A good moisturizer is one of the foundations of an effective skin care regimen for dry skin. Moisturizers can soothe dry skin and make wrinkles less noticeable, even if the effect is temporary. But with so much to choose from, how do you decide?
Vaseline is one of the most effective moisturizers, especially when used right after bathing to help lock in moisture. It is also one of the least expensive. But many people don't like to use it on their face because it looks and feels greasy. Instead, creams and lotions that contain some water are a better choice for a face cream. Many of these creams and lotions are humectants, an oil-free moisturizer that binds water to the skin, allowing the soothing effects to last longer.
Most moisturizers contain water, glycerin, petrolatum, stearic acid, propylene glycol and lanolin. Some contain botanical ingredients, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, and linoleic acid, which help maintain the skin's outer layer of keratin and keep the skin supple. Manufacturers use other ingredients, such as cetyl alcohol, palmitic acid and dimethicone, to give moisturizers a creamy, velvety or translucent look and feel and to support the "mortar" that keeps the skin soft and smooth.
Some moisturizers also contain sunscreens and cosmeceuticals, which help prevent or even correct fine wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, and other signs of aging and photoaging.
