To choose your moisturizer well, you must hit the ingredients of its formula; In addition, it is not the same to use a cream, a gel, a lotion .
Glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid ... What ingredients do you need? Where should you apply them?
Glycerin
It is a hygroscopic substance, "says Dr. Constanza Bahillo of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), which absorbs moisture (such as sorbitol or propylene glycol)". "Then it transfers it to the skin," adds Carmen Navarro, director of the aesthetic centers of the same name. It is ideal for hydrating elbows, knees and feet. "
Urea and lactic acid
"The former is the star ingredient for cracked heels," explains Navarro, and both urea and lactic acid, "in addition to hydrating, produce exfoliative action, perfect in very dry areas," says Dr. Bahillo.
Hyaluronic acid
"With the great capacity to retain water, the face is spectacular," says Mónica Ceño, leather expert at L'Oréal Paris. It is a powerful anti-wrinkle, essential in facial treatments of the 30s. Olive oil. "Its omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants relieve dryness and soothe irritated skin and prevent crow's feet," says Navarro.
The Type of Product that Suits you Best
In addition to its formulation, it is not the same to use a cream than a gel or an oil or facial lotion. Each typology works very differently and is suitable for specific skin types.
Emulsion. It is a light consistency moisturizer consisting of oil and water, but with less of the first than the second. That is why it is recommended for fats and combination skin.
Lotion. It is denser than the emulsion but lighter than the cream. In general, any skin type accepts it well.
Cream
It generally contains more oil than water and is therefore highly hydrating. Dry and aged skin is the best benefit of creams.
Gel cream
If your skin is especially oily and you often have acne or pimples, go for this type of moisturizer, which doesn't clog pores. It is very light and absorbs at high speed.
Facial oil It can be used directly, but there is also the option of adding a few drops to your usual moisturizer at times when you notice very dry skin or even lack of light. It is recommended to apply this format after exfoliating it, but it is not suitable for oily skin.
Moisturizing or Nourishing?
It is another difference to consider. To simplify, hydrating is providing water to the skin; Nourishing it is 'nourishing' it with what is necessary to reinforce its natural barrier. Not without the specific night cosmetics, they are the ones in charge of nourishing. It can be used directly, but there is also the option of adding a few drops to your usual moisturizer at times when you notice very dry skin or even lack of light. It is recommended to apply this format after exfoliating it, but it is not suitable for oily skin.