Who needs a moisturizer?
As it was mentioned in our previous article The Truth About Skin Moisturizers, moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles. Moisturizers merely make the skin smoother and temporarily reduce fine lines. Nevertheless, moisturizers are extremely important for most of us especially after our 30th birthday.
Not everyone needs a moisturizer though. In some cases, moisturizers may even do more harm than good. For example if you have an oily skin and you are prone to acne breakouts, using moisturizers might aggravate your skin condition. If you have a combination skin, make sure you use moisturizer only on dry areas.
Even if your skin is normal, you can actually overdo with moisturizers that’s why you have to be careful to apply moisturizers only when needed. For example, there is no need to apply moisturizer on already sufficiently hydrated skin. It is possible to overuse moisturizers, which will result in impaired skin function. This means that applying moisturizer on already sufficiently hydrated skin may damage skin’s own natural barrier, which will make your skin irritable. Other complications include clogged pores and acne breakouts.
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Always keep it real. If your skin is hydrated well, don’t use a moisturizer. Never overburden your skin with products you don’t really need. As you become elder, you will feel increasing need for moisturizers. You might give preference to different types of moisturizers depending on weather conditions. If you are spending most of your time in air-conditioned areas or in winter, your skin will get even more dry. You will need a heavier, oilier moisturizer that provides even better protection.
The area around your eyes doesn’t necessarily need a special eye cream. You might use a regular moisturizer on this area too and if you do so, do that carefully. Make sure your moisturizer doesn’t have any irritating ingredients, do not pull or drag the skin.
Types of moisturizers
Moisturizers for Dry Skin
Best moisturizers for dry skin should be rich in hydrating agents, both occlusive agents and humectant agents. You should always make sure that you wear sunscreen with SPF of 15 or more. At night you will need a moisturizer that is heavier richer in oil.
Be especially careful in cold windy weather. If the weather is cold do not go out without applying rich protective layer of moisturizing cream. To seal even more water into your skin, apply creams on damp skin. This will increase hydration even more.
Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive, you should go as simple as possible. Look at list of ingredients – the fewer ingredients, the less possibility for irritation and allergy. Of course you should avoid such classic irritants like fragrance and lanolin. Choose moisturizers that are labeled as hypoallergenic and fragrance free. And of course before applying products on your face always test them on a small patch of skin then wait for 24 hours to see if any redness or irritation occurs.
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Moisturizers for Oily Skin
If you have an oily skin you should go for lighter silicone based moisturizers. Avoid moisturizers that list cocoa butter, linseed, peanut or sesame oil as their ingredients. Use oil free sunscreens and oil free powder and foundation.
Moisturizers for Combination Skin
If you have a combination skin use moisturizer only on dry areas and keep it away from oily areas of your face. A good moisturizer may actually help you balance out your skin. If you use stronger products on your oily areas, such as your T zone, make sure to keep them away from dry areas of your face such as cheeks.
Moisturizers for Mature Skin
In addition these moisturizers proved to be suitable for mature skin:
- Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin Replenishing Cream
- Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream
- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
- Almay Moisture Balance Lotion
- Pond’s Nourishing Moisturizer
- L’Oreal Plenitude Hydra-Renewal
- Nutraderm
Now that you learned all this about moisturizers, take a quiz!
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