Different Kinds of Face Cream
Different kinds of face cream have different components and can do different things for you. Deciding which ones to use can be a complicated process because there is such a wide variety to choose from, including day creams and night creams, cleansing creams and moisturizing creams, and anti-aging creams and sun-block creams. This is a partial guide to certain types.
Cold cream is probably the oldest known face cream, having been invented by the Greek physician Galen who lived from 129 to 200 AD. It is an emulsion made from essential oils, beeswax, water, and fragrance. It was named “cold cream” because it leaves a feeling of coolness on the skin. It is used as a cleansing cream and a moisturizing cream.
For cleansing dry to normal skin, a cleansing face cream is beneficial. It removes make up, surface residue, and dirt without making the skin dry. The proper way of using cleansing cream is to dab a small amount on the skin and massage it in with gentle, upward, circular strokes. Use water to wash it off or soft tissue to wipe it off, depending on the instructions that came with the product.
Moisturizing creams replenish the skin’s natural lipids, thereby keeping skin soft, smooth, and young-looking. This type of face cream must be used daily in order to get the full benefit from its effects, and the skin best suited to it are the normal to dry types. Some moisturizing cream manufacturers offer 2 kinds of moisturizing face cream, one for daytime use and another for night time.
A face cream that contains sun screen or sun block will prevent damage from the sun’s UV rays. Such damage includes sun burn, age spots, and premature wrinkles, all of which make the skin unsightly. Overexposure to UV rays is also known as a primary cause of skin cancer. Regular use of sun screen or sun block creams is highly recommended.
To reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are often used. AHA and retinol, a form of vitamin that stimulates skin cell renewal, are common ingredients of anti-aging face creams. This kind of face cream will renew the skin’s surface and make it appear more youthful. It has side effects such irritation, blistering, burning, and discoloration of the skin and should therefore be used with caution.
A medical practitioner should be consulted before using any anti-aging cream. On the other hand, other types of face creams are usually harmless to most individuals. Just to be sure, a face cream should be tested before use. You can test by applying a small amount to an area of your skin which is generally not noticeable. Leave the cream on for 24 to 48 hours and see if it has adverse effects.
Finding the best face cream for an individual’s requirements can take more than a bit of time and effort. However, because the result is healthy, great-looking skin, it will certainly bring great rewards.