Thursday, December 4, 2008

The Best Skin Care Moisturization for Your Skin Type

Anyone can have dry skin. Regardless of gender and age, dry skin is a likely result given that the person involved lacks moisture in his or her skin. Skin dryness results from the inability of your skin to retain moisture. Characterized by red patches, flaking or scaling, and itchiness; there is a myriad of factors contributing to dry skin. Among them are dry air especially during the winter season, medications taken, and even hormonal factors.

The above-mentioned reasons explain why moisturizing your skin is a vital process you should never skip. Remember: dry skin is tantamount to having telltale signs of wrinkling, which is associated with aging. However, as easy as it may seem, choosing the most suitable moisturizer to provide you with the best skin care moisturization depends on many factors. And on top of them is determining the specific type of your skin. To determine which moisturizer would work best for you, you have to know first your specific skin type as well as its exact moisturization requirements.

Normal Skin Type

If you have a normal skin type, it means your skin is not too dry or too oily. Lucky you, for your skin has an innate moisture balance. Thus, it only requires a moisturizer for maintenance. Opt for a lightweight moisturizer with a light and non-greasy feel. Oftentimes, part of its component is a lightweight oil in the likes of cyclomethicone, ethyl alcohol and/or other ingredients made from silicone.

Oily Skin Type

As you may know by now, having oily skin makes you more susceptible to pimples and skin break-outs. Even though it is already naturally oily, it still requires moisturization. This is especially necessary after you use oil-depleting products that could cause skin dryness. Using a light moisturizer provides protection for your skin after washing. But make sure that you use a water-based product that is both light and has no greasy feel. Also, make sure that the product you will choose is certified non-comedogenic. This will keep it from clogging pores.

Dry Skin Type

Should you have dry skin, it is a must for you to put back lost moisture. Using a lightweight water-based moisturizer would not do for you. Instead, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer with either urea or propylene glycol. These two chemicals are proven to help retain your skin's moisture. However, if your skin is very dry to the point that it is already cracked, oils would work best. They last longer in the skin than creams. They are also more effective in keeping water from evaporating from your skin.

Sensitive Skin Type

If your skin type is sensitive; you are more prone to suffer from skin irritations, rashes, redness, and itchiness. For these reasons, you should select products that do not have allergen components like dyes/color and scents as well as those that are specially formulated for sensitive skin like yours.

Mature Skin Type

As you get older, your skin becomes more prone to dryness since your skin's oil producing glands have begun to slow down. In oder to retain the softness and moisture of your skin, select an oil-based moisturizer with petrolatum as one of its components. Alpha hydroxy acids and lactic acid are also effective. All these components help prevent your skin from becoming scaly and flaky by keeping moisture in.

Combination Skin Type

If you have combination skin, it is likely to be very oily in some areas and very dry in others. Proper moisturization is crucial in helping your skin balance out its moisture level, thus, alleviating its condition. For best results, go for a light oil-free moisturizer.


Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

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