The truth is that after decades of search there is not such a thing as a one size fits all moisturizer. But it doesn’t have to be such a humongous quest to find the option that is right for you.
One thing is clear though unless you come from another planet, you have to choose one, regardless of your gender, type of skin or genetics.
Dermatologists agree the right moisturizer is the first step for anti-aging and skin cancer protection, of course, if they contain the correct SPF ingredients. Don’t even consider a top facial moisturizer without SPF, unless its for night purposes or specifically prescribed by your dermatologist.
Lotion, Cream or Ointment
In this same order, they go from thinner to thicker and should be used from oily, to normal, to dry skin. In other words, Ointment is recommended for dry skin, cream for normal and some times combination skin, and lotion for oily skin.
What Must the Correct Moisturizer Contain?
If you have to spend time and money with a daily moisturizer, make sure it’s worth the effort. Make sure it contains all the ingredients recommended for protection and repair.
Sun Protection
A daily moisturizer without SPF is not a day moisturizer! Even though The American Academy of Dermatology, in general, recommends SPF15 or up, most dermatologists recommend at least SPF30.
Antioxidants
The objective is to diminish the skin cells’ breakdown. Several antioxidants like green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract may help with this objective, regardless of your skin type, and will make your skin look fresh and healthy.
Oily or Acne-Prone Skins
Prefer a lotion over a cream, look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer which means it won’t clog pores.
“I like alpha-hydroxy acids, which are also anti-aging,” Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD, says. That can be found in moisturizer lotions.
Dry Skin
Hyaluronic acid and dimethicone help maintain sky hydrated. Also, glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, lanolin, mineral oil, and urea have a hygroscopic effect, which means they hold moisture even in dryer environments and attract water from the air when it is present.
Sensitive Skin
Avoid unnecessary ingredients like fragrance, look for hypoallergenic moisturizer. “In general, choose one that contains less than 10 ingredients” California dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, says. Concentrate on the ingredients that matter.
If your skin is Itchy try a 1% hydrocortisone steroid skin cream for 7 days, if this doesn’t improve the condition, visit your dermatologist.
Moisturizer for Life
Every year life span increases, our organisms were not necessarily designed for living so long, so we need to be especially careful with our bodies if we have the desire of living long healthful lives.
Today there is more information available than ever before, and we have learned that sun exposure is the main factor for skin deterioration. It’s time to understand that our generation has the responsibility of including a moisturizer in our lives as past generations did on toothpaste.
So make sure you discover the right moisturizer for you, and stick to it for life!
Please leave comments on your experiences that could help others find their way, thanks.
