Are You Using the Right Moisturizer?

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• Posted November 27, 2012 at 4:13 pm
• Beauty Tips
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Using a moisturizer is an essential part of an effective daily skincare regimen. Keeping the skin of the face hydrated is one of the best ways to ensure that it retains a youthful and bright appearance. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, moisturizing also helps to keep the face’s delicate and exposed skin in a healthy condition, combating the occurrence of painful dry or flaky skin.

However, much of the benefit of using moisturizer depends on choosing one with a formulation that is designed to work best with your skin’s type and condition. Applying the wrong formulation can lead to a less than ideal appearance, and in some cases can exacerbate skin conditions like acne and shininess.

Know Your Skin Type

The most important part of choosing the right moisturizer is to be aware of your skin type. Skin is a complex organ that differs between people. A friend may report that they had a fabulous experience with a particular product, but that doesn’t mean that it’s right for you.

Help Your Face’s Natural Defenses.

Skin has evolved with a degree of natural protection in the form of oils that create a protective barrier against the elements, preventing moisture from being lost. People with naturally dry skin, or those who find that using facial cleansers strips away those oils and leaves the face feeling raw and exposed need to choose an oil-based moisturizer to replace the skin’s natural oils.

On the other hand, if you are prone to oily and shiny skin, using a oil-based product is going to exacerbate the problem, and so you should choose a water-based, non-greasy product.

Sensitive Skin?

Often, the skin can react badly to particular chemicals. For many people this isn’t a problem, and the chemicals that reputable companies put their products are carefully selected to give the best possible results. Natural products are great, but scientifically formulated moisturizers take the best of nature and improve on it.

That being said, some people’s skin will have an adverse reaction to a particular chemical. If your skin is very sensitive, or you have an allergy, then choose a moisturizer that doesn’t contain dyes or perfumes.

Age Matters.

As we age our skin becomes less elastic and more permeable. This means that it is not able to retain so much moisture naturally. Older people should select a thicker product that will form a barrier that prevents the loss of water and keep the skin hydrated.

Choose A Product Designed For Your Environment

In addition to skin-type and age, the conditions your skin is exposed to should be taken into consideration. During the summer months, much of the damage is caused by ultraviolet light from the sun. Getting a tan is great, but it’s not great for your skin’s health. If you plan on basking in the summer sun or working outdoors, choose a product that contains some degree of protection against the sun’s rays, preferably with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) greater than 30. If you don’t want to forgo the tanned look, there are tanning and tinting products available.

The fall and winter months can also be harsh on delicate skin. Cold, wind, and central heating will all cause skin loose hydration, so at this time of year, using a thicker formula that will protect the skin from the elements is advisable.

If you’re unsure of which products will work well with your skin, then check with a dermatologist. They will assess your skin’s condition and type and advise you of the best moisturizing product to keep it looking and feeling fantastic.

If you have any advice you’d like to share about choosing skincare products, please feel free to make a comment and join the conversation.

Image credit: liber