A few weeks back the weather started to warm up in Pittsburgh. I’ve been using a pretty heavy moisturizer all winter, so my skin started to look a little oily and sticky. So I decided to look for a new moisturizer to make me look a little more matte and less shiny. Here are the best moisturizers that I found! (For more tips on transitioning from winter to spring skin care, visit this post, from a few weeks ago).
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is the original formula. It is not to be confused with Clinique Moisture Surge Intense for dry to very dry skin.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief is for normal to oily skin. It is a cooling, soothing, and hydrating moisturizer. On the other hand, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense is for normal to dry skin. It has far more hydrators in high concentration than the original, with two types of silicones (cyclopentasiloxane and dimethicone) and moisture-ridden oil squalane.
Both formulas contain proven ingredients like vitamin E, linoleic acid, and chamomile extract, the latter of which was noted to suppress inflammation in the skin (source). Chamomile works so well because it is a natural source of α-bisabolol, a substance that promotes wound healing and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity (Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 2010).
Although the new Clinique Moisture Surge Intense and the original Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief are quite similar, the major difference is that the original contains a lot more green tea. As one of my favorite ingredients, green tea has been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, and photoprotective properties when applied topically to human skin.
Both are gel-like formulas. The original Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief dries much more quickly, and does not feel sticky at all. On the other hand, Clinique Moisture Surge Intense takes a bit of time to rub in, and feels a little tacky on the skin.
Though I’m not currently using the original Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, it’s a great moisturizer I always keep on hand in the medicine cabinet for when I or a guest whose skin is dry, sunburned, or irritated. A fantastic formula that is perfect for Spring!
AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30
I talk about this one all of the time, I know.
In short, AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 offers the replenishing benefits of 17 amino acids, which your skin naturally retains at a higher rate when you are younger. AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 also contains camellia oil, four types of chemical sunscreens, green tea, and vitamin E for antioxidant and UV protection.
AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 is a white, medium-to-thick texture cream.
It glides across the skin smoothly and evenly, without any pulling or tugging. It is not sticky or tacky. I have used many moisturizers and sunscreens with fragrance and have a pretty low tolerance for it (like, I can’t wear Banana Boat without feeling like I want to gag!), but AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 was pleasant and light enough that I didn’t notice any scent after application.
AminoGenesis Wrinkle Arrest Anti-Aging Day Cream SPF 30 drank into the skin well and left it feeling soft and more hydrated. It’s a great way to the get the benefits of amino acids, antioxidant vitamin E and green tea, and camellia oil while still protecting the skin from the sun as the weather warms up!
Philosophy Turbo C Powder
Nope, not a moisturizer. Not exactly. But a moisturizer enhancer that I needed to include on a springtime moisturizer list!
Vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid has been shown to boost UVA protection in concentrations of at least 15%. But vitamin C as L-ascorbic acid is also one of the most volatile ingredients out there, breaking down in the presence of light, heat, and air.
One secret to making sure your vitamin C serum still delivers after time is to inject it with a little Philosophy Turbo C Powder. Though the powder itself is anhydrous, if it is added into a typical water- or lipid-soluble serum or moisturizer, it should be delivered into the skin just fine.
One caveat: Make sure you only add in the recommended one and a half scoops of Philosophy Turbo C Powder to one serum, moisturizer, eye cream or sun protection each morning. If you use too much, it can cause burning and peeling. Generally, I estimate the 1.5 tiny scoops of Philosophy Turbo C Powder will add another 2-5% vitamin C to your daily routine, so your 15% vitamin C serum will be more like 17-20%. (I’m doing this calculation by mass and average application.)
Fulom Hydrating Lotion
Yep, this is one of my springtime essentials for face and body. I apply it after a retinoid nightly.
Fulvic acid is a very potent antioxidant. At this point, though it is hard to find in skin care, scientists suspect that it may have significant effects against fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging. This is because fulvic acid penetrates the skin quite well (Drug Development Delivery, 2002), enabling the ingredient to work in the skin at higher potency and for longer intervals of time than many other antioxidants do.
Fulvic acid is also known for being a treatment for irritated skin, as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent (Drug Development Research, 2001;Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2000).
It may be helpful with contact dermatitis (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2000), psoriasis (Karr), and eczema (Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigative Dermatology, 2011).
I really like Fulom Hydrating Lotion because of its lightweight texture and calming, hydrating, and potentially healing benefits.
Dr. Dennis Gross CC Cream SPF 18
If you’re new to skin care, or if you’re looking to save money, consider Dr. Dennis Gross CC Cream SPF 18. It contains all of the ingredients I recommend for springtime, including antioxidant vitamins C and E, UVA/UVB protectant titanium dioxide, and ultra-hydrating (yet lightweight) sodium hyaluronate. It is also money-saving because it is a lightweight foundation.
