skin moisturizer

Most people consider skin moisturizers as treatment for dry skin but a skin moisturizer can do much more than moisturizing skin. A dry skin moisturizer is designed to prevent and treat dry skin but a skin moisturizing cream can also hydrate any skin type to prevent wrinkles and keep the skin soft, smooth and supple.

Most moisturizers for dry skin contain humectants like urea, glycerin or alpha hydroxy acids which can absorb water from the air and hold the moisture in the skin. High humidity level is needed for them to be effective. Humectants also soften thickened or scaly skin. Skin care moisturizer may also contain emollients like lanolin, mineral oil or petrolatum which fill the spaces between the skin cells, replacing loss fat to produce a smoother look. Emollients also lubricate rough skin.

Moisturizers can be oil based with a small amount of water dissolved in oil, or water based which are primarily water. Water based skin moisturizer have a light, non-greasy feel and are the best skin moisturizer for oily skin type. Oily skin moisturizer can help to prevent acne especially those with other ingredients that can clear the pores and kill bacteria on the skin.

Oil-based creams leave a slight residue on the skin and work longer than water-based creams. They may not work well for people with oily skin type. Sensitive skin moisturizer can protect sensitive skin and improve skin tone and texture.

Some moisturizer for skin offer coverage to mask imperfections but their main role is to hold water in the outermost layer of skin by forming a temporary barrier. In addition to humectants and emollients, some skin moisturizers contain fragrances that give the product a fresh, pleasing odor and masking any smell from other ingredients.

Some fragrances can cause skin irritations or contact allergies in sensitive skin type. Preservatives added to prevent bacterial contamination after the container is opened sometimes cause allergic reactions. Reading labels carefully and a skin test before apply any new skin care product can avoid problems for people with sensitive skin.

Vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, sunscreens and tanners are also ingredients in some skin moisturizers.

Some moisturizers claim to boost collagen and elastin production, diminish stretch marks, smooth out wrinkles, unblock pores, and exfoliate dead skin cells. There is not enough data to prove many of these claims and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates them leniently because they are marketed as cosmetics. Moisturizers can help to maintain beautiful skin that is soft, smooth and supple.