GELS OR CREAMS
which face product is right for you?
A large part of choosing skincare products is selecting the right one for your specific needs. With so much choice, that can be overwhelming. So, as part of our commitment to helping people achieve their goal of better skin, we think that it is important to help you make the right choice for your skin.
In this newsletter, we’re talking face creams versus gels. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is, which one is best for you, or which one will suit a particular situation, the answers can be found right here.
What is a Gel?
The best place to start when understanding the difference between gels and creams is to know what each is. A gel uses a base that contains a high percentage of water, combined with a gelling agent to thicken it, usually a combination of glycerin and hyaluronic acid. This water-based approach means gels tend to be lighter and oil-free.
What is a Cream?
Creams use a mix of emollients as a base which give the rich body that you normally associate with creams. However, they also make them a little oilier in texture, and a heavier product in general when used. Examples of emollients are plant oils, mineral oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter, and petrolatum.
Using Gels
Gels are easily absorbed and leave no residue of any kind. That’s great for your skin, however nothing is perfect. The lightness and water base means that gels tend to evaporate quicker, which in turn means you have to reapply gels more frequently than cream alternatives.
Using Creams
Creams are thicker and heavier than gels, and that gives them staying power. Your cream will probably last all day without reapplying, giving your skin more time to absorb the ingredients and enjoy all the benefits of your chosen product.
However, the oil-based nature of creams also means that they can leave a greasy residue on your skin, in fact it is those oils that keep the cream working for longer. The heaviness, especially compared to gels, also makes them a problem in hot climates, where lighter gels just feel better.
Which is best?
The answer here depends on the kind of skin you have. For those of you who have oily skin or who are prone to acne, adding oily product to the skin is going to exacerbate the problem. Instead, water-based gel products, that won’t introduce additional oils, are perfect.
If you have combination skin, and are looking for something lighter in the hot summer months, gel is a great option too. The lighter nature of the gel products makes them more comfortable to use as temperatures rise.
On the other hand, if you have dry or sensitive skin, the richness of creams can work to alleviate skin issues and offer gentle hydration and protection. A cream may be the best option for your dry sensitive skin, but as ever, your choice should come down to what works best for you.
Both gels and creams have benefits, but gels and creams each bring their own issues too. Choosing which is right is up to you. While gels work better for oily skin, they are fine on dry skin too, and in the summer, or when you need a fast solution, gels have a lot to offer. Creams though, are great for dry sensitive skin and they’re especially useful for overnight use since they last so long.
Brignol SkinCare’s range of products includes both gels and creams so that whatever your skin type, needs, or preferences, we have something for you. There is no one answer to ‘which is best’, and by making your favorite product available in both forms, we’ll always be able to provide you with the right product type for your needs.
Brignol SkinCare is dedicated to giving you the best skin possible, and through these newsletters, we hope to help you get the very best out of our products.
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