The one caveat is that the number of shades it comes in are limited, and the coverage could be better. But if you are looking for a one-two-three punch for antioxidant treatment-sunscreen-makeup, this is hard to beat.
Neocutis Journée
If you’re looking for a potent springtime moisturizer, this one is a great one. It contains psp®, which is a patented blend of human growth factors, cytokines and interleukins designed to rejuvenate and soothe skin. Neocutis Journée also includes antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and uva/uvb protection spf 30+ to rejuvenate, protect and hydrate skin.
Growth factors are naturally found within the skin. As you age, your body’s natural production and preservation of growth factors slows dramatically.
Growth factors are typically specialized. For instance, the growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) lays down fresh blood vessels, whereas the growth factor keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) stimulates skin care growth.
| Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-B) | Stimulate collagen secretion |
| Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) | Stimulate new blood vessel formation |
| Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) | Stimulate new blood vessel formation |
| Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) | Stimulate epithelial cell growth |
| Interleukins (IL-6, IL-7, IL-8) | Reduce inflammation |
| Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) | Promote formation of new blood vessels |
| Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) | Promote cell growth and multiplication |
| Platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) | Regulate cell growth and division |
| Transforming growth factors (TGF-B2 & B3) | Stimulate collagen secretion |
| Granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor | Increase number of white blood cells |
While there are many different types of growth factors, they all essentially do more or less the same things, exfoliating the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin firmness.
Studies also suggest growth factors may increase cellular turnover and regeneration (Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology, 2010; Dermatologic Therapy, 2007).
In addition, according to one company that manufactures a growth factor-containing serum:
- Skin looks significantly younger with regular use
- Diminishes wrinkles and fine lines
- Gives skin a youthful glow and gradually fades sun/age spots
- GF (growth factor)-technology restores youthful skin function to repair damage
Neocutis Journée is lightweight enough to be perfect for all but the most oily of skin types for spring, and the anti-aging benefits are significant!
Josie Maran Argan Oil Light
Unlike pure argan oil, Josie Maran Argan Oil Light is designed to be an “ultra lightweight, quick-absorbing version” of the original Josie Maran Argan Oil, leaving a matte rather than shiny finish on the skin.
The secret? Josie Maran Argan Oil Light contains only compounds called “argan isostearylic esters,” rather than pure argan oil, as found in the original.
Esters are simply molecules with a specific chemical group. Before you get alarmed, don’t worry: Esters are naturally found in most fats and oils, including argan, olive, castor, and essential oils. It is also what gives fruits like apples and strawberries their natural scent (On Food and Cooking). The human body also naturally has esters throughout its entirety, including as a major constituent of pheromones, those scent-driven particles that make us attracted to one person but not to another.
So, yes, argan isostearylic esters are naturally found in plants and argan oil itself! In order to extract the esters from the oil, a simple extraction process needs to occur. This doesn’t mean Josie Maran Argan Oil Light isn’t natural – it just took energy to extract the esters from the oil, that’s all.
In general, Josie Maran Argan Oil Light is lighter and drinks in more quickly than the pure argan oil. It also has slightly less of a nut-like smell than the original, and dries to a smooth finish. The light version is also much better for use on the body, because it doesn’t leave oily marks on your clothing. After a few days of use, I think my skin feels smoother and with a more matte finish than with the original Josie Maran Argan Oil.
Skinceuticals Metacell B5
After a few products I didn’t love as much as Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, Skinceuticals once again outdid itself with Skinceuticals Metacell B5. Formulated with an unprecented 5% niacinamide, Skinceuticals Metacell B5 may correct early symptoms of photoaging, increasing cell turnover and strengthens skin’s moisture barrier, help with hydration volume and enhances skin’s firmness (Dermatological Surgery; Cutis; British Journal of Dermatology; International Journal of Dermatology; Cosmetic Dermatology)..
It may also help with sunspots as well: According to a 2002 study by Hakozaki et. al., a topically applied 2% niacinamide and sunscreen lotion significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness after 4 weeks of use.
Unlike the popular lightening agent hydroquinone, niacinamide does not decrease hyperpigmentation by causing cellular death. Instead, in the study, niacinamide was found to reduce hyperpigmentation by stopping melanin (skin pigment) from being transferred to the skin’s surface. In fact, 35–68% of transfer from melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) to keratinocytes (skin cells) was noted.
Overall, Skinceuticals Metacell B5 is a sensational product that gets the job done!