The Beginner’s Guide To Moisturizing Cream

If you’ve never before purchased an anti aging moisturizer, the process can seem daunting, if not downright intimidating. What’s the best type to buy? How do you know if it will work well on your skin? And of course: if you haven’t used it before, why should you start now? All those questions and more are answered here, so you can quickly become an expert on your skin and its needs.

Why start using a moisturizer?

As your skin ages, it begins to lose its elasticity. Using a moisturizer (particularly a moisturizing anti wrinkle cream or anti aging skin cream) improves your skin’s ability to “bounce back” after facial expressions, and reduces the risk of future wrinkles and fine lines. You want to start now, before you notice your first wrinkles, because prevention is key.

What should I look for in a product?

There are a few things your moisturizing cream should do — hydrate your skin, absorb quickly and not clog your pores. It may take a little trial and error to find your perfect product, but a few things you should look for on the label are the terms “water based” and “non-comedogenic.” These mean it should absorb faster than oil-based products, and that they won’t cause breakouts.

What should I avoid in my moisturizing products?

Many drugstore anti aging skin care products contain chemicals such as parabens, petroleum and alcohol. These chemicals not only can cause long-term damage to your skin, but they can also negate the purpose of using an anti aging cream; these harsh ingredients are drying and don’t allow the skin to breathe properly. (Be aware, petroleum can hide in products as “mineral wax.”) The only way to truly avoid all chemical components is to look for organic or natural anti aging products.

How do I know if a product is any good?

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to their preferred skin care line, but the best place to start is by asking friends or acquaintances if they’ve ever used a product line and what they think of it. If you’re speaking to a trusted friend, you may even ask what products they use and consider giving those recommendations a try. As an alternative, the Internet contains a wealth of product reviews and knowledge, so you can be informed before you buy.

How often should I use it?

A good rule of thumb is to apply your face cream every time you wash your face. Whether that’s morning and night, or just once per day, you know what works for your skin. In addition, you should apply more any time your facial skin feels dry or tight. It may take a few days to get into the habit of applying a new organic beauty product, so you may want to place your cream near the bathroom sink or by your bed, where you’ll think to apply it.