Anti-aging cream: Moisturizers

An Anti-aging cream is often called a moisturizer. An article by M. Loden in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology. notes that the instinct to apply oily substances to the skin may be as old as civilization itself and that the goal of moisturizers is: to keep 'healthy skin integrity'

There has been an enormous amount of research in the last 10 ears about the maintenance of the outer layer of skin. Researchers believe an anti-aging cream can be an important tool for maintaining this outer layer. Here is a summary of that research

Who should and should not use moisturizers?

If you are looking for anti-aging cream and you have normal skin, you should use a moisturizer. A good moisturizer can strengthen the barrier properties of your skin. Regular treatment usually increases skin hydration - thus avoiding the 'dry skin look' that often comes with age.

If you have abnormal skin conditions, eg. very oily skin or frequent inflamed blemishes, you should consult a qualified dermatologist before using anything on your face. Do not try to remedy things by 'trial and error' since you can make things worse by delaying real treatment.

What types of anti-aging cream or moisturizers are there?

• Some moisturizers are packaged as ointments, creams or lotions
• Others are oils or gels.
• Still others are part of bath or shower products and these remain on you skin after washing.

What do the various ointments, creams or lotions do?

Your skin can be damaged both from too little water AND by too much water. So the problems associated with 'dry skin' are not always solved by hydration (water) alone. So some moisturizers can perform different roles to the surface of the skin.

• Many act as emollients. An emollient is a substance designed to make the skin softer or smoother.
• Others are humecants, a substances that brings additional water to your skin.
• Some products are both emollient and humecant

It is important when buying an anti-aging cream to read the manufacturer description of the product and what it was designed to do.

If you buy an emollient, it is not going to hydrate (bring water your skin as a humectant will). And a humectant is not going to make your skin softer or smoother. If you want both results, be sure to get a product that is both an emollient and a humectant.

What is the best anti-aging cream ?

Despite what the marketing campaigns say, there is no one moisturizer that is BEST for everyone. Some moisturizers can irritate your skin but not irritate others. So it is a good idea to buy a small package the first time you buy a new product.

M. Lodin, notes that the BEST MOISTURIZER is the one that you like and will keep using. No moisturizer can be of help to you, if you do not use it regularly.

So, the best advice offered by researchers is that you should try a number of products until you find one that seems best for you. There is NO ONE PERFECT MOISTURIZER for all people. And that, despite the claims of advertisers. You need to try some products until you find one that works for you.

Should I stick with the same product year after year if I like it?

Researchers have found that sometimes the long term use of a given moisturizer may suddenly create irritation of the skin. Just because a product did not irritate the first year you used it, does not mean it will never start irritating your skin.

So, do not 'stock up' on an anti-aging skin product. Buy a single jar or bottle. Use it according to directions and then pay attention to your own responses. If you like it, you can buy more...even a few bottles or jars.

But remember: You may need to change moisturizing products every few months or years. If your skin begins to be irritated after applying your moisturizer pay attention and STOP using the product. It may be time to try something new.

Go to : Anti-aging cream : Emu Oil

Here is a full List of research articles about skin care