Selecting and buying appropriate moisturizer can be frustrating, especially when you approach the shelf with 30 different brands and products for all skin types. Learn how to choose a good moisturizer which will effectively do its job.Why do I need a moisturizer?
Your skin is a protective barrier that prevents the loss of hydration and protects against outside influences. Normal healthy skin condition implies the existence of equilibrium between the components of moisture and fat, and physiological pH values of the upper layer of skin. Moisture from this layer (the epidermis) is lost every day through evaporation. Dehydrated skin is more sensitive to harmful UV rays and free radicals and ages more rapidly. Ingredients from moisturizing cream have the ability to hold with water, so it is more preserved in the skin. Additional ingredients, such as anti-aging and lifting components, improve the texture and tone.
What cream suits my skin type?
When buying a moisturizer forget about the brand and the latest advertising and turn the box around. More expensive products usually have a higher concentration of active ingredients, but the best way to select a cream that is right for you is to read the declaration and the list of ingredients.
Dry skin is generally characterized by a lack of natural lipids that form a barrier to retain moisture. Choose products that contain omega-6 fatty acids, amino acids (such as arginine, glycine, lysine and proline), the active substance urea and avocado oil.
Oily skin also needs hydration, especially if you use anti-acne treatment that can cause dryness. The best choices are creams or tonics based on the water which regulate the secretion of sebum, don't clog pores and balances the pH value. Avoid substances based on mineral oils and their derivatives (the ingredients that end in "tyl," thyl "or" pyl "). Good ingredients are vegetable glycerine, jojoba oil and natural essential oils.
If you have combination skin get a moisturizer specifically designed for mixed skin, or use two moisturizers simultaneously: easy cream designed for oily skin apply on the T-zone, and the rich cream apply to the rest of the face.
Sensitive skin, with moisture, needs redness and irritation reduction with active ingredients, which balance the epidermis. Avoid creams with long declarations, which are full of irritants such as artificial fragrances, colors, paraben and lanolin. Look for products based on natural, mineral ingredients, which contain vitamin E, Aloe Vera and vegetable antioxidants to strengthen the surface layer.
Boost efficiency
You maybe have chosen the best moisturizer for your skin type, but with your habits you prevent the cream to do their job. Increase the degree of hydration of the skin by following these steps:
- apply the cream after showering or washing your face - wet skin absorbs and retains more moisture
- do not exaggerate with the use of tonics, cleaning products and make-up remover products - facial cleansing more than twice a day dries skin
- make peeling once a week - if you do not remove dead cells from the surface layer, the active ingredients of the creams cannot reach the deeper layers
- prevent drying and accelerated aging caused by sun by applying a cream, base or foundation with an SPF factor
- stop smoking and eat food rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: increased intake helps the skin to its natural production of lipids.
