How To Choose The Right Moisturizer? - By: Marilynn Syrett

The skin care market offers an extensive range of moisturizers claiming to provide a multitude of benefits. But you do not need to stock your cabinet with each and every kind of moisturizer. Rather, you just need to figure out what works best for you and include it in your skin care regimen. An ideal moisturizer should:

Feel good on your skin
Suit your particular skin type
Be easy to use
Get absorbed into the skin quickly
Not be too greasy

The best moisturizers are the simplest ones. They are usually white and clear without any artificial colors and dyes. Look through the ingredients label of skin care products and see it they list any ammonia derivatives like TEA (triethanolamine). These are extremely harmful for the skin and should be strictly avoided. Don't make haste while buying products that claim to contain rich ingredients like collagen, aloe vera and so on. Unless the ingredient is listed as one of the first, its concentrations may not be enough.

Ingredients to Use and Avoid

People with oily skin should avoid using moisturizers that contain mineral oils, mineral waxes and other such comedogenic ingredients. The molecules of mineral oil have a fairly large chemical composition because it does not get absorbed in the skin. As a result, mineral oil rests on the top of the skin surface and traps in perspiration and further clogs the skin pores. However, because they are cheaper, skin care companies continue to use petroleum and mineral oil in their moisturizers. You can spot petroleum based ingredients in a product by looking for “ethyl,” “butyl,” “methyl,” octyl,” “propyl,” “ene,” “eth,” and PVP.

Look for lightweight oil-free moisturizers that hydrate the skin without making it too oily. They usually contain humectants that attract moisture from the air and prevent skin from drying. Oil-free moisturizers often contain silicone to give the product a creamy slippery feel. However, since silicones are drying agents, they work well for oily skin. You can spot silicones in the ingredients list by looking for words that end with “cone”: dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and so on.

People with dry skin however need to use rich creamy moisturizers that hydrate the skin well and make it smooth and supple. Look for rich moisturizing lotions and creams rich in antioxidants and bio-nutrients.

Applying Moisturizers

The best time to apply moisturizers is immediately after you shower or have a bath. This is because the skin is damp and moisturizers can easily seal in the moisture. However, make sure your skin is not dripping wet. Gently pat your face dry, taking care not to rub too hard. Also, moisturizers should always be applied on clean skin. Apply moisturizers twice a day (after cleansing your skin) – once in the morning and once at night.

People with oily skin should apply moisturizers sparingly. If your T zone is excessively oily, then just apply moisturizer on your cheeks, chin and neck areas. Don't forget the décolleté area otherwise the contrast will be painfully obvious.

Obagi Clenziderm M.D. Therapeutic Moisturizer
his is a calming and soothing formula that uses glycerin to relieve dry skin. It is Step 3 in the Obagi acne system for normal to dry skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX
It is a unique moisturizer that has SPF as well. It offers full protection against sunburn and is a great moisturizer. It contains Mexoryl SX which is photostable against UVA rays so it does not breakdown and lasts longer than most sunscreens. Is is also the first sunscreen approved by the FDA!

NIA 24 Intensive Recovery Complex
It is a rich cream that moisturizes the skin intensely and helps activate its regenerative powers. The skin becomes firmer and toned because of the active ingredients like ceramides, liposomes and peptides within it. It locks in the multi-level moisture and minimizes transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Regular application results in fuller and firmer skin.

Kinerase Hydra Boost Intensive Treatment instantly hydrates the skin using Kinetin, 25% Hyaluronic Acid and other moisturizing agents to provide maximum moisturizing from the inside out for a healthier, younger complexion.

About the Author

Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a professional skin care expert and has valuable experience in reviewing discount skin care products. She knows what works and what doesn't and presents an honest review about various specialized products like those that cater to oily dry skin.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Marilynn-Syrett/46455

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