Daily face moisturizers 101
Moisturizers help relieve dryness and give skin a soft and plump appearance. Choosing an appropriate moisturizer for each skin type can help foster a healthy skin environment and help in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Elements of a Good Moisturizer
A good moisturizer is one that meets the needs of a particular skin type. Moisturizers contain ingredients that both protect and hydrate. Some of these include:
• Glycerin - humectants that help skin draw in and hold extra moisture.
• Hyaluronic Acid - offers quick and effective hydrating
Oil-free moisturizers are ideal for oily skin because they use many of the same hydrating ingredients to keep the skin moist and protected, minus the oil. Humectants pull moisture from the environment to help keep the skin feeling soft and hydrated.
All moisturizers should contain a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 to protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. For oily, dry and combination skin, it’s also important to choose a product that is free of irritants like perfumes and dyes. This reduces the risk of reactions that could lead to breakouts and other skin problems.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer
When it comes to choosing the right everyday moisturizer, the American Dermatology Association recommends identifying any anti-aging concerns that need to be corrected in addition to meeting the needs of the skin type. If a person has problems with fine lines or wrinkles, he or she might choose a product that specifically targets those issues. Using care to try only one product at a time reduces the risk of skin irritation and helps users identify which products are working and which ones are not.
The right everyday moisturizer should complement an individual’s skin type - oily, dry or combination- have a broad spectrum SPF of 15or higher and fit the budget.
