Tips for Using Facial Moisturizers Correctly

A good facial moisturizer is an important tool in a good skin care regimen. However, like any tool, if they arent used properly then they arent much good at all. You might think that all there is to the proper use of skin moisturizers is simply applying it to your face after you wash, or when youre experiencing discomfort from dry skin. That covers the basics, but to really get the most out of a facial moisturizer, you have to know how to optimize its use.

The basic function of a facial moisturizer is to retain moisture in the outer layers of skin. Normally, any moisture evaporates from the skin quite quickly, which can leave it dry. This problem usually gets worse as people get older. A good moisturizer will keep the moisture in, making dry or aged skin feeling smooth to the touch, and looking a lot nicer too. The ingredients in the moisturizer do most of the work, but there are things that we can do when we apply moisturizer to help it work to its fullest potential.

The first useful tip is to always use your moisturizer right after you finished cleaning you face, while the skin is still damp. Remember that a moisturizer works to lock in water, which it cant do especially well if theres nothing to lock in. After a washing, your will have a good amount of moisture to seal in. If you opt to use toner on your face as well, you shouldnt wipe it off before moisturizing. Apply the moisturizer while the toner is still damp and it will help to seal in the beneficial ingredients in the toner. Remember that the key word is damp - if you try to apply moisturizer when the face is still sopping wet, it will simply drip right off.

Next, pay attention to where youre moisturizing. You would think that facial moisturizers would be usable on the entire face, but thats not exactly accurate. In particular, you should avoid moisturizing around the eyes. The skin that surrounds the eyes is somewhat different when compared to the skin from other areas of the face. Facial moisturizers may be too potent and can lead to irritation and other problems if used on the eyes. They make specific creams for the eyes, and those are what should be used.

You also might think that theyd only be useful on the face, but thats also incorrect. For instance, the neck area can benefit from the application of facial moisturizer. Start at the base and apply the moisturizer in broad upward strokes. A lot of people dont consider the effect that the neck has on their overall appearance, but a neck with bad skin can look very unappealing.

A final tip: while you should apply face moisturizer to a damp face, you should let the moisturizer dry completely before applying any cosmetic foundation. Otherwise, it can become very runny or get completely ruined.

These tips arent exactly life changing, but they do show you a few ways that you can better use your facial moisturizer.

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August 12 2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »

Using Sunblock to Prevent Skin Problems

Some people are under the mistaken assumption that the only time to use sunscreen is on especially hot and sunny days. The truth is that anytime that were out in the sun, the suns rays are having a negative impact on our skin. There is a constant barrage of ultraviolet light that can cause our skin to age before its time, and it can lead to more serious skin problems in the long term. Even on days when its not all that hot outside, it is a good idea to use sunscreen.

With that said, sunscreen is still most needed when a person is spending a day out in the sun, especially if theyre trying to tan. This is when there is the biggest risk of sunburn, which is a direct result of intense sun exposure. Its important to understand how to choose the right sunscreen for the job. SPF, or sun protection factor, is the rating system that is used to determine the strength of a sunscreen. Usually, a minimum sun protection factor of 15 is recommended for tanning or prolonged sun exposure. However, much more powerful levels of protection are available -- up to a 60 SPF rating or more.

There is another factor to consider, as well. There are multiple types of ultraviolet light rays that are harmful to the skin -- UVA and UVB. Many sunscreens are designed to effectively block only one UVB rays, while UVA are actually the more dangerous type. It is a good idea to look for a sunscreen that is designed to block both types of rays. Sunscreens that contain the ingredients zinc oxide, ecamsule, or avobenzone are the best choices for full-spectrum protection.

When it comes to just routine daily sun exposure, a full application of sunscreen isnt really necessary. If youre just eating lunch outdoors or walking for a little while outside, then you should be okay just using other skin-care products that contain minor sunscreens. For example, there are many facial moisturizers that include enough sunscreen to protect your skin from the suns rays on a day-to-day basis.

One of the negative effects associated with sun exposure to the skin is wrinkling. The sun is one of the primary factors when it comes to skin starting to look aged before its time. For people who are concerned about aging and wrinkled skin, there are special sunscreen treatments that are design both to reduce and prevent wrinkles. Many of these have high SPF ratings for maximum protection from the suns light.

Aside from wrinkles, the other major impact of the sun on human skin is skin cancer. Heavy exposure to the sun without the proper protection can lead to a person developing deadly skin cancers. This is one reason why its especially important to get sunscreen that protects against UVA rays. Despite the fact that UVA doesnt cause any burning sensation or redness, it is actually the primary cause of skin cancer. So when youre looking to buy sunscreen, make sure that you make an educated choice that will truly protect you from skin problems.

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August 08 2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »