Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Things to Consider when Selecting Moisturizing Skin Care Products
Sep 21, 2009
Most people have to deal with dry skin to one extent or another. And, most know the answer to this is to moisturize. However, walking onto the skin care products and moisturizer aisle at the local supermarket can be a daunting sight — and, in fact, may not even hold the best choices.
What is a Moisturizer?
First one must understand what moisturizers are actually trying to do. The term 'moisturize', though apt for the feeling derived, is not entirely accurate, in that it makes it sound like the goal is to replace the water in the skin. Although the aim is to preserve the water in skin cells, the way to effectively do this is to apply a layer of oil to the outer surface of the cell. The body creates these protective oils naturally, but most soaps and cleansers remove them along with the grime the soap is being used to get rid of. The best time to moisturize is just after a shower or bath when the skin is still slightly moist — but the water itself isn't enough to prevent dry skin; something has to be done to keep it there.
What Alternatives are There When Selecting a Moisturizer?
Of course, there is a huge array of commercial moisturizing creams, lotions, and chemical skin care products. Most of them will indeed moisturize skin; but at the same time, they introduce a large number of chemicals and unnecessary fragrances and other things that the body really doesn't need, and can even cause problems by themselves.
There are natural lotion alternatives available, of course. Some people argue that they are the best choice, as a lotion is a combination of oil and water, both constituents needed to moisturize skin. If this is the route taken, try getting an unscented one, and add any essential oils desired to address any skin problems such a that may be present, such as acne or eczema, or simply ones that have pleasing scents.
However, as long as a moisturizer is applied right out of the shower or bath, there's really no need to supplement the water in the skin. All it really needs is the oil to protect the cells. Therefore, one of the best, simplest, and often cheapest moisturizing skin care products is a bit of a nice light oil. Nearly any oil will do for this; a very light oil, like Hazelnut, Grapeseed, and Apricot Kernel, are good moisturizers for oily skin; whereas thicker oils like Avocado, Olive and Wheatgerm are better moisturizers for dry skin. Some oils, like Almond, Jojoba, and Evening Primrose, are close enough to the skin's 'good oils' that they are suitable for just about any skin type, including sensitive facial skin.
Another good option is what is known as a body butter. It is made from an oil that is solid or semi-solid at room temperature, like shea butter or cocoa butter, that has been heated enough to melt and then whipped with air as it cools, giving it a texture much like whipped butter. They can leave a wonderful, silky feeling to the skin if they are made right; however, because of the rather tricky nature of making them, they do tend to be a bit more expensive than some other options.
The bottom line is to try a number different moisturizing skin care products and use what works best for your skin.
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