A moisturizing cream is a cosmetic that effectively prevents the premature appearance of wrinkles and restores comfort to dehydrated skin. It may also have an occlusive effect, i.e. protecting the skin against water evaporation and drying out. A face cream moisturizer can be used regardless of skin type because every skin type (even acne-prone skin) requires moisturization, and the consistency of the product is essential.
Why is skin hydration so important?
The human body comprises approximately 70% of the water necessary for proper functioning. In the case of skin, hydration and hydration are essential for its appearance, health, and proper functioning. Moisturization ensures the effective functioning of the skin's hydrolipid barrier, which protects the body against harmful factors. The skin is a protective barrier for internal organs against chemical and physical factors and microorganisms, and also provides photoprotection and retains water, so ensuring that the hydrolipid barrier is effective should be the goal of our daily care.
Skin dehydration causes:
• excessive drying and, consequently, peeling of the skin,
• feeling of tightness,
• itching [1],
• occurrence of rough places,
• redness and irritation [4].
Additionally, this lack of elasticity causes significant discomfort, which is also aesthetic, and may lead to the premature appearance of wrinkles.
An excellent moisturizing cream – what ingredients should it contain?
Hyaluronic acid is the primary active ingredient that should be included in a moisturizer for dry skin. It is not without reason that it is considered the main moisturizing ingredient. It can bind large amounts of water - up to a thousand times greater than its weight. In addition, it stimulates the production of collagen fibres, which are responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin. It also has strong regenerative properties. Although hyaluronic acid in cosmetics does not penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, it effectively affects the epidermis, profoundly moisturizing it and filling shallow wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid in cosmetics occurs in the form of:
• macromolecular acid - this form of hyaluronic acid does not penetrate deeply into the skin but creates a film on its surface that protects the stratum corneum of the epidermis. In addition, it smoothes the skin and reduces water loss through evaporation;
• low molecular weight acid - in this form, it improves skin hydration and firmness and accelerates the healing process of wounds and irritations. Thanks to the low molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, other active substances penetrate the epidermis more effectively.
Which active ingredients moisturize the skin best?
A good quality moisturizing cream will also contain other active ingredients with a moisturizing effect, including:
• thermal (volcanic) water with a high content of skin-strengthening minerals;
• urea;
• allantoin;
• skwalan;
• lactic acid;
• panthenol (vitamin B5);
• glycerin;
• ceramidy;
• treholazę;
• vitamin E ;
• arginine;
• mannose (vegetable sugar);
• sodium PCA.
All these ingredients have a positive effect on the skin's hydration level. In addition, some of them have a soothing impact on irritations and support the reconstruction of the hydrolipid layer of the epidermis.
Choosing a moisturizing cream and skin type
Other moisturizing creams will be suitable for dry, dehydrated skin - a rich formula and thicker consistency will work here. In contrast, others will be suitable for combination and oily skin, where it is worth choosing lighter beauty cream, fluids and moisturizing gels. Cosmetics with hyaluronic acid are ideal for all skin types. This ingredient binds water well in the epidermis and fills intercellular structures. Its use gives the effect of hydration, firming and filling. For dry, very dry and dehydrated skin, it is worth choosing thicker, more occlusive creams with a rich formula containing urea, ceramides, witch hazel or allantoin. People with oily, combination or acne-prone skin can choose lighter creams with a more gel-like consistency, which contain moisturizing hyaluronic acid, zinc that absorbs excess sebum, and antibacterial tea tree oil. In this case,
ceramides and niacinamide will impact the reconstruction of the skin's hydrolipid barrier. A moisturizing cream with vitamin C will help brighten the colour. Remember that a moisturizing cream should be the basis of care at all ages and regardless of skin type. When choosing a product, let's consider its composition and choose preparations tailored to the skin's needs.
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