Best Moisturizer for Face

When you're looking for the best facial moisturizer, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. Choosing the best moisturizer for face instead of the body requires a more careful selection because you don't want to irritate the more delicate facial skin with a formula that is too thick or greasy.

You may think you need to buy the most expensive moisturizer available to get a good product, but in fact, a great moisturizer is not always the most costly one. There are facial moisturizers for all types of skin from dry to oily, and the right selection comes down to checking the ingredients list.

Common Moisturizer Ingredients

Let's explore the most common list of ingredients in quality moisturizers. Many ingredients contained in moisturizers promote other skin care goals, such as wrinkle prevention, exfoliation, and sun protection. Often, several active ingredients are combined into one product for convenience.

Glycerin - This popular ingredient is a humectant. A humectant draws moisture to the skin, which is why glycerin is used in many skin products such as soaps and moisturizers.

Dimethicone - Dimethicone is an emollient. Emollients soften and moisturize, as well as seal the top layer of skin to prevent moisture loss.

Natural emollients - Other common natural emollients and moisturizing ingredients include vitamin E, shea butter, sweet almond oil and aloe vera.

Hyaluronic acid - This is a natural substance in your body, and involved in many processes including tissue repair. However, as we age, our body produces less of it naturally. It's become a popular ingredient in many skin care products because it attracts water and hydrates and plumps the skin, thus reducing wrinkles and improving skin tone. It also helps to maintain the elasticity, smoothness, and tone of the skin

Cynergy TK - This is a new form of functional keratin that can be absorbed by the skin. Cynergy TK is derived naturally from the wool of New Zealand sheep. Keratin is a natural protein that stimulates production of new skin cells. Cynergy CK has been proven in scientific studies to rejuvenate skin and trigger new collagen and elastin formation.

Exfoliators (AHAs, BHAs) - These are alpha and beta hydroxy acids and they act as exfoliators to smooth the skin surface and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Common ingredients are glycolic and lactic acid. While they are not directly moisturizers, they are often included in the same skin care formulas.

Antioxidants - Common antioxidants often included in moisturizers are vitamin A, E, C Phytessence Wakame, CoQ10, and Retin-A. Phytessence Wakame (from Japanese sea kelp) also inhibits the activity of hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid in the skin.

This is by no means a completely extensive list, but these are some of the more common ingredients to look for when selecting a facial moisturizer. You'll also typically find stabilizers, preservatives, and other added ingredients.

Choosing the Best Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

To select the right moisturizer for your skin, the secret is to pay attention to the ingredients, more than the price. You'll want to choose ingredients for your type of skin: oily, acne-prone, dry, normal, or aging.

If you have oily skin or acne prone skin, use an oil-free and non-comedogenic formula that doesn't clog pores. Also, look for products that contain one of the following: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide, as these are common ingredients that help acne prone skin.

For dry skin, look for a product that has emollients, and choose a heavier cream based product if your skin is particularly dry or if need the extra protection and moisture. If your skin is normal, a lighter formulation should work well, such as a lotion with glycerin and an emollient.

If you have aging skin, look for exfoliators such as alpha hydroxy acid, and beta hydroxy acid, as well as antioxidants such as Phytessence Wakame, and skin rejuvenation ingredients like Cynergy TK to rebuild collagen and elastin.

If your skin is sensitive, choose a facial moisturizer that is fragrance free and dye free. You don't want any added ingredients in the product beyond those essential ingredients that are necessary for moisturizing.

In summary, there are all prices ranges of skin care products available, but all you really need to know when selecting the best facial moisturizer is the ingredients list, and your own skin condition. Just be sure to purchase products from a reputable brand that features quality ingredients (preferably natural ones). You can also search for product reviews on-line, and look for the specific ingredients in products that are right for your skin.