If you want to improve the appearance of your skin, moisturizing creams can be an important part of your skin care routine. In addition to creams, good skin relies on daily washing with a gentle cleanser, daily application of sunscreen, good stress management techniques and a healthy diet and exercise.
Problem: Aging Skin
Choosing the right moisturizing cream protects your skin against the free radicals that cause wrinkles, dark spots and other signs of aging, reports Fredric Brandt, M.D., dermatologist in New York City and Coral Gables, Florida, in "Allure" magazine. If your skin is starting to show signs of age, Brandt recommends choosing a moisturizing cream that contains cholesterol, ceramides, essential fatty acids or niacinamide--these ingredients give your skin the moisture it needs to repair and prevent damage as well as helping to prevent dehydration-caused oxidative stress, a condition that encourages the formation of free radicals. "Allure" recommends CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion or Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream as good moisturizing cream options for aging skin.
Problem: Acne
Moisturizer is a must for skin that's prone to acne, because your oil glands step up their pore-clogging production when your skin gets dehydrated, explains the beauty department at "Real Simple" magazine. Since your skin is prone to breakouts, look for a lightweight cream or lotion that is oil-free to minimize your acne risk. You may also want to consider a moisturizing cream that contains acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids to help slough away dead skin cells that can clog pores.
Problem: Sensitive Skin
If your skin is sensitive or prone to redness and inflammation, the ideal moisturizing cream is one that keeps things as simple as possible, says Diane Berson, M.D., adjunct assistant professor of dermatology at New York University in "Marie Claire" magazine. Berson encourages people with problem skin to seek out skin creams that contain the fewest ingredients. Skip creams that contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, vitamins or antioxidants, which will only irritate your sensitive skin further. "Marie Claire" says drugstore brands such as Cetaphil and Eucerin make good moisturizing creams for sensitive skin.
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