Buying guide for Best skin moisture analyzers
Written by Melissa Nott
Updated November 2022
Creamy, glowing skin radiates youth and beauty. Today, with so many skin care products on the market, it can be hard to know what you need and when you need it.
A skin moisture analyzer is an easy at-home beauty enhancer that gives you a quick reading of your skin's moisture level. Some models can even recommend products to help you achieve healthier skin.
If you're ready to customize your skincare routine, you’ll want to put a skin moisture analyzer on your shopping list.
Some skin moisture analyzers come in different colors, such as green or pink. The color won’t affect your results, but feel free to go bright if it fits with your beauty personality.
Key considerations
Size and design
In general, skin moisture analyzers aren't big and bulky. However, there are definitely some models that are designed for portability. Some skin moisture analyzers look similar to a pen and can easily fit into a makeup case or bag. The downside to these products is the small digital display, which can be hard to read.
Other skin moisture analyzers have a shorter, wider design with a bigger display, yet they still come in palm-sized packages. If you get one with a bigger display, you may also enjoy a wider variety of readings.
The third and final product design looks like a disk with a hole in the center. Moisture sensors line the interior circle with two probes on the underside to take additional moisture readings. These designs are held against the skin and transmit results via Bluetooth at a phone app.
Battery type and size
The type of battery required depends on the model, but the types range from AAA, C, and AG13 to a few which aren’t removable or rechargeable. Skin moisture analyzers that don’t have removable batteries are advertised as lasting up to three years, but two years or less is typical. Battery type and size also affects the size and weight of the unit. As you can imagine, smaller batteries equal less weight.
Features
Moisture detection
Skin moisture analyzers use bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) technology, which is the same technology used in some bathroom scales. BIA measures body composition, including water content, by passing a harmless electrical current from one probe through the skin to a second probe. The time it takes to travel from one probe to the other determines the moisture level.
A few factors can affect the accuracy of results.
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Recent exercise
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Excessive perspiration
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Makeup
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Skincare products
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Hydration level
Try to keep the conditions and location of the reading the same for the best comparative results.
Oil detection
Oil detection technology can help you decide what kind of skin care products to use. While this is a convenient feature, not all skin moisture analyzers have it. However, most people already know if they have oily skin. An analyzer will just tell you how oily and can help you measure if a particular skincare product is reducing oil levels.
Display size
It goes without saying that the smaller the analyzer, the smaller the display. Models with a larger display are not only are easier to read, but they usually show more information, such as oil and skin softness level in addition to moisture level. Models that connect to a smartphone via an app have the best and most informative displays on the market. But then, of course, you've got the added hassle of connecting to a phone to see your results.
Skin softness
A few skin moisture analyzers also rate skin softness, which is based on a combination of the moisture and oil levels.
Included charts and measures
Moisture, oil, and softness measurements don't mean much if you can't interpret them. A good skin moisture analyzer should, at the very least, come with a chart that tells you how to interpret readings. The best models may have a booklet and charts for each season. They may also include advice on makeup and skincare products. Models that connect to a smartphone app create charts to show you patterns in your moisture levels. They also have occasional beauty tips and advice based on your readings.
Bluetooth connectivity
The latest skin moisture analyzers include Bluetooth technology and produce readings in under two seconds, though it may take longer to show up in the app. However, while the results are definitely easier to read, the readings are similar in accuracy to other models. A note of caution: these models are new to the market, and manufacturers haven’t had time to work out all of the kinks. While some units work very well, connectivity issues do arise once in a while.
Portability
Skin moisture analyzers are typically small enough to fit inside a makeup bag or purse. If you want to keep one with you while you travel, those with a pen-like design are the thinnest and most lightweight. However, you may sacrifice on readings, because many of them only take skin moisture readings.
Cap and stand
All skin moisture analyzers have a cap to cover and protect the probes through which the electric current passes. Only a select few also have a stand. You only need to worry about a stand if you plan to have the analyzer on your countertop. Otherwise, it can be safely stored in a drawer or makeup bag.
Memory
A few skin moisture analyzers have built-in memory for up to five readings. Those that connect to an app have greater memory capacity because information can be stored on the phone or in the cloud. Some apps create a graph that displays skin health history based on readings.
Extras
Some high-end skin moisture analyzers use Bluetooth connectivity to track far more than your skin condition. Not only do they determine your skin type based on your history, they can store skin type and readings for multiple users. Some models measure UV rays and offer sunscreen tips as well as moisturizing advice.
Skin moisture analyzer prices
Inexpensive
Skin moisture analyzers start at less than $15, with some costing as little as $10. Some of these models only read moisture levels; others measure moisture, oil, and skin softness. These analyzers may have a stand for easier storage. Battery types vary by model.
Mid-range
Between $15 and $40 are larger models with bigger displays. All of these models measure moisture and oil, and a few also measure skin softness. A few Bluetooth-capable models fall in this price range.
Expensive
There’s a gap in price for the remaining Bluetooth-capable models, which jumps to $80 and up. These models offer the same readings along with personalized beauty advice. Some of them also have a UV sensor.
Tips
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The accuracy of a skin moisture analyzer can be affected by makeup, sweat, and where on your body you take the reading. Most manufacturers recommend taking readings on clean, dry facial skin. For the greatest accuracy, try to take readings from the same place each time.
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You should clean the probes after each use. If the analyzer is not properly cleaned, over time, the results may grow less accurate.
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Read through the directions carefully. A skin moisture analyzer may not work if the probes are not kept in contact with the skin for the entire reading.
While your moisture analyzer can be carried in your makeup bag, be sure to put the cap back on after each use. Bumps, scrapes, and makeup can ruin the probes.
FAQ
Q. Can I track my skin moisture levels to check the effectiveness of a particular skincare product?
A. A skin moisture analyzer is one way to test the effectiveness of a particular product, though you’ll need to take a baseline reading to really know if it’s working. Even though you’re tracking how the product affects your skin, read the instruction manual to see whether you need to clean your skin before taking a reading. You don’t want product-covered skin to affect accuracy.
Q. How quickly do skin moisture analyzers go through batteries?
A. Battery usage depends on the design of the analyzer and how often you use it. Manufacturers advertise up to three years with non-changeable batteries. However, some have been known to run out of power after less than a year.
Q. How long do you have to hold the analyzer to your skin for results?
A. Analyzers may take anywhere from two to five seconds for an accurate reading. Some models have two reading lengths if you’re in a hurry. Longer readings are, in general, more accurate. Bluetooth models may take several seconds to connect to the app before you can see results.
