How to Choose a Moisturizer?

Beauty market is flooded with cosmetic products from different companies and brands. They also vary in their bases, concentrations and textures as well as ingredients. Additionally, each product addresses a different issue and is meant for a particular skin type. With all these differences, it becomes difficult for a person to choose the right product for him or herself. That is why this article aims to help you by throwing light on the different factors to keep in mind while choosing a moisturizer.

What to Pick?

Most facial creams have two components in common: humectants prevent the moisture from escaping and emollients help in smoothing and softening your skin. But these creams differ in many other aspects. To find out about them, read on.

a.  Bases

Facial creams come in greasy and non-greasy forms. In other words, some are petroleum-based while others are not. In general, you must choose the ones which are not petroleum based and non greasy, because the oil based creams act as a greasy film covering your skin and they clog your pores. Depending on your skin type you can follow the points given below.

• • Dry Skin

You must use a moisturizing ointment as it is very oily and will suit your skin type.

• • Oily Skin

Use a lotion as it will be less oily / greasy.

• • Sensitive Skin

You may use any moisturizing cream (greasy or non-greasy), but it must not contain dyes and fragrances as these cause irritation.

b. Concentrations and Textures

In general, a moisturizer that is thick, rich and creamy is the best to pick in terms of texture and concentration as it will be very effective. But the decision depends on you as this type of cream is less aesthetically pleasing and a little greasier. It is also harder to apply. If you search the market, you may still come across a cream that is potent and richly textured yet non-greasy and easy to apply, though of course, it will be expensive.

c. Ingredients

As a rule of thumb, a good facial cream is the one which is rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and oils, botanical extracts, nutrients, sunscreens, lubricants, artificial or natural oils, age-fighting compounds and antioxidants. Among the key ingredients that show wonderful effect on your skin, you can go for the creams that contain sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, alfa tocopherol or vitamin E, cocoa butter, orange blossom oil, rice bran oil, lanolin oil, lecithin, xanthan gum, bio melanin, vitamin C, riboflavin or vitamin B and eucalyptus citriodora oil.

All of the above ingredients work together and provide you a fresh and pink complexion. They will bring nourishment to your facial skin. You achieve a youthful and smooth skin. The ingredients mentioned below are most sought after for skin. You can find them in branded creams or you can make your own homemade skin creams using these constituents.

1. • Omegas

They are exceptionally great moisturizing elements. These fatty acids replenish and maintain the optimal moisture balance of skin. They also fight signs of aging.

1. • Glycerin

Glycerin attracts and retains water in the skin so that there is a balance of moisture in skin.

1. • Honey

Honey is a humectant and thus, attracts and retains water content in the skin.

1. • Silicone

It is a water-binding agent that offers long-lasting protection.

1. • Shea Butter

Butter has strong hydrating properties and has a rich texture. It is well-known as it penetrates the skin quickly without leaving oily residues.

1. • Cocoa Butter

Cocoa is effective in preventing the damage caused by sun and other external factors. Usage of cocoa butter is safe even for pregnant women.

1. • Green Tea

It is high in antioxidants as well as grape seed extracts, both of which are vital for beauty of skin.

1. • Beeswax

This is derived from the transparent fluid which is produced by a bee. Pure beeswax adds to the skin’s moisture content by increasing the natural supply of oil.

1. • Aloe Extracts

4 types of Aloe are popular for having nutritional value, aloe vera being the most popular. They are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They are potent moisturizing agents that help in regenerating and healing the skin.

1. • Carrot Extracts

It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. It is also rich in ethereal oils, sugar, carotene, and pectic substances which prevent moisture from escaping.

1. • Macadamia Extracts

These contain natural anti-oxidants that combat skin damage due to free radicals. They have anti-aging properties and are good for keeping the skin hydrated.

1. • Jojoba Oil

It reinforces the hydrolipidic film of the dry skin and thus, retains the moisture content of your skin.

1. • Avocado Oil

It acts as an intense penetrating agent and is loaded with minerals and vitamins, especially A, D and E. The huge amount of proteins in this oil augments the collagen supply of the skin when applied topically. It is also loaded with vitamin E which is important for reversing the skin aging process. Avocado oil when mixed with fruit acids and whitening agents and applied on skin, will remove lines on the forehead. Oily and normal skin types should be treated with this oil.

1. • Grape Seed Oil

This oil is good for normal to oily skin types as it is light.

1. • Sesame Oil

It acts as a natural sun blocker and thus, protects the skin from the harmful damaging sunrays. Dry skin is best treated with rich oils.

1. • Olive Oil

This oil is rich in nutrients that help in softening and smoothing your skin. Olive Oil is best for dry skin.

1. • Coconut Oil

It has natural hydrating features and is rich in vitamins and fats that help soften the skin. It creates a protective layer on the surface of the skin.

1. • Almond Oil

This natural plant oil is good for normal to oily skin.

1. • Borage Oil

This oil is also very good for normal as well as oily skin types.

What to Drop?

The below mentioned ingredients are better to be avoided as they are not good for skin.

1. Proteins
2. Mineral oils
3. Emollients
4. SD alcohol
5. Formaldehyde
6. Lanolin (a wax derived from sheep’s wool)
7. Botanical or plant extracts
8. Heavily scented creams
9. Artificial colors
10. Too much silicone
11. Too many preservatives such as propylene glycol, sulfate, sodium lauryl, parabens and sodium benzoate

Note

• In short, pick balms that are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, preservative-free, dermatology tested and having a good SPF.
• Another point to be noted is that if a moisturizing lotion treats a razor burn then that means it is especially designed for men and thus, must not be chosen by women.
• Remember to consult a doctor before using any strong skin products, especially if you have a sensitive or acne prone skin.

The Big Picture

All in all, a moisturizer is a vital skin care product and cannot be missed out from your skin care regime. Therefore, it must be included in your skin care product’s shopping list.