Can they make me look younger? Do they really prevent aging? Are they an integral piece of a health and beauty regimen? These are the questions that come up when one talks about moisturizers. The truth is, a basic moisturizer does just what its name implies: it keeps your skin moist, hydrated longer and can even temporarily flatten out the appearance of wrinkles. According to studies, however, moisturizers will not have any long-term youth-generating effects. Still, the benefits of maintaining higher water content, less water loss and an ability to retain water in the skin can, at the very least, slow the appearance of aging in skin, and will certainly keep your skin looking healthier.
What to Look for
When you shop for moisturizers, the first thing you need to consider is which products will work best with your particular skin type. If you have oily skin, you should look at products that are non-comedogenic and do not contain oils. Normal skin requires less specific shopping, but, again, oil-free products are better in this case. If you have dry skin and your skin is not sensitive, you can wear whatever you like best. Experiment with the creamier versions and find one that simply feels good. All skin types should consider products that contain a sun block of at least 15 SPF for daily use.
Common Pitfalls
Look out for pricey products that boast trendy ingredients on their packaging. Experts say that the lower-cost brands (drug store brands) are equally as effective. Also, study the ingredients of the product just as you would the nutritional information of food packages. Added fragrances and botanicals are ineffective on your skin, and though they might smell good, they can also increase the price and your level of irritation. Look for additives like shea and cocoa butter, which smooth the skin, and humectants that help repair sun damage in skin. If you have sensitive skin, be sure the ingredient list also contains an anti-irritant. Some of these are bisabolol, aloe, green tea and chamomile extracts.
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