Types of Moisturizing Cream

Moisturizers are also called emollients, consisting of mixtures of chemical agents that make the epidermis or external layers of the skin softer and more pliable or supple. They do this by increasing the water content of the skin, reducing evaporative moisturizers. They also prevent dry skin and improve its texture and tone, and even hide some skin imperfections. Beyond these functions, however, moisturizers in creams, lotions and oils are made for skin age reduction and the removal of fine lines for smoother skin. Ingredients make moisturizers do the job for the skin, like antioxidants, grape seed oil, petrolatum, hydroxyl acids that prevent wrinkles, and soothing ingredients of chamomile or aloe, that minimize allergens and irritants. The only risks that can be linked to moisturizers are the safety of their ingredients and their possible bacterial contamination.

Most of the moisturizers that are preferred are in the form of creams, which are designed for all skin types. For dry skin, the creams contain essential fats, humectants, or water-binding agents, and emollients such as shea butter, and petrolatum. For oily skin, oil-free cream is suited but they also contain humectants and derivatives of silicone.  Normal skin needs another type of non-greasy moisturizing cream with a balanced blend of humectants and emollients to maintain the skin’s ideal moisture. For sensitive skin, fragrance-free cream is preferred that has non-irritating components like lanolin, mineral oil and acid. In the Philippines, the cosmetics industry has come up with moisturizing creams with virgin coconut oil (VCO) and virgin palm oil. The VCO cream is traditionally made with fresh organic coconuts to contain a high level of antioxidants. The palm oil cream, on the other hand, contains powerful Vitamin E called tocotrienols which is more potent than the most common Vitamin E in many products for skin care.

Moisturizing creams contain ingredients that are aimed to hydrate and soften the skin. These ingredients are very important in the formulation of these creams. They include (a) Humectants that help your skin to stay hydrated, and help smooth its thickened or scaly parts, (b) Emollients, which are based on oils or fats known as lipids, and may also contain cocoa butter, palm kernel oil, shea butter and lanolin, (c) Vitamins with antioxidant properties needed to repair and prevent wrinkles, and the dryness of aging skin, (d) Hydroxyl acids which are known as fruit acids that get rid of dead skin cells and produce building bocks of the skin and connective tissue such as collagen and elastin, and (e) Preservatives which are necessary ingredients to prevent the moisturizer from getting contaminated by microbes, bacteria or molds.

You can make your own moisturizing cream even at home. Some of the ingredients that are needed include tea bags, almond, wheat germ oil, beeswax, aloe vera gel and essential oils that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Be sure that the cream you make is free from contamination.