The skin on your face becomes drier as you age. If you reside in a harsh, dry, cold climate, dryness becomes more pronounced, and you skin may become itchy and flaky. There are a variety of moisturizers developed for consumers based on their age and skin type. Dry and mature skin often requires the use of a heavier moisturizer. But if you have oily skin, you should choose a lighter oil-free "noncomedogenic" moisturizer. Those with sensitive skin should seek out dye- and fragrance-free products. However, whatever moisturizer you choose, cosmetics expert Paula Begoun stresses the importance of using a product with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to protect your face from environmental weathering--and wrinkles.
Moisturizing Your Face
Step 1
Start with a clean palate, advises cosmetics expert Paula Begoun. Use a gentle, nondrying cleanser rather than a harsh soap that strips your skin of oils--if your skin feels taut and dry after you wash it, your cleanser may be too drying. Wash using warm water, never hot. Blot your face dry with a clean towel.
Step 2
Apply your moisturizer to clean fingertips. Pat the moisturizer onto your face--never rub or pull your skin. Mayo Clinic experts advise applying the product soon after you cleanse so that the moisture in your skin is "sealed in" as soon as possible.
Step 3
Apply the rest of your make-up as usual. (Begoun notes that if your moisturizer doesn't contain sunscreen, you should make sure that you use a foundation that does.)
Tips and Warnings
- So what's the difference between daytime moisturizers and those designed for night use? Moisturizers labeled for use during the day contain sunscreen, Begoun explains, while night moisturizers do not.
- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration doesn't monitor or enforce the claims made by moisturizers, as these are considered cosmetics. So keep in mind that the expensive product you select from the shelf might not deliver everything that it claims, cautions Mayo Clinic experts.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer appropriate for your age and skin type
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