Moisturizers are skin care products in the form of creams and lotions that hydrate the skin. Because our facial skin can dry out easily from contact with the sun, hormonal changes and a variety of other factors that affect us on a daily basis, incorporating moisturizer into your skin care routine is essential to preventing wrinkles and maintaining healthy, young-looking skin.

Types of Moisturizers

Most manufacturers of skin care products make moisturizers based on the four different skin types. Here is an outline of the different types of moisturizers, along with the role of each:

• Moisturizers for combination skin: Combination skin refers to facial skin that is oily in the T-zone (the chin, nose and forehead) while also being dry on the cheeks. Moisturizers for combination skin usually have a limited amount of aloe, enough to restore moisture to dry areas while not irritating already oily patches of skin.
• Moisturizers for dry skin: These moisturizers are typically the most intense, heaviest type. Moisturizers for dry skin usually have ingredients, such as aloes and shea butter, that will sufficiently replenish the skin with vital moisture.
• Moisturizers for oily skin: Because those with oily, acne-prone skin already have a large amount of moisture on their faces, these moisturizers tend to be the lightest variety on the market. Moisturizers for oily skin are usually oil-free and perfume-free to prevent further irritation to the face.
• Moisturizers for sensitive skin: Like moisturizers for oily skin, these tend to be lighter and perfume-free to avoid irritating the face while it re-hydrates the facial skin.

Keep in mind that moisturizers for the face will be dramatically different than those for the skin on the rest of the body. In general, you will likely need to spend more time finding the right moisturizer for your face, as the facial skin is significantly more delicate and sensitive than the other skin on the body.

Also, any type of moisturizer can include SPF. Because the sun is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging, getting a facial and full-body moisturizer that has an SPF of at least 15 is a good way to protect your skin and prevent wrinkles.

How to Choose a Moisturizer

As you are choosing between different daily moisturizers, you are likely to be overwhelmed with all of the choices on the market. From budget brands to designer manufacturers, various types of moisturizers that are made for different skin types flood the market.

If you are having trouble choosing a moisturizer, here are some tips that can help you narrow down the field and find the best moisturizer for you:

1. Figure out what your skin type is (either dry, oily, normal, sensitive or combination). Moisturizers are made to accommodate one of the main skin types.
2. Think about the role, aside from hydrating, that you want your moisturizer to perform. Moisturizers can do anything from block sun damage to reduce fine lines to minimize acne outbreaks.
3. Select a quality brand with which you are comfortable.
4. Opt for less intensive moisturizers first. Slowly work your way up to heavier moisturizers until you find the one that adequately moisturizes your skin without causing breakouts. Using moisturizers that are too heavy for your skin can clog your pores and cause you to break out.
5. If a particular brand or type of moisturizer doesn't provide effective results within a few weeks, don't be afraid to try another type of moisturizer.

Resources

eMedicine (2007). Moisturizers. Retrieved November 7, 2007, from the eMedicine Web site: http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic506.htm.