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Best Moisturizers: Types, Benefits, and Uses

Hydration is the one step in your skincare routine that you should never skip. Our skin is composed of 64 percent water, which makes this element an essential ingredient for healthy skin.

If the skin is too dry, it can become flaky, inflamed, cracked, and itchy and tight. Luckily, for most people (regardless of skin type) regular use of a moisturizer can maintain the skin’s water supply.

Moisturizers work by replenishing the skin’s water content , either by retaining moisture in the epidermis (the top layer), or by replenishing its content.

The hydrating effects of the moisturizer keep the skin young and juicy , looking much healthier. But not just any moisturizer. The wrong formula can exacerbate oil, dryness, or wrinkle problems.

But don’t worry, we have analyzed the most popular moisturizers on the market to recommend only the best ones. How have we chosen them? Looking at the only thing that does not lie: the INCI.

So here you have the analysis of the best two, and the summary of the remaining 8, with a link so you can read the full analysis if you are interested. Test ingredients are only explained once . If you come across one that I have already explained, I leave the link so you can easily access it.

After the analysis part the article is not finished, you have a lot of information about the benefits of moisturizer, how it works, what you should take into account before choosing it, the ingredients that should be present, or how to interpret an INCI .

So do not stay alone in the analysis, and discover everything you need to know about moisturizers.

Nezeni Cosmetics Collagen Cream – The best moisturizer

Buy on Amazon or on the cheapest laboratory website

It is not easy to find a cosmetic that hydrates, treats the signs of aging, and has quality ingredients, but Nezeni Cosmetics has achieved it with its Collagen cream.

It is a multipurpose product that works by smoothing lines and wrinkles , while intensely hydrating the deepest layer of the skin , using only the ingredients that should be there.

A hypoallergenic , non-comedogenic, all skin type cream for anyone who wants a day or night moisturizer.

Packed in an airless bottle (I’ll explain why this is the best container below), very practical to get the right amount of cream you need to apply, and not contaminate the product by inserting your finger.

A little bit of this cream spreads a lot and instantly hydrates the skin without leaving any residue. There is nothing sticky, no unwanted shine, and it absorbs wonderfully in just a few seconds.

As soon as you apply the cream, the skin is juicier, more plump and hydrated. But I think the most remarkable thing about Nezeni cream is its INCI. Judge for yourself:

We are not going to analyze the entire formula because it is already explained in the article on the best collagen creams , but we are going to summarize the most important.

With natural ingredients of the highest quality, and with several of the best moisturizing actives, such as hydrolyzed collagen, sunflower oil, or organic silicon . Most of them are in very good proportions, so their benefits will be noticeable after a few days of use.

What strikes me the most is that they have managed to formulate a cream with very good ingredients, and without any silicone, alcohol, parabens, irritating or harmful ingredients .

In case the perfume can squeak something, which is always recommended to avoid because it is one of the biggest irritants in the formula, simply because it is not specified what ingredients it is made of. But in this case, if you look on the Nezeni website, you will find that the perfume is amber essential oil.

Nezeni’s philosophy is very clear, few ingredients, but all of the highest quality and in very high proportions . This is what all brands should reflect in their creams, and thus we could avoid the combined effect of cosmetics.

I have been able to verify that the rest of the products of the Nezeni brand (serum, anti-aging cream, eye contour, sun cream and lip moisturizer) avoid as much as possible the preservatives and harmful ingredients, which are the most susceptible to creating the problems of skin and health.

Above all, it is noted that the cream expires closed after two years, due to its reduced amount of preservatives; while most last more than four years intact, due to its large amount of preservatives.

But these preservatives and toxic ingredients that are in a moisturizer, are added to those present in the serum, the cleanser, the makeup, the eye contour, or the treatment cream, products that are applied several times a day, all days, over a long period of time.

This is the combined effect , for which there are no regulations or warnings, but which is already having consequences. Maybe nothing will happen in a few years, but after 10, 20 or 30 years the effects will start to show.

That is why every day there are more people with skin problems when they get older, in addition to other factors that can also influence, one of the main causes is this cocktail effect.

With its formulation, the Nezeni Cosmetics treatment ensures that these future problems are avoided as much as possible. That is why it is my favorite moisturizer, the one that I have been using for months, and the one with which I am most at ease.

