Causes (2)
- Psoriasis
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Lifestyle and home remedies (2)
- Skin care: 5 tips for healthy skin
- Moisturizers: Options for softer skin
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Moisturizers: Options for softer skin
Which moisturizer is best for you?
The moisturizer that's best for you depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions, such as acne. For general guidelines, consider the following:
- Normal skin. Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. To maintain this natural moisture balance, use a water-based moisturizer that has a light, nongreasy feel. These moisturizers often contain lightweight oils, such as cetyl alcohol, or silicone-derived ingredients, such as cyclomethicone.
- Dry skin. To restore moisture to dry skin, choose a heavier, oil-based moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. For very dry, cracked skin, oils are preferable. They have more staying power than creams do and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from your skin.
- Oily skin. Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. Though oily, such skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin-care products that remove oils and dry out the skin. In addition, a light moisturizer can help protect your skin after washing. Be sure to pick a water-based product that is labeled "noncomedogenic," which means it won't clog pores.
- Sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is susceptible to skin irritations, redness, itching or rashes. Use a moisturizer that doesn't contain potential allergens, such as fragrances or dyes, and is specifically designed for sensitive skin.
- Mature skin. As you age, your skin tends to become drier because your oil-producing glands become less active. To keep your skin soft and well hydrated, choose an oil-based moisturizer that contains petrolatum as the base, along with lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients help hold in moisture and prevent flaky, scaly skin.
Getting the most out of your moisturizer
To make the most of your moisturizing routine:
- Find a moisturizer that fits your skin type and makes your skin look and feel soft. You may need to try several brands with varying ingredients before you find one you like.
- Keep in mind that cost has no definite relationship to effectiveness. Just because a moisturizer is expensive, doesn't mean it's more effective than a cheaper product.
- Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing. Pat or blot your skin until it's just barely dry, then apply moisturizer immediately to help trap water in the surface cells.
- Apply moisturizer to your hands and body as needed. Apply after bathing or showering, before exercising outdoors in cold weather, and every time you wash your hands. Although often ignored, your hands are more exposed to the elements, especially soaps and chemicals, than is any other part of your body.
- Don't use any heavy creams on your face unless you have excessive dryness. You can use heavy, oil-based creams on your legs, hands and feet because those areas tend to be drier.
If a moisturizer doesn't improve the condition of your skin or you notice skin problems after using a moisturizer, see your doctor or dermatologist. He or she can help you create a personalized skin-care plan by assessing your skin type, evaluating your skin's condition and recommending moisturizers likely to be effective.
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References
- FDA authority over cosmetics. US Food and Drug Administration. http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-206.html. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Baumann L. Cosmetics and skin care in dermatology. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc; 2008. http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3007166&searchStr=xerosis. Accessed Oct. 2, 2008.
- Miscellaneous emollients. Facts and Comparisons 4.0. http://online.factsandcomparisons.com/MonoDisp.aspx?book=DFC&monoID=fandc-hcp10748&nostem=False&searched=emollients. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Mature skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/MatureSkin.htm. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Cosmeceutical facts and your skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/Cosmetics.htm. Accessed Oct. 7, 2008.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 6, 2006.
- Skin care and aging. National Institute on Aging. http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/PDFs/Skin_Care_And_Aging.pdf. Accessed Oct. 8, 2008.
