Your skin type would determine the best moisturizer for you. Nowadays, trying to find the best moisturizer can be a mind boggling experience because of the vast array of commercial moisturizers offered in the market, each one promising astounding results complete with attractive packaging and an all-out promotion. However, instead of enlightening us, they confuse us all the more. For these reasons, sometimes we end up buying moisturizing products that do not work well with our skin. And worse, instead of improving our skin's condition they botch it all together that we end up with much more damage than we originally have.
This is further compounded by the fact that there are no researches confirming the viability and claims of all those moisturizers being sold on the market today. Buying a pricey moisturizer does not imply that it is far better than a cheaper one. Generally speaking, the best moisturizers around are those that are formulated to be non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and non-irritating. At the same time, these should be packed with skin care ingredients to suit your needs.
The primary function of moisturizers is to retain water in the topmost layer of the skin. Get to know your moisturizer better by learning a little about some of the most common ingredients found therein.
Emollients
Butyl stearate, glycerin, lanolin, mineral, oil, and petrolatum are among the most common emollients used in moisturizers. Their purpose is to take the place of lipids by filling in the gaps between the skin cells. This process would alleviate the condition of rough skin, making it smoother. Emollients could either be oil-based or water-based. Those that are oil-based have a small amount of water dissolved in oil, whereas water-based would mean that it would have a light, non-greasy feel because water is used as its base instead of oil. Creams that are oil-based may leave a residue upon application; however, they are able to last longer on the skin. Water-based creams, on the other hand, are easily applied and do not leave any residue. But they do not last as long as their oil-based counterparts.
Humectants
The primary functions of these substances is to retain moisture in the skin and absorb water in the air. For them to work effectively, they require high levels of humidity. Aside from moisturization, they are beneficial in making thick scaly skin soft. Humectants come in the form of urea, glycerin, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, etc.
Fragrances
Fragrances are used in majority of skin moisturizers not only to provide a pleasing scent, but also to mask the scent of the other chemicals used. However, they have the tendency to cause allergies and irritations due to their cinnamic alcohol, isoeugenol, and hydroxycitronella contents.
Preservatives
The use of preservatives in moisturizers containing water and oil is imperative because they are necessitated to stave off bacterial contamination the moment the product is opened. But like fragrances, some of them can also cause skin irritations and allergies. Quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea are the kinds of preservatives known to cause problems among people.
Others
Plant extracts, minerals, vitamins, sunless tanners, and sunscreens are some ingredients used in some moisturizers.
Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.
This is further compounded by the fact that there are no researches confirming the viability and claims of all those moisturizers being sold on the market today. Buying a pricey moisturizer does not imply that it is far better than a cheaper one. Generally speaking, the best moisturizers around are those that are formulated to be non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and non-irritating. At the same time, these should be packed with skin care ingredients to suit your needs.
The primary function of moisturizers is to retain water in the topmost layer of the skin. Get to know your moisturizer better by learning a little about some of the most common ingredients found therein.
Emollients
Butyl stearate, glycerin, lanolin, mineral, oil, and petrolatum are among the most common emollients used in moisturizers. Their purpose is to take the place of lipids by filling in the gaps between the skin cells. This process would alleviate the condition of rough skin, making it smoother. Emollients could either be oil-based or water-based. Those that are oil-based have a small amount of water dissolved in oil, whereas water-based would mean that it would have a light, non-greasy feel because water is used as its base instead of oil. Creams that are oil-based may leave a residue upon application; however, they are able to last longer on the skin. Water-based creams, on the other hand, are easily applied and do not leave any residue. But they do not last as long as their oil-based counterparts.
Humectants
The primary functions of these substances is to retain moisture in the skin and absorb water in the air. For them to work effectively, they require high levels of humidity. Aside from moisturization, they are beneficial in making thick scaly skin soft. Humectants come in the form of urea, glycerin, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, etc.
Fragrances
Fragrances are used in majority of skin moisturizers not only to provide a pleasing scent, but also to mask the scent of the other chemicals used. However, they have the tendency to cause allergies and irritations due to their cinnamic alcohol, isoeugenol, and hydroxycitronella contents.
Preservatives
The use of preservatives in moisturizers containing water and oil is imperative because they are necessitated to stave off bacterial contamination the moment the product is opened. But like fragrances, some of them can also cause skin irritations and allergies. Quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea are the kinds of preservatives known to cause problems among people.
Others
Plant extracts, minerals, vitamins, sunless tanners, and sunscreens are some ingredients used in some moisturizers.
Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.
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