What Should You Look for in a Facial Cream? You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed when it comes to choosing a facial cream. There are so many products available nowadays that it may be difficult to determine what your skin genuinely needs—and what it does not.
This article addresses your questions and provides some easy advice on what to look for and avoid.
When and why should you begin using a facial cream?
Begin using facial creams in your mid to late twenties. It’s best to use one lotion during the day and another at night. You’ll also want to be certain that you select the correct product for your skin type. If you’re unsure about your skin type, consult a doctor.
Using a face cream is vital because it maintains your skin’s hydration and suppleness, which may help eliminate wrinkles, age spots, and other fine lines.
Facial creams also serve as a barrier for your skin. Look for noncomedogenic products, which means they won’t clog your pores and trigger breakouts.
What day and night creams are meant to accomplish for your skin is different. At night, you want a cream that will enter deeper into your skin to help restore it. And with day creams, you want something to help protect your skin from the elements.
What components should a day cream contain?
Day cream should be lighter and contain the following ingredients:
Sunscreen
Look for a lotion that contains long-lasting sunscreen. A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater is required.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C brightens the skin, evens its pigmentation, and enhances cell melanin to defend against UV rays.
Use an SPF-containing day cream all year. You don’t know how much sunlight enters your home through windows or even just getting in and out of your automobile.
Don’t be fooled by flashy packaging or a high price tag. Good components can also be found in well-known brands.
What components should a night cream contain?
While you sleep, night creams hydrate, soothe, and restore your skin.
Look for items that include:
Retinols
Vitamin A derivatives are anti-aging and aid in the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and brown spots. It has the ability to balance out and brighten your skin tone.
However, be aware that this over-the-counter chemical is potent and might cause discomfort. Begin with a very tiny dose three times per week and gradually increase as tolerated. Be extra cautious if you have sensitive skin.
Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHA)
These agents, which are made up of citrus and other fruit acids, are beneficial for dull or ashy skin. They gently exfoliate and soften the skin, allowing the cream to enter deeper.
The substance hyaluronic acid (HA).
This chemical absorbs moisture to plump your skin and aids in the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin pigmentation disorders.
E vitamin
This antioxidant hydrates the skin and enhances the complexion.
Resveratrol. An antioxidant that aids in stress management.
What components should you look for in a facial cream if you have dry or sensitive skin?
Finding a product for skin that is easily irritated or prone to dryness might be difficult.
Examine the product labels for the following ingredients:
Ceramides
These are natural proteins found in the skin’s outer layers that retain moisture and protect the skin from environmental contaminants. Ceramide levels are lower in older, more sensitive skin.
Glycerin
A skin-repairing natural humectant (moisturizer).
Lactic acid
Exfoliant that eliminates the surface layer of dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate the skin more effectively.
What substances in a face cream should you avoid?
Avoid oils, waxes, and petrolatum if you have oily or acne-prone skin. They’re excessively heavy and can clog pores, exacerbating acne (remember to look for the word “noncomedogenic” on the bottle).
Other substances to avoid are as follows:
Perfumes and fragrances
They might irritate the skin and induce allergic responses.
Retinoic acid (vitamin A)
This anti-aging substance has the potential to irritate your skin.
Methylparabens/parabens.
These cosmetic preservatives have the potential to induce allergic reactions and clog your pores.
The acid salicylic
This exfoliator may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
All-natural substances can be beneficial, but some people are sensitive to plants, nuts, and berries. Take note of these components and how you respond to them.
Do you also need to use a face serum?
Serums are lighter than moisturizers and contain more active ingredients. They may be worn both during the day and at night. Serums, which can be gels, lotions, or liquids, are often applied beneath moisturizers.
Because serums are often highly strong (and can be expensive), it’s best to visit your dermatologist or a skincare professional before using one. They can tell you if you’d benefit from a serum based on your skin type and objectives.
