I am always trying to find the most natural and effective skin care products. But every time I visit a local store to buy a moisturizer, I find it very difficult to choose from the huge number of “miracle”, “ultimate solution”, “The best”, “Anti-Aging”, “Magical”…. products that I find there.
So when it comes to choosing the best moisturizer for my skin, the choices are endless. Yet, there are plenty of things to take into consideration, like my skin type, my age, and many more. Do not you agree?
Well, I spent the past few weeks searching and reading about the best moisturizers for your skin. What you are about to read, is NOT a list of “The Top 10 moisturizers to choose from“; it is a guide to how to choose the best moisturizer for your own skin.
To help you choose the best one, you will need first to answer these three simple questions:
- What is your skin type?
- What does your skin need the most?
- How old are you? Do not worry; I can keep a secret
Choosing Your Moisturizer According to your Skin Type
Your skin type plays an important role in choosing the best moisturizer for your skin. Using a lotion for a very dry skin does not make sense; the same applies when using a heavy cream for oily skin.
Oily moisturizers can clog pores and cause many problems for oily skin including acne. To avoid that, make sure to follow these simple tips:
- Normal skin: it is neither too oily nor too dry. The best moisturizer has a water-based formula that is not greasy.
- Oily skin: use lotions (water-based products) that are labeled noncomedogenic (i.e. does not clog your pores), and look for exfoliating ingredients like lactic acids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Dry skin: you will need oil-based cream (or ointments) for your skin.
- Combination skin: this is the hardest among skin types. I have combination skin, and I know that lotions are great for the T-zone, but not quite enough for hydrating my cheeks in winter. On the other hand, creams cause my skin to breakout. I find that lotions work quite well in summer, while light creams are good for winter.
Choosing Your Moisturizer According to Your Skin Needs
Adjust your Moisturizer According to the Weather
Since your skin type might change according to the weather, for example from normal to dry on cheeks in cold seasons, you may need to switch products according to weather conditions.
Whatever kind of a moisturizer you are using, it should have one of the following:
- Humectants, like glycerin and lactic acid, which attracts moisture.
- Emollients (fatty acids and ceramides) will soften your skin.
- Occlusives, like petrolatum, Dimethicone or lanolin, which form a thin film on the surface of your skin thus sealing in moisture.
In dry cold weather, you will need occlusives (i.e. an ointment) to prevent your skin from losing moisture. This oil-based cream will help your skin retains moisture by creating a protective layer on the skin.
On the other hand, the hot humid weather will cause you to sweat, so it is better to use a gel or a light lotion especially if you have oily skin.
Choosing Your Moisturizer According to Your Age
My skin type has changed dramatically throughout the past 20 years. When I was a teenager, my skin was very oily, as I grew up it changed to a combination, and to dry skin in winter. I noticed that dark spots are developing all over my cheeks and forehead, and few fine lines started to appear, too.
It makes sense then that what worked for me in my 20’s, may not work the same way now since I am almost 40. I should have to change my moisturizer and look for one that has more anti-aging power.
In order to choose the right one for you, you should learn the basics.
Famous Ingredients that You Should Know:
- Antioxidants: These include vitamins A, C, and E. Whether you are in your 20’s or 50+, antioxidants should always be part of your daily skin care regimen.
- Dimethicone: usually used to create a smooth flawless look by forming an oily layer on top of it, it also helps trap moisture within your skin. Hint: look for foundations and primers that contain Dimethicone if you wish to temporary dimension those fine lines.
- Hyaluronic Acid: you probably read something about it. It has been one of the most famous skin care superstars lately. Because it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, it makes your skin feel smoother and looks plumper. It is a must in most skin care products especially for those who have fine lines and wrinkles.
- Retinol helps skin cells create better, healthier skin cells, and it also promotes the production of new collagen. Therefore, if you are looking for an anti-aging moisturizer, retinol should be on the list of ingredients.
- Niacinamide (or Vitamin B) helps smoothes your skin by increasing ceramide and free fatty acid levels in the skin. It also prevents your skin from losing water content.
- Natural substances including green tea, grape seeds, curcuminoids (derived from turmeric), soy extract, and pomegranate are all great natural ingredients that will add value and effectiveness to your moisturizer.
- Ceramides hold skin cells together. If your skin is extremely dry or irritated, that means it is losing this important factor. Look for dry skin creams that contain ceramides. Hint: it helps soothes eczema, too.
You Need to Change Your Moisturizer if ….
- It is in a jar packaging. Every time you open the jar, you are exposing those delicate ingredients to air and light; anti-oxidants and peptides will break down and become ineffective. Also dipping your fingers in the jar each time you use it will contaminate the product.
- If it contains irritating ingredients like synthetic fragrances, menthol, and alcohol.
- If it is very expensive. I know it is hard to assign one scale for classifying products according to their prices. Just make sure you compare products’ ingredients before you buy one; some products contain the same ingredients, except you pay extra $$$ for the fancy packaging.
You can also Make Your Own Moisturizer!
If you are trying to avoid harmful ingredients in beauty products, DIY creams are the best way to go. I managed to make my own whipped shea butter with argan oil; you can check my recipe here. I like to use this one for my body, and it works quite well for dry skin around my mouth in winter. Unfortunately, I could not make my own light cream for my combination skin.
Whether you wish to make your own moisturizer or purchase from a local store, being aware of what you put on your skin is very important. Next time you buy skin care products, make sure you check the ingredients’ list, say NO to Parabens and fancy products’ descriptions, and look for what your skin really needs.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario