For de-stressing

It is not just external stressors such as UV rays and environment pollution that dries out skin. Having an increased stress level also causes our body to release hormones including adrenaline and cortisol, which can result in irritated skin and a loss of immune function in the skin, that in turn allows the skin to be more easily affected by external skin stressors. The result is skin that looks aged, similar to what happens during the natural aging process.

Clinique's newest moisturiser, Clinque Superdefense SPF 25/PA+++ Age Defense Moisturizer, addresses the visible effects of both external and internal assailants.

Red Microalgae Extract harvested off the coast of Israel in the Mediterranean Sea works to counteract the negative visible effects of stress, while Padina Pavonica Extract helps to improve the amount of natural calcium the skin is able to absorb.

And a combination of Octisalate and Avobenzone helps to provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 25/PA+++.

The moisturiser is available in two skin-typed formulas. The Dry Combination formula leaves skin moist, hydrated and protected, and the Combination Oily to Oily formula is an ultra-lightweight cream that offers refreshing hydration and a light, comfortable feel.

Clinque Superdefense SPF 25/PA+++ Age Defense Moisturizer retails at $89 for 50ml from all Clinique counters.

For firming

Aging skin will need all the moisturising help it can get. Laneige's new Ultra Hydro Ex helps to restore firmness and elasticity to skin with Resveratrol, Hyper Aqua L and Ceramide Liposome. Resveratrol is an anti-oxidant compound that is found in the skin of red grapes, which has anti-aging properties, while Hyper Aqua L and Ceramide Liposome heightens skin's ability to retain moisture.

The Ultra Hydro Essence Ex quenches dehydrated skin instantly, and the Ultra Hydro Cream Ex builds up skin's natural moisture barrier to enhance its elasticity.

Its richness makes this hydrating line is suitable for those with dry and very dry skin types, and those who experience dry skin symptoms in colder climes.

Laneige Ultra Hydro Essence Ex retails at $70 for 50ml and Ultra Hydro Cream Ex retails at $54 for 50ml.

For oil-prone skin

For a fuss-free moisturiser, Simple offers its Oil-Balancing Moisturiser. Light and non-greasy, it contains zinc to kepe moisture in, aloe vera to hydrate, and Nylon-12 – an oil-absorbing powder, and corn starch powder to absorb oil.

Simple Oil-Balancing Moisturiser retails at $13.90 for 125ml at all leading pharmacies, department stores and supermarkets.

For dehydrated, sensitive skin

Clinelle Moisture Booster is an intensive serum that delivers instant hydration and continuous moisture.

Part of the brand's Personalized Enhancement range, the serum is a concentrated oil-free complex of hydrating fluid formulated with aloe vera leaf juice, pro-vitamin B5, lavender oil, rosehip oil and lecithin to help restore the skin's moisture balance, while antioxidant - superoxide dismutase - helps to slow down the formation of wrinkles to prevent signs of premature ageing. Meanwhile, extracts of horse chestnut and gotu kola firm and smoothen the skin, and geranium maculatum oil and ylang ylang flower oil calms and soothes sensitized skin.

Clinelle Moisture Booster retails at $45.95 for 20ml at selected Guardian pharmacies and Giant supermarkets.

For combination skin

Aqualia Thermal by Vichy is a light, gel moisturiser for combination skin types. We appreciated the non-sticky feel of this moisturiser which contains active Hyaluronine to deliver moisture and sebum-absorbing microspheres to regulate excess sebum to control shine.

Retails at $49 at selected Watsons, Guardian and The Living Pharmacy outlets.