The consumer skin care industry is a resilient multibillion dollar market. As people age, they strive to keep their skin radiant, smooth, firm and wrinkle-free. Many over-the-counter products claim to keep your skin looking flawless, but because skin types vary it is best to be smart about what you buy. Picking the right products for your skin type may help you get the results you desire.
Facial Cleansers
Facial cleansers can help remove the accumulated oil, makeup, sweat, dead skin cells and dirt on the surface of your skin, leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. Cleansers help prevent dryness, which can cause cracks and wrinkles, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. When skin is dry it is a less-effective barrier against natural elements such as the sun or pollutants. Skin cleansers are available for dry, normal, oily or acne-prone skin.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers help prevent skin dryness by providing a layer of oily substance to the skin, which serves as a barrier to water loss. Moisturizers may contain petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, glycerin, proteins, urea and vitamins, which help keep skin hydrated. According to the AAD, moisturizers can also help minimize the appearance of wrinkles related to dry skin. Moisturizers are often packaged specific to various parts of the body. For instance, some moisturizers may be just for the face, hands and feet. The face usually needs more protection from the sun; hands need longer-lasting moisturizing because they are washed frequently; and feet have thicker areas of skin compared to other parts of the body and need special ingredients to keep it soft and smooth.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Lotions and creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, blotchy skin and age spots, and decrease enlarged pores, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The anti-aging and skin smoothing properties of alpha-hydroxy acids have made it one of the most popular skin care ingredients. There are four types of alpha-hydroxy acids found in skin products: malic, tartaric, glycolic and lactic acids. Of these four, glycolic acid is the most popular because it is smaller than the other AHAs, allowing it to penetrate the surface of the skin. People with certain skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema should consult a physician before using a product with AHAs.
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