How to choose the right cream

Some experts are of the opinion that the first light face cream can be used from the age of 14-15, when the period of active internal transformation of the body begins. A high-quality and well-chosen cream can work wonders. Exactly, as well as vice versa, a poor-quality product can ruin everything: cause rashes, allergic reactions, provoke the appearance of blackheads, etc. Today we'll talk about how to choose the right cream based on your own needs and skin type.

How to choose a cream

So, let's start with a general acquaintance and find out what kind of creams exist in general. All creams can be divided into the following categories.

• Daytime. They perfectly moisturize and cover the skin with a light, almost imperceptible oily film. It is great to use as a base for makeup, especially to apply powder on it. These creams are available in various formulations, with most of them being water. These creams protect the skin throughout the day.
• Nutritious. The composition of these creams contains useful components that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, both dry and oily. Aging processes and the withers slow down. Nourishing creams are based on night, day and cold creams. Then there are oils, vitamins, hormones, lycetin, etc. The amount and in general the presence of auxiliary components varies depending on the type of skin.
• Creams with lycetin and cholesterol. They have a very good effect on the condition of the epidermis. The skin becomes pleasant to the touch, smooth and rejuvenated. The components are especially harmoniously combined with vitamins D, A, E, F.
• Cold cream. They contain various amounts of wax, almond oil, water, borax and whale oil. The composition of such creams can be compared with conventional ones, but it is worth noting their higher saturation. A good cream will not irritate the skin, but it will give a feeling of slight chill. It has high stability and is perfectly "eaten" by the skin. They are often used for dry skin. The oily texture is more suitable for night use.
• Hydrants. It is no longer a secret that the first signs of skin aging are directly related to its dehydration. With age, the water level in the dermis drops by half (!). Such creams help to replenish the lack of moisture and restore the lost elasticity and firmness.
• Fortified creams. They nourish the skin with the elements necessary to maintain beauty and health. This significantly improves blood circulation and increases protective functions. Let's look at an example. Vitamin A softens the skin and has an anti-keratin effect. Vitamins from group B are used for acne, common acne, have a tonic effect, and also help the absorption of vitamin A. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, removes pigmentation and promotes rejuvenation... Lack of vitamin F manifests itself as excessive dryness of the skin and the appearance of inflammatory processes. Vitamin E rejuvenates the skin and promotes its renewal.
• Hormonal creams. They can be both day and night. They include, as a rule, female ovarian hormones and estrogens. These are the most effective creams that give a quick and amazing effect, but they have many disadvantages. First, they are expensive. Secondly, they cannot be used for a long time, as they can be addictive, and after their cancellation, a sharp deterioration in the condition of the skin can be observed. Recommended for use after 35 years of age.
• Biologically active creams. The composition contains bio-stimulants that accelerate the processes of cell regeneration, establish metabolic processes. Bio-stimulants include such simple elements as wheat germ oil, bee products, collagen, aloe, etc.
• Collagen creams. Especially valuable specimens among women, since it is collagen that is responsible for the youth and elasticity of the skin. With its lack, the face begins to "drain". At the same time, the complexion is significantly improved and wrinkles are smoothed out. It is an excellent prevention of skin aging.
• Whitening cream. The name speaks for itself. Their main function is to eliminate age spots, freckles and other cosmetic defects of a similar nature. Such creams are not aimed at penetration into the deep layers of the skin, on the contrary, they act exclusively on the surface.

Creams can be used for the face, eyelids, neck and décolleté. All of them differ not only in composition, but also in structure, so it is undesirable to apply a cream for the face, for example, on the skin of the eyelids, and for the neck and décolleté on the face, as it may be too "heavy".

Always study the composition of the creams. A conscientious manufacturer will always indicate the full composition of the drug, and not inscriptions like: "vitamin complex" - he will definitely write down which vitamins and active substances are in the tube. When reading the components, keep in mind the fact that their order of placement and sequence was not chosen by chance. The first is what is in the cream more, and then to decrease.

Always select the cream according to your skin type and never neglect this rule. The fact is that, for example, for dry skin, creams are made with an oily and dense consistency, and if you apply it on oily skin, then in addition to unpleasant sensations, you can get clogged pores, black dots and acne. It is great if the packaging of the cream states that it is not gummy - this indicates that the cream does not help clog pores.

In fact, there are a lot of rules for choosing a cream, and every woman draws conclusions from personal experience. However, the main criterion for the selection of care cosmetics says - never take the cream at unverified and questionable points (metro crossings, train stations, etc.). The skin on the face is very sensitive and any toxic substance can activate irreversible disastrous consequences.

Creams for oily skin

Many people mistakenly believe that oily skin does not need a cream, as it perfectly moisturizes and nourishes itself. But this is a big mistake. A properly selected care cream will give the skin a matte finish, regulate the sebaceous glands, nourish it with useful elements and create a protective barrier.

Let's start with the fact that the main criterion for choosing a cream for oily skin is the presence of a corresponding marking on the packaging of the drug "for oily skin". Since it is she who is prone to the appearance of blackheads, acne and other rashes, so the cream must be chosen very carefully.

