How to Choose the Perfect Body Moisturiser? – Some people seem to think that choosing a body moisturiser is simply a question of selecting the most famous brand and being done with it. In fact, there’s quite a lot more to it than that. If you’re thinking about getting into the moisturising game, or if your current moisturiser isn’t living up to your expectations, then you should follow these tips for choosing the perfect body moisturiser for you.
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Tip 1: Know the Main Types of Moisturiser
Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of moisturiser that you should be aware of, namely humectants, and occlusives. The former type brings water toward the surface of your skin from inner layers, and the latter actively works to stop water from evaporating away from your skin cells.
It’s important to know, therefore, which type is best for your own skin condition. For instance, if you have dry skin, the humectants are better because they are oil-free and work to combat dry skin with active ingredients like glycolic acid and lactic acid. If you’re just trying to retain moisture, however, to prevent the skin from going dry, then occlusives are better.
Tip 2: Don’t Buy Into Ingredient Hype
There are often ingredients that are launched into existing products in the market by cosmetics companies said to have amazing and special properties. A good example from recent years has been the infusion of collagen into moisturisers, said to enhance one’s youthful appearance. If people think it’s working, then it’s most likely a placebo effect.
The fact is that collagen protein is made up of molecules that are too big to penetrate the epidermis from the outside. The collagen fibres that maintain your youthful looks are found within the dermis, and don’t come from outside. Speaking more generally, it’s important that one isn’t taken in too much by the hype of a particular ingredient in any product.
Tip 3: Dry Skin? Look at Thicker, Creamier Items
If your skin gets dry during the winter, or at any other time, then thick and creamy moisturisers are generally the more effective tool to use against that skin type. The key ingredients you should be looking for are glycerin, petrolatum, lanolin and hydroxy acids. These types of moisturisers can feel too heavy and greasy for the hot summer months, but they can work wonders if you live in a place with cold, dry winters, as many do.
Tip 4: Oily Skin? Go Light and Oil-Free
Moisturisers that have a light texture and are oil-free are perfect for those who have oily skin. It’s easy for those people to think that they don’t need a moisturiser at all, thinking that the oils they’re producing are doing the work of the moisturiser. This isn’t absolutely the case, and not dealing with oily skin and moisturising afterwards can lead to premature ageing and other problems. These are products in which oils aren’t used since it’s clear your body has that part covered. Other active ingredients will do the job that the oils cannot.
Tip 5: Irritated Skin? You Need Antioxidants
Antioxidants have been found to boost skin health by stimulating new skin cell growth. They are also known to have protective qualities, defending skin cells from radical molecules. Of course, you can get antioxidants from a lot of fruit and nuts, as well as from certain teas, and even red wine, but you can also get them in your moisturiser if you want to focus on benefits for the skin.
Shop Around and Ask When Unsure
No amount of advice can adequately prepare you for the legion products that are out there right now on the market. It’s understandable that one would feel intimidated and unsure. When in doubt, visit stores and describe your needs to an attendant, or tell it to a dermatologist and get help building a more precise road map to your perfect moisturiser.
