Face creams protect, hydrate, moisturize, exfoliate and reduce the signs of aging. Creams are an essential part of a good skin care regimen. People have different types of skin with specific needs; there are a variety of skin creams on the market that address those needs. Choose the best face cream by checking for quality ingredients with a track record of success.
Cold Cream
Cold creams moisturize and clean the skin. They help remove makeup without harsh cleansers. Cold cream is used in the evening as part of a nighttime skin regimen. They are effective for people who have normal skin.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers help hydrate the skin. There are types of moisturizers to suit every skin type. Humectants take moisture from the surrounding air, according to the Mayo Clinic, and hold the moisture on the skin. They also soften skin.
Emollients fill in the gaps in between the skin cells, and replace lost lipids. This smoothes and lubricates rough skin. Emollients can be either water- or oil-based. Water-based creams absorb into the skin without any residue. Oil-based creams leave small amounts of oil on the surface of the skin. People with oily skin should use a water-based emollient. Lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum are all emollients.
Moisturizers can contain other ingredients that are good for the skin, such as vitamins, antioxidants, plant extracts and sunscreens.
Skin Lightening Creams
Skin lightening creams fade dark spots, discolorations or freckles. Skin lightening creams contain kojic acid, hydroquinone, retinoids, azaelic acid, or hydroxy acids, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Many of these creams are available only through a dermatologist.
Exfoliating Creams
There are different types of exfoliating creams. Creams with alpha hydroxy acids of 10 percent or less are sold over the counter. They offer mild exfoliation that brightens skin and unclogs pores. These creams are good for acne-prone skin, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society.
Vitamin A derivative creams, such as topical tretinoin, cause the skin to shed or flake. This exfoliation reduces discoloration and fine lines, and unclogs pores. It is often prescribed as a treatment for acne. Tretinoin is available by prescription only.
Both tretinoin and alpha hydroxy acid creams cause sun sensitivity, so a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used with both these products.
Wrinkle Creams
Wrinkle creams are probably the most popular creams on the market. Wrinkle creams can contain elements from any of the other types of creams. The Mayo Clinic recommends ingredients that are proven antiaging compounds that reduce wrinkles, such as retinol, copper peptides, kinetin, tea extracts, coenzyme Q10 and hydroxy acids.
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