In addition to saving us this problem, it has great moisturizing and anti-wrinkle ingredients, such as Hydrolyzed Collagen , which nourishes, smoothes, hydrates and plumps the skin.

By ingredients, by quality, by container and by price, my choice is Nezeni Cosmetics cream. I have been using it for several months and it has never let me down.

The only downside is that it does not have sunscreen, an extra that always comes in handy, so it is very important to apply a sunscreen of more than 30 after this cream, if we are going to go outside.

You have to remember that one of the factors of dehydration and aging of the skin is the sun, and you have to protect yourself from it.

WHERE TO BUY CREAM AND PRICE

Moisture Surge 72-Hour Clinique Self-Rehydrating Gel-Cream

It is a cream that has a self-rehydrating technology, a whole novelty. It contains an activated aloe vera juice that helps the skin to create its own source of hydration, so that it can rehydrate continuously.

On paper this concept is very good, but at the moment of truth I do not know if it will have enough and correct assets to achieve it.

In addition to aloe vera, they tell us that it also integrates caffeine and hyaluronic acid, the active ingredient that allows the cream to continuously hydrate the skin, up to 72 hours (even rinsing your skin with water).

They also indicate that it does not have perfumes, parabens or oils. It is a non-comedogenic formula, suitable for all skin types.

As always, I turn to the INCI to see what is true in these statements.

A couple of silicones at the top of the list tarnish what is ultimately a good product. It has a huge amount of natural assets that hydrate, condition, and soothe the skin; others act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, or regenerators.

There is also the hyaluronic acid, not in the concentration that I would like, but it adds to the few of all the others. Even vitamin C, a slight touch on the finish.

Tackles a bit of all skin problems, in addition to dehydration, such as wrinkles, excess oil, blemishes, flaking, etc.

Take special care with Sorbitol, which although it is a humectant, when used in very dry conditions, it can remove moisture from the skin and leave it dry or damaged.

I only put one but (in addition to the silicone), a couple of ingredients that can be irritating. Fortunately, they are quite low on the list and their effect is minimal.

Hydrance Optimale UV-light De Avene

Avene does not exceed the approved in this cream, which is very short in assets (it only has a couple of emollients and a moisturizer, in a very low proportion).

A cream that does not hydrate the skin in depth, only to soften it superficially, thanks to the silicones and the filler ingredient, ingredients that can dehydrate the skin.

In addition, to be a formula for sensitive skin, it uses several irritating ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, and even contact dermatitis; as well as some potentially toxic ingredient.

Of course, I would not recommend it for any skin, much less for the most delicate and sensitive.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Hydrance Optimale UV-light De Avene, Analysis and Alternative.

La Roche Posay Hydreane Light Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin

Few moisturizing ingredients, in low concentration, and no soothing or anti-irritant agent, this is what I have found in the INCI of what is one of the most popular moisturizing creams on the market.

And not only that, there are also certain ingredients that can cause irritation to the most sensitive skin; when the cream is specially formulated for this type of skin.

Silicone is quite present in the formula, so you will notice a much softer and smoother skin after application, but do not confuse it with being hydrated.

A good thing is that it includes a minimal amount of preservatives, it has no parabens, and no alcohol.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Hydreane Light Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin from La Roche Posay, Analysis and Alternative .

Ducray Keracnyl Mattifying Cream

Very similar to the two previous creams, with silicones and fillers at the top of the list, few moisturizing actives, and those that exist are in very low concentration.

If you realize it, everything that matters is at the bottom of the list, and thus the result is very poor. Plus, the formula is riddled with irritating and toxic ingredients, something that doesn’t benefit any skin.

It would certainly not be an option for me, who at the moment I am looking for something more natural, with ingredients that do not cause the dreaded combination effect, like my choice of moisturizer.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Ducray Keracnyl mattifying cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Uriage Rich Water Cream SPF 20

It is a better formula than the previous ones, but it is not to get excited about. It has at least one moisturizing asset in the top 6, which is shea butter.

Squalane, various moisturizers and moisturizers are also present, such as Trehalose, Urea and a complex formed by Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol and Xylitol that is quite powerful in hydrating the skin.