For oily skin, the following creams are provided:

• Moisturizers. Lack of moisture turns into aesthetic problems: increased sebum secretion, acne, comedones. If you want to prevent such troubles, choose special moisturizers for oily skin.
• Nutritious. They nourish oily skin with the missing elements. They will be especially useful in the cold season, when the dermis needs additional protection.
• Anti-inflammatory. Help to cope with existing rashes.
• Matting. Eliminate oily sheen and give a matte finish. High quality creams are effective all day long.

There is also a protective one, day and night. When choosing them, also be guided by the mark of the skin type.

And now about the chemical composition of the cream. Components that are welcome for oily type of dermis:

• Benzene peroxide. The name is frightening, but there is nothing dangerous about it. On the contrary, this ingredient helps fight acne and acne.
• Salicylic acid. Dries pimples and helps the skin get rid of its characteristic oily sheen.
• Caffeine. Contributes to the shrinkage of pores.
• Niacinamide. Helps relieve irritation.
• Retinol. Helps to eliminate the problem of acne, especially when sulfur is also present in the composition.

Essential oils and extracts of medicinal plants are welcome in the composition. By the way, an interesting fact is that oily skin is not always a hereditary "gift". Often, it becomes like this with the wrong lifestyle and diet. For example, if there is a lack of niacin in the body, then the skin can become oily (skin shine, enlarged pores, etc.). But one has only to include in the diet foods rich in this element, as the condition of the skin is normalized and it ceases to be oily.

Creams for dry skin

Narrowing skin requires special attention and constant hydration, so the ideal cream for it is oil-based. The oils will resist moisture evaporation, and the formed film will protect the dermis from aggressive external factors. Creams for this type of skin can be found in almost all lines of manufacturers of any price category. By the way, the latter does not play a role and in no way speaks about the quality of the product (of course, within reason).

Advice - when choosing a cream for dry skin type, it is better to study and select a product from the company that is more focused on problematic, allergenic and dry skin. As a rule, products of this kind are more often represented in the pharmacy chain. A great advantage of buying from such places is that there is less chance of running into a fake.

The composition of creams for dry skin types should include natural oils (cocoa, shea), glycerin, petroleum jelly. Polypropylene glycol and urea retain moisture well in the dermis. An excellent component for such creams is mineral water. The latter contains magnesium, silicon, selenium and other useful elements. They perfectly moisturize and do not irritate the skin. For the dry type, extracts of sage, yarrow, chamomile are great - that's why they are welcome in the composition.

Pay attention not only to hydration, but also to a mild exfoliating effect. For these purposes, the cream must contain lactic and fruit acids. They have a mild but noticeable effect without irritation.

Take your time to buy and use the original cream. Ask for a trial sample first, and only if you are satisfied with the result, purchase a full-size copy. This is especially true for expensive creams. And yet, do not forget to test the drug for a reaction before use. allergies.

Problem skin creams

Problem skin of the face is, rather, a general name. This can be said about sensitive, oily and dry skin. So, here are some tips on the chemical composition of the cream for problem skin:

• Hyaluronic acid, water and glycerin will have a good effect on such a dermis. All of them nourish the cells with moisture.
• Salicylic acid has an antibacterial effect.
• Softens the stratum corneum and exfoliates glycolic acid.
• The fatty acids in the creams help to normalize the production of sebum.
• Vitamins A, C and E.
• Extracts and extracts of tea tree, figs, cherries, calendula.

Here are some helpful tips to help you choose a good cream for problem skin.

• For problem skin types, it is better to purchase creams in specialized stores, and even better in pharmacies.
• Nourishing and moisturizing creams specially selected for the type of dermis can normalize the condition.
• The texture of such a cream should be light and delicate; after applying the composition, there should be no feeling of "film".
• You need to choose a cream based on the season. Since in winter a denser composition may be required, and in summer it is quite light.
• Tubes are a more suitable packaging option as opposed to jars, since in them the products remain usable longer. However, the latter are more convenient and aesthetically pleasing.
• Always choose creams that are appropriate for your age. Do not use anti-aging creams unnecessarily, this will negatively affect the dermis.
• Before buying a cream, it is better to read reviews about it. For example, if many users complain about the appearance of allergies, then it is better to refuse such a copy.

By the way, you can simply prepare a cream for problem skin yourself. Here is one of the great recipes:

In a bowl, combine and heat the following ingredients in a water bath: a couple of spoons of strawberry puree, one spoonful of coconut oil, olives and sunflower oil, an oil solution of vitamin E. As soon as the composition melts, remove from heat and beat well to obtain a homogeneous consistency. Pour into a clean jar and let cool - done! Before applying to the face, you need to hold the composition in your hands so that it melts. Store homemade cream exclusively in the refrigerator.

Creams for normal skin

Normal skin is perfect skin. She has no flaws, no pores are visible, she does not suffer from acne, there is no oily sheen. In general, it is almost like a magazine cover. True, there are very, very few lucky women with this type of skin. It is ubiquