’s patented Active Photobarrier Complex provides broad-spectrum coverage and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

For those who are especially fair-skinned (or for anyone wants to play it safe), Cetaphil’s new UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 provides the highest sun protection factor of any moisturizer designed specifically for the face. In addition to its broad-spectrum, long-wearing coverage, it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue.

Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturizer SPF 30, Sensitive Skin is a light, non-greasy formula with aloe and green tea extract to reduce sun damage by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation. Studies indicate that topical green tea polyphenols are likely to delay some signs of aging.

Men: still feeling squeamish about using a “women’s” moisturizer? Try Anthony Logistics for Men Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. The no-frills bottle is anything but girly, and the product contains bilberry, sugarcane, maple sugar, orange and lemon extracts to diminish fine lines and blotches, plus panthenol to retain moisture and vitamins A, C, D and E to nourish your skin.