I don’t like the amount of preservatives it includes, as they are toxic and irritating. If they had removed most of them, it would be a worthwhile cream, but it is not.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Uriage rich water cream SPF 20, Analysis and Alternative .

Hydrabio Cream from Bioderma

Bioderma does not meet my expectations with this moisturizer as I was expecting a bit more. More moisturizing actives, higher concentration of actives, and less silicones and irritants.

There are quite a few emollients, and it includes squalane, hyaluronic acid, and other natural moisturizing ingredients, but its contribution is merely anecdotal.

Something I like is that it does not have many preservatives, it does not have any toxic ingredients (closely related to the proportion of preservatives), or parabens.

The irritation can be minimized with the high tolerance complex they use, so it is a cream that borders the approved, although it could have contributed much more.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Hydrabio Bioderma Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Lidl Hundred Moisturizing Cream

The cheapest cream on the list is precisely one of the best rated moisturizers by the OCU. Can a cream that does not reach 3 euros be good? In this case the answer is no.

Lowering the price means cheaper ingredients, and therefore lower quality. It is one of the few creams that indicates glycerin as a moisturizing active. It is true that it is a lubricant and moisturizer, but it does not have the properties of other more powerful moisturizers, such as hyaluronic acid.

And it also includes parabens, irritants, harmful ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. Only panthenol and tannic acid are saved, too low on the list.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: Cien de Lidl moisturizing cream, Analysis and Alternative .

LOreal Triple Active Multi-Protective Day Moisturizing Cream

The analyzes of L’Oreal creams are very similar, little active ingredient that is worthwhile, the one that is in very low quality, and a lot of straw.

Also harmful straw, as there are a couple of irritating and toxic ingredients, and too many fragrances. This time they have eliminated the parabens, something that is already a breakthrough.

In short, it falls short to hydrate, to protect and to illuminate. So we’re not going to get any of the benefits that the description indicated.

The only thing we can notice when putting it on is a soft skin, due to the silicone. But soft does not mean hydrated.

You can enter the full technical analysis in the following article: L’Oreal Triple Active Multi-Protective Day Moisturizing Cream, Analysis and Alternative .

Aquasource Biotherm Gel

Although it may seem like a high-end cream, due to its packaging, its brand or its price, it actually has quite harmful ingredients.

I am not talking only about alcohol and silicones, but about parabens, irritants, allergenic ingredients, in short, harmful to health.

It has some good ingredients that are worth it, but for some reason they are not at the top of the list. A shame, because it would have been a good moisturizer.

You can enter the complete technical analysis in the following article: Aquasource Gel De Biotherm, Analysis and Alternative .

The importance of keeping the skin hydrated

Moisture is sent to the skin through blood vessels, but they only supply moisture to the middle layer of the skin – the dermis. From there, the water travels outward through the epidermis, before evaporating into the atmosphere.

This process happens constantly, but the skin is not always dry. This is because the drier the air, or the higher the ambient temperature, the more moisture it will extract from the skin .

Additionally, prolonged exposure to certain environmental elements and irritants, such as harsh cleaning products, also disrupts the skin’s natural water balance.

This dryness is known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This loss of water is significantly affected by temperature, metabolism, and variations in sweat gland activity.

The skin needs water so that it can remain flexible and continue its process of removing old cells. Without sufficient hydration, dryness and flaking will begin to appear, further accelerating the skin’s dehydration process.

How does a moisturizer work?

The job of a moisturizer is to support and mimic the work that the skin does in expelling bad things (like bacteria) and holding good things (like water) within.

Most moisturizers act exclusively on the cells of the epidermis section (the most superficial layer), and they basically work in two ways: trapping moisture in the skin preventing it from escaping, and restoring moisture to the outer layer. of the skin that has already been lost.

Each of the main ingredients of a moisturizer (the humectant and the occlusive), mimics a part of the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin that is responsible for retaining water).

The humectant, or ingredient that attracts water, mimics the building blocks of the stratum corneum: groups of water-soluble compounds called Natural Hydration Factor (NHF). These compounds get water from the environment and from the body.

The occlusive, or ingredient that retains moisture from the skin, mimics “waterproofing lipids” that prevent moisture from evaporating into the environment.

For this purpose, moisturizers should have a significant amount of water, plus some kind of wax, grease, or oil to trap the water on the skin so it doesn’t immediately evaporate.

Types of moisturizers

Moisturizing creams can be differentiated by their components, which are mainly 3: occlusives, emollients and moisturizers.

Occlusives

These are the “first generation” moisturizers, like the Vaseline of a lifetime. This class of waxes, oils and silicones work in a very simple way: they create a barrier by trapping water in the layers of the skin and stopping evaporation .

The molecules of these moisturizers contain long chains of carbon atoms that repel water, so they are super effective in minimizing dryness (they avoid TEWL by 98%)

Emollients

While the occlusives coat the skin, the emollients penetrate the skin, filling the spaces between the cells , making the skin feel smoother and more supple.

Although emollients and occlusives have some common components – long chains of carbon atoms that repel water – they work very differently.

Think of the outer layer of skin as a brick and mortar wall – dead skin cells are the bricks, and the surrounding matrix of fats and proteins is the cement. Special proteins bind dead cells together, forming a barrier between the inside of the body and bacteria and chemicals outside.

When the air dries, this matrix dries up and the bonds between proteins and skin cells break and fracture. Emollients are like cement in those spaces, restoring moisture and keeping skin soft.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers work by drawing water to the skin to keep it hydrated. When applied to the skin, the moisturizing molecules attract moisture from the environment and retain it within the skin. They basically do the opposite of occlusives and emollients, which don’t like water.

They also make the young and moist cells adhere to the surface, preventing the skin from flaking. In addition, they stimulate the natural production of ceramides (the natural waxy molecules in our body that play an important role in the structure of the skin), which keeps any loss of water from the outermost layer under control.

Caution is required, as in dry environments, humectants can draw moisture from the younger, wetter cells of the lower layers of the skin, rather than from the air.

Over time, this would lead to even drier skin. This effect can be minimized by combining a humectant with an occlusive, which seals in moisture.

How to choose a moisturizer

Buying a moisturizer may seem simple, but you only have to take a look at the online cosmetic stores to realize all the options that there are.

There are creams, lotions, gels or ointments for dry, sensitive, young or mature skin. Also, some have anti-aging ingredients or sunscreen.

So how do you correctly choose a moisturizer?
There are different factors to consider when choosing a moisturizer, such as your skin type, other skin problems you have, the texture, the packaging, the price, or the ingredients that make up the cream.

Skin type

Different skin types require different hydration needs. Discover the type of cream you need based on your skin type.

MOISTURIZERS FOR DRY SKIN

Dry skin is often caused by severe environmental conditions. The combination of cold, dry air outdoors and warm air indoors can leave skin dry and damaged. It has a flaky and cracked appearance, and produces a feeling of tightness and discomfort.

Creams for dry skin should be rich in moisturizing agents, both occlusive and moisturizing. Look for shea butter, sodium hyaluronate (more penetrating than hyaluronic acid), ceramides and lanolin, ingredients that will make your complexion glow and your skin perfectly smooth in the blink of an eye.

Apply day and night to ensure maximum hydration. At night you can opt for a moisturizer that is richer in oil.

Be especially careful in cold and windy weather, and never go outside without applying a rich protective layer of moisturizer.

MOISTURIZERS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Finding the right moisturizer when you have the sensitive can be tricky. Many formulas have ingredients that irritate the skin, and you can end up with a red, blotchy, itchy, or puffy face.

Look at the ingredient list, the fewer ingredients there are, the less likely it is to cause irritation and allergy.

Of course, you should avoid classic irritants like perfume and lanolin; and moisturizers that use any sunscreen ingredient other than zinc or titanium.

Look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options; and smooth, creamy moisturizers that contain natural ingredients. And of course, before applying the product to your face, do a test in a less visible area and wait 24 hours to see if there is any redness or irritation.

MOISTURIZERS FOR OILY SKIN

Oily skin leaves unwanted shine on the skin. If you are afraid that adding a moisturizer to your beauty routine will make the problem worse, you don’t have to worry. The skin often produces excess oil due to dryness, so hydration can help reduce oil if the correct moisturizer is used.

It should be light in texture, and contain no oils. Look for moisturizers like hyaluronic acid in a lotion or gel to make sure you don’t add more oil.

MOISTURIZERS FOR COMBINATION SKIN

It can be difficult to find the right facial moisturizer when you have combination skin, as some areas require a rich cream to prevent dehydration, while other areas require lighter hydration to avoid shine.

Too much of either will exacerbate your skin problems instead of solving them. The answer is to go for a lightweight moisturizer and focus on the areas that need it most.

Apply more moisturizer to drier areas like cheeks and jawline and less to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). A good moisturizer can even help you balance your skin.

MOISTURIZERS FOR ATOPIC SKIN

If a hypoallergenic moisturizer doesn’t relieve your itchy atopic skin, try a 1% steroid hydrocortisone skin cream for a week. Talk to your doctor if this doesn’t resolve the itch.

If you have eczema, use a thick moisturizing ointment that contains petroleum jelly or petroleum jelly to help soothe cracks and keep your skin supple.

The texture

Moisturizers can also be classified by their texture, which will determine the degree of hydration and softness of the skin: gel, lotion, cream, ointment.

GEL

Gels disperse the ingredients of a moisturizer either through a water, alcohol or liquid fat base. They feel cooler on the skin due to the rapid evaporation of the foundation shortly after application. They are the lightest and least greasy of all the moisturizers.

LOTION

Lotions are relatively light moisturizers that absorb quickly into the skin , making them effective for almost everyone. Their base is generally water, so they don’t leave a shiny or greasy finish.

CREAM

Creams are heavier than lotions, so they are a good option for people with dry skin, as they are more effective at hydrating and protecting the skin . They consist of an emulsion of water and oil, so they leave a more sticky and greasy feeling than lotions.

OINTMENT

Ointments are thickest and have the highest oil concentration of all moisturizers. They are also heavier and stickier than other products.

Remember that the heavier a moisturizer, the better it is at preventing water loss. However, heavy moisturizers can also clog pores, trapping dirt, oil, and bacteria, which can lead to breakouts.

The special needs of your skin

In addition to dryness and dehydration, most skin has other problems that must be addressed, such as signs of aging, lack of vitality, blemishes, or sensitivity.

That is why there are moisturizers with added actives that can help you fight these problems, while keeping your skin hydrated.

ANTI-AGING MOISTURIZERS

Your skin faces dry and damaged situations every day. Everything from the sun and air conditioning to pollution and bacteria can harm skin health. Exposure to these elements can lead to premature aging, producing dark spots and wrinkles.

Fortunately, anti-aging moisturizers do wonders to hydrate skin and keep it young. These moisturizers work to fight the signs of aging and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and ingredients that fight free radicals. They also brighten the complexion and increase elasticity. To turn back the clock on your skin, choose rich moisturizers and remember to use it at night, as the skin regenerates better while you sleep.

MOISTURIZERS WITH SUN PROTECTION

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a moisturizer with SPF is a must. We all know the harmful effects that the sun can have on our skin, including skin cancer and premature aging, so we must protect it.

Using a facial moisturizer that includes sunscreen has the advantage of hydrating the skin while protecting it from the sun. Additionally, a product with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) also helps prevent wrinkles and blemishes that occur with premature aging due to overexposure to the sun.

Choose a non-greasy formula and you can use it as a makeup base.

ENERGIZING MOISTURIZERS

If your skin is dull and dull, you need to give it a boost of energy. Some moisturizers include caffeine, and we all know that caffeine provides the boost we need to be vigorous and energetic all morning. They also have antioxidants and ingredients that work as blood circulation enhancers.

MOISTURIZERS WITH COLOR

Tinted moisturizers are perfect when you need a moisturizer and some coverage, but without clogging your pores. Invest in a tinted moisturizer and use it as a replacement for your foundation when you experience breakouts or when your skin feels a little dry.

The light consistency of the tinted moisturizer creates a natural makeup look while enhancing the overall appearance of the skin.

These multi-purpose moisturizers make a great foundation in summer when hot weather makes foundation too heavy. To choose the most suitable tinted moisturizer for you, choose the shade that most closely matches your natural skin tone.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC MOISTURIZERS

Natural and organic moisturizers can be a great alternative to traditional products. Enriched with nutritious plant-based ingredients, they can be as potent and beneficial as any generic chemical-based product.

Avoiding the use of harsh detergents, chemical preservatives, and artificial fragrances, natural and organic moisturizers are often the best option for those with sensitive skin.

The powerful blend of vitamins and antioxidants works to gently but effectively care for the skin without causing irritation.

Look for products that contain at least 95% natural or organic ingredients to make sure you are choosing the safest option.

The Container

A nice package may attract, but it is not the main reason to buy a cream. Jars are usually the most common container for creams, however, it is not the most suitable.

To take the product you will have to insert your finger repeatedly, which increases the chances of spreading bacteria through the cream.

Airtight containers are better in which your finger never comes into contact with the product, minimize exposure to air, and there are no oxidation problems.

The price

The price is not decisive in a cream, the important thing is the ingredients. More expensive creams typically contain higher percentages of certain key ingredients, and perhaps more rigorous research and testing has been done.

But this is not always true, so do not be guided by the price. It is better to choose a cream for its good ingredients, and avoid products with harmful ingredients, even if they are very cheap.

Learn to interpret an INCI (list of ingredients)

Most consumers who buy cosmetic products forget to read the INCI list, and know little or nothing about what they are putting on their skin.

“INCI” is an acronym that stands for International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, a system of names of ingredients, botanicals and chemicals used to find out what compounds make up a cosmetic or personal care product.

When reading an INCI we will find names that we do not know, of which we have never heard, some are in Latin and others are typical of the chemical formulation. This is quite discouraging.

However, knowing how to read an ingredient list is very important, because it will help us make a more informed decision when buying a product.

To make it easier for you, I’m going to give you a few tips to help you understand this gibberish.

  • Ingredients appear in the list in order of proportion , those that are higher are those that are most abundant, and vice versa. They follow this order until the proportion of 1%, the ingredients with this proportion (or less) can be ordered as desired. If a cream is promoted with hyaluronic acid, you have to go to the list and see if it appears in the first 6 ingredients, if not, it is as if it was not.
  • It must be borne in mind that other ingredients must be in a very low proportion so as not to harm the skin, such as AHAs, BHAs or abrasive products such as kojic or salicylic acid.
  • Too many ingredients means less proportion, and if there are good ingredients on the list, we want them in a high concentration.
  • To understand what an ingredient does, and whether it is good, harmful, or safe for your skin, it’s best to Google the ingredient name . You may get information in English, so if you don’t understand it, try a translator. To make things easier for us, there are several databases that provide all the relevant information about cosmetic ingredients, such as ewg.org or cosmeticsinfo.org.
  • A product that is ” hypoallergenic ” is supposed to produce fewer allergic reactions than other products that are not. The term hypoallergenic is very popular among cosmetics, especially when marketing products for consumers with sensitive skin.
  • Look for an open container symbol or an expiration date that can tell you how long a product is considered good to use under normal conditions of storage and use. Storing cosmetics in a warm and humid environment can lead to earlier shelf life.
  • If a cosmetic is labeled ” non-comedogenic, ” it means that the product should not clog the pores of the skin. Skin that cannot breathe under makeup can cause irritation and blemishes.

Ingredients that a moisturizer should include

Once you know how to read an INCI, these are the ingredients to look for in a self-respecting moisturizer. They do not have to be all together, but at least one or two appear.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers can be synthetic or natural. Each works differently and may have properties that make them suitable for certain applications.

Synthetic humectants are cheaper to produce and have an inherently long shelf life. But although they are capable of retaining moisture, they do not provide any noticeable nutrients or benefits to the skin. In some cases, they can interfere with the body’s own hydration mechanism and end up drying out the skin in the long run.

Some of the more popular synthetic moisturizers are:

Butylene glycol, Sorbitol, Dicyanamide, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, exfoliates and hydrates. The Urea is really excellent to exfoliate and moisturize at the same time. Urea helps remove dead cells so other moisturizing ingredients can penetrate better. The Glycerin is cheap (used a lot) and leaves a velvety feel.

Natural moisturizers serve a dual purpose: to draw moisture to the surface of the skin while enhancing the skin’s ability to hydrate. They do so with substances that stimulate the production of moisture in the dermis, while promoting the growth of new cells in the epidermis.

Some of the most popular natural moisturizers are:

  • Hyaluronic acid , a chemical produced by the body that swells after absorbing water, filling in lines and wrinkles on the spot. But that doesn’t mean that all hyaluronic acid products offer immediate gratification; Because the ingredient is expensive, it can be present in a very low concentration. Look for the products that have hyaluronic acid at the top of the list.
  • Aloe vera , a derivative of the plant that has anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.
  • Alphahydroxy acids , a natural compound found in fruit, milk, and sugar cane that promotes exfoliation and flaking.
  • Seaweed , an extract of marine plants that contains hydrocolloids that aid in healing.

Occlusives

Occlusives are generally rich and oily, as they have the function of preventing moisture loss, and include ingredients such as:

  • Mineral oil is the most widely used due to its pleasant texture, but it is not as effective in preventing water evaporation as other occlusives.
  • Petrolatum , creates a film that traps moisture on the skin and reduces natural water loss. It is very good for filling in the cracks in chapped skin.
  • Lanolin is expensive and potentially irritating.
  • Dimethicone, a non-greasy silicone derivative, but with a limited moisturizing effect.
  • Shea butter is the natural and best option.

Emollients

They prevent water loss and have a softening and calming effect on the skin. Examples of emollients are vegetable oils, mineral oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, squalene, beeswax, petrolatum, and fatty acids (animal oils, including emu, mink, and lanolin).
The ceramides also help restore the skin barrier to the hold cells together.

The more technical-sounding emollient ingredients, such as triglycerides, benzoates, myristates, palmitates, and stearates , are generally waxy in texture and appearance, but give most moisturizers their elegant texture and feel.

Antioxidants

Antioxidant moisturizers like green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract can help keep any skin type fresh and healthy. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals , molecules that break down skin cells.

Ingredients to avoid

The perfumes and fragrances are the most likely cause of allergies creams. If you have sensitive skin, avoid fragrance ingredients, such as isoeugenol, eugenol, cinnamic alcohol, hydroxycitronellol, geraniol, oak moss absolute, and Peruvian balsam.

Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin E can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

Antibacterial agents can also be unnecessarily harsh, stripping the skin of its essential oils.

Lanolin, mineral oil, or waxes can clog pores and cause breakouts.

The olive oil increases evaporation of water from the skin, there are better fats that are more protective and do not produce allergic reactions such as sunflower oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

Avoid alcohols , alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid if you have dry or sensitive skin. These ingredients can penetrate deep into the dermis and cause problems on delicate skin.

How and when to use a moisturizer?

Maintaining healthy and hydrated skin requires consistency. That is why it is important to create a daily skin care routine, making hydration a top priority, and stick to it to the letter.

It is important to use the moisturizer immediately after cleansing the skin. Don’t wait too long after rinsing, as this will seal in moisture and keep skin hydrated and smooth. Whether you’ve washed your face or got out of the shower, apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp (not wet).

If you use serums or oils, apply them first than the moisturizer, as they are lighter, and do not forget the sunscreen as the last step in the morning.

Experts recommend using an amount of moisturizer about the size of a chickpea , and spread it in a thin layer on the face and neck. Moisturizers should be gently massaged into the skin, but not excessively.

Massaging the skin increases blood circulation, which can help product absorption, but overworking the skin can cause overexfoliation. Too much rubbing can weaken the skin’s barrier function and cause inflammation.

This last part is where there is greater risk, since the inflammation and alteration of the skin barrier makes it vulnerable to infection by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, and causes sensitivity and irritation. The opposite of what you are trying to achieve!

You can apply the moisturizer in the morning and at night (or when your skin prompts you), unless the product recommends otherwise. The skin is in its peak state of repair and rebuilding at night, and most cell renewal and regeneration occurs when the body is in REM sleep.

For this reason, you have to apply products that help in this recovery stage overnight, with essential ingredients, such as retinols and peptides, which help calm and repair the skin.

In the winter months, when the wind, cold, and heat from your heating dry your skin to the maximum, use rich moisturizers, two or three times a day.

I can’t stress enough the importance of using sunscreen , even on cloudy or rainy days, when the sun is out of sight.

Even low levels of sun exposure accumulate throughout life, contributing to both the development of skin cancers and premature wrinkles. That’s why your best line of defense is to apply total sunscreen every morning.

Everyone, regardless of skin type, can benefit from skin hydration on a daily basis. It’s just a matter of choosing the right moisturizer and applying it the right way.

Kathie Sand
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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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