Moisturization of Skin - Facial Moisturizers - Different Types of Moisturizers

Moisturizers act as a barrier to water loss from the skin through evaporation. Moisturizers will keep you looking younger by helping keep your skin soft and flexible. Regular use of a moisturizer can help prevent the dry skin which is very common in winters. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances (perfume) and a lot of extra ingredients. A good, cheap moisturizer is a plain petroleum jelly i.e. Vaseline.

Moisturizers also prevent skin cracks from occurring. There are different types of moisturizers available according to the skin types, so make sure that you buy the one meant for your skin type. Skin moisturizers are very important to your epidermal well-being. Tinted moisturizers are available if you feel you are too pale.

Facial moisturizers keep the skin healthy and protect it from dryness in several ways. Moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles unless they contain sunscreen. Herbal moisturizers are easy to use, readily absorbable and should never burn or irritate. Elta moisturizer for the face conditions, protects and does not feel too greasy on the skin.

How to Moisturize your Skin - How to Apply Moisturizer?

Before applying moisturizer, you must first wash your your face and hands properly with a good cleanser and luke warm water.

After you clean and tone your skin, apply a splash of water or a water-misting. Pat almost dry with a soft towel, then sparingly apply moisturizer at by applying some dots all over the face and blend it thoroughly, and let the moisturizer soak in on its own. No matter what your skin type is, the best way to apply moisturizer is with your hands on slightly damp skin, because it helps lock in the water in the upper layers of the skin and sealing it on to the skin. It is much more effective this way.

If your skin is slightly oily, you may need to apply moisturizer only once a day; but those with drier skin may need to reapply moisturizer several times throughout the day. Men can skip the toner but should moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area. If your skin around the eye area tends to be drier than the rest of your face, it is a good idea to consider a separate eye cream. Other wise, the moisturizer you have for your general facial skin area, can be used around the eyes.

Facial Moisturizers

Facial moisturizers are designed for use mainly in the morning which is usually followed by cleansing. In the current marketplace, all facial moisturizers are formulated to not clog pores, cause acne or an allergic reaction.  Moisturizers for dry skin are comprised of ingredients like mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin and cyclomethicone, all of which are thick and physically prevent water loss from the skin.  Moisturizers for normal skin are usually lighter and contain such silicone-derived ingredients as dimethicone, cyclomethicone and lightweight oils such as cetyl alcohol.  Moisturizers for oily skin usually are very light and primarily use dimethicone as their active ingredient.

Different Types of Moisturizers

Now if you're still not sure about the powers of Vaseline, try these alternatives, available at your local drug store (except for the Mango Body Butter):

Johnson's Baby Oil Gel, This lightweight moisturizing gel will make your skin as soft as a small baby. Try the chamomile scented version after a relaxing bath.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Oil is a great smelling cocoa butter oil that's easier to use than ultra thick solid versions. Use it just after taking bath.

Aquaphor is a great alternative for those with extremely dry, chapped skin who want the moisturizing benefits of Vaseline, without the ultra heavy thickness.

The Body Shop's Mango Body Butter is one of my favorite moisturizers for dry skin. This rich mixture of shea nut butter and sweet almond oil is a great smelling, creamy, and can be found online at www.thebodyshop.com or at your local Body Shop.