How to Choose the Ideal Face Cream in 2025: A Guide by Skin Type

Taking care of your facial skin is more than a matter of aesthetics—it's a daily gesture of health, well-being, and self-care. With the advancement of dermocosmetics and the growing range of specific products, choosing the ideal face cream can become a real challenge. The market offers a plethora of face creams, and sometimes it can be complicated to choose the one that best suits your skin type and individual needs. Here, we explain everything you need to know when buying face creams, considering your skin type and specific needs. Pay attention to the lines below and discover how to choose your face cream, as well as suggestions for the best creams available at fahma.pt.

1. Why is it important to use a face cream?

The skin on the face is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the body, making it naturally more vulnerable. It is also the area most exposed to daily external aggressions: from urban pollution, UV rays, temperature variations, wind, cold, and even environmental and emotional stress—all of this leaves visible marks on the skin, such as redness, dehydration, dark spots, and signs of premature aging. Therefore, choosing a good face cream is essential to keep the skin protected, balanced, and radiant. The cream should not only hydrate but also deeply nourish, repair damage, strengthen the skin barrier, and prevent the loss of firmness and elasticity over time.

2. How to identify your skin type to choose a face cream?

Before buying a face cream, the first step is to identify your skin type. This is a step you cannot get wrong to choose the ideal cream. To help with this process, here are the characteristics of the main skin types.

Normal Skin

• Smooth and soft texture

• No visible oily or dry areas

• Barely visible pores

• Rarely has pimples or redness

• Feels comfortable throughout the day

Dry Skin

• Feeling of tightness, especially after washing the face

• May show flaking or cracks

• Rough or dull texture

• More prone to irritation or sensitivity

• Fine lines may appear more visible

Oily Skin

• Excessive shine, especially on the forehead, nose, and chin

• Enlarged and visible pores

• Prone to pimples and blackheads

• Makeup "melts" easily

• Skin feels heavy or damp to the touch

Combination Skin

• Oiliness concentrated in the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)

• Cheeks are normal or dry

• Difficulty finding products that balance the entire face

• Different areas with distinct needs

• May have shine in some areas and a feeling of tightness in others

Sensitive Skin

• Reacts easily to changes in climate, products, or stress

• Frequent redness

• Itching, burning, or a sensation of heat

• May flake or form small pimples

• Intolerance to fragrances or harsh formulas

If you have 3 or more characteristics from a certain skin type on the list, you likely identify with that profile. However, skin can change over time (with seasons, hormones, age, or even the products you use). Therefore, it's best to observe your skin in its natural state, clean and without makeup, throughout the day. You might also have overlapping characteristics—for example, oily and sensitive skin—or have combination skin with dry areas and other more reactive ones. In these cases, you should look for balanced products or use specific care for different zones.

Tip to determine your facial skin type: 

Wash your face with a gentle gel and wait for 1 hour without applying anything, then observe:

• Does it feel tight or have dry patches? Tends to be dry skin.

• Is it visibly shiny in the T-zone? Tends to be combination or oily skin.

• Does redness appear or do you feel itchy? Tends to be sensitive skin.

• Does it seem balanced and comfortable? You probably have normal skin.

Important Note: This guide is a practical aid to get to know your skin better, but it does not replace a personalized evaluation by a dermatologist or a dermocosmetics professional. If you have doubts or specific conditions, it is best to consult an expert.

3. Face Cream: What should you consider?

Skincare is increasingly aligned with the individual needs of each person—and this is reflected in the choice of face cream. The ideal formula should meet your skin's goals, respect its natural characteristics, and, whenever possible, follow a more conscious and safe approach. Here are some aspects to consider when choosing:

• Active ingredients tailored to your needs (hydration, anti-aging, spot correction, etc.);

• Texture compatible with your skin type (gel, fluid, rich cream, among others);

• Presence of sun protection (preferably with SPF 30 or higher, for daytime use);

• Gentle, clean, and hypoallergenic formulas, especially if you have sensitive skin;

• Dermatologically tested products, ideally with efficacy proven in clinical studies.

Let's look at some characteristics that face creams should have for some of the main skin types:

Face Cream for Dry Skin 

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of lipids and, often, water as well. It's a skin type that tends to feel tight, may show flaking, small cracks, and, over time, become more sensitive and prone to signs of premature aging. Therefore, care should be aimed at deeply hydrating, nourishing, and repairing the skin barrier. The ideal face cream for dry skin should have a rich and enveloping texture, capable of providing immediate comfort and maintaining hydration throughout the day. Additionally, it should contain emollient and restorative ingredients that prevent water loss and help strengthen the skin's protective barrier.

Recommended ingredients in a face cream for dry skin:

• High molecular weight hyaluronic acid – forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface, preventing water loss and providing immediate softness.

• Shea butter – highly nutritious, rich in vitamins and fatty acids, ideal for restoring elasticity and soothing the skin.

• Ceramides – lipids naturally present in the skin that help repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

• Glycerin – attracts and retains water in the skin, contributing to continuous hydration.

• Vegetable oils (jojoba, avocado, sweet almond) – rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, they soften and deeply nourish.

Examples of creams for dry skin at fahma.pt:

• Isdinceutics Hyaluronic Moisture: a 50g moisturizing cream specifically formulated for normal to dry skin.

• Nuxe Merveillance Lift Dry Skin Day Cream 50ml: a correcting day cream that smooths wrinkles and leaves the skin firmer as if lifted.

• La Roche Posay Nutritic Intense Riche Cream 50ml: a face cream with a rich and hydrating formula that provides comfort, softness, and relief to sensitive, dry, and very dry skin.

Extra tip: for dry skin, prefer creams with a balm or dense cream texture, especially for your nighttime routine or for the colder months when the skin tends to become even drier.

Face Cream for Oily Skin 

Oily skin produces excess sebum, which leads to unwanted shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and even acne. However, it is a common mistake to think that this skin type does not need hydration. On the contrary: when dehydrated, oily skin tends to produce even more oil to compensate. The secret is to choose a face cream with a light, fast-absorbing texture that hydrates without clogging pores or worsening shine. The formulas should also help regulate sebum production and purify the skin.

Recommended ingredients in a face cream for oily skin:

• Salicylic acid – gently exfoliates pores, preventing imperfections.

• Niacinamide – regulates oiliness, soothes, and evens out skin tone.

• Zinc – with sebum-regulating and antibacterial properties.

• Hyaluronic acid (low molecular weight) – deeply hydrates without feeling heavy.

• Astringent plant extracts – such as witch hazel, green tea, or cucumber.

Examples of creams for oily skin at fahma.pt:

• SVR Sebiaclear Hydra - 40ml Plus: a cream that provides hydration, repair, and softness to acne-prone skin, especially when subjected to treatments that cause dehydration.

• La Roche Posay Duo Effaclar(+) - 40ml: provides triple-correction anti-blemish care, specially formulated for oily, acne-prone skin.

• Avene Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cream 40g: a hydrating and nourishing cream with soothing properties, specially formulated to treat oily, dry, and irritated skin.

Extra tip: for oily skin, avoid creams with mineral oils, excessive alcohol, or intense fragrances. Prefer "oil-free" formulas with a matte finish.

Face Cream for Combination Skin 

Combination skin combines oily areas (usually in the T-zone—forehead, nose, and chin) with drier or normal areas (usually on the cheeks). Therefore, finding a cream that respects this natural balance can be a challenge. The ideal formula should hydrate the drier areas while controlling oiliness in the shinier zones, without causing discomfort or a "shiny" effect.

Recommended ingredients in a face cream for combination skin:

• Niacinamide – helps regulate sebum and soothe the skin.

• Hyaluronic acid – hydrates all areas without feeling heavy.

• Panthenol – promotes regeneration and softness.

• Balancing extracts – such as cucumber, green tea, or rose.

Examples of creams for combination skin at fahma.pt:

• Bioderma Sebium Mat Control Shine-Free Moisturizing Cream 30ml: a daily care product that offers hydrating, mattifying, and smoothing action.

• Cerave Oil Control Moisturizing Facial Gel-Cream: provides instant comfort and leaves the skin soft, soothed, and protected.

• SVR Sebiaclear Sunscreen Cream SPF50+ - 40ml: an ideal choice for firmer, protected skin.

Extra tip: You can apply two different products to different areas, but there are also multi-functional creams that effectively care for combination skin globally.

Face Cream for Sensitive Skin 

Sensitive skin reacts easily to external stimuli such as temperature changes, pollution, stress, or unsuitable cosmetics. It can manifest as redness, burning, itching, or a feeling of tightness. In this case, the most important thing is to opt for a face cream with a minimalist formula, without potentially irritating ingredients, and with a calming and strengthening action.

Recommended ingredients in a face cream for sensitive skin:

• Thermal spring water – instantly soothes and relieves the skin.

• Madecassoside – repairs and reduces inflammation.

• Niacinamide – strengthens the skin barrier and calms.

• Bisabolol and Panthenol – regenerate and reduce discomfort.

• Free of perfume, alcohol, or dyes.

Examples of creams for sensitive skin at fahma.pt:

• La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Fl 40ml: indicated for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

• D'Aveia Ceutics Reactive Repair & Glow SPF15 (50 ml): a day cream with intense hydrating action, indicated for sensitive and reactive skin, or skin with rosacea.

• Bioderma Sensibio DS Cream - 40ml: a daily care product that hydrates, soothes, and calms, specially formulated to treat redness and flaking.

Extra tip: if you have sensitive skin, keep your routine simple and avoid layering too many products. Prefer brands with dermatological tests on sensitive skin.

4. Tips for applying face cream correctly

• Always apply the cream to clean, dry skin.

• Use gentle, upward movements without rubbing.

• For greater effectiveness, apply after a serum.

• In the morning, supplement with sun protection.

• At night, choose richer creams to promote regeneration.

Choosing the ideal face cream may seem complex, but with information and attention to your skin's needs, it becomes a simple task. At fahma.pt, you will find a curated selection of creams for all skin types, from trusted brands with tested formulas. Whether you are looking for hydration, firmness, oil control, or anti-aging protection, there is always a cream tailored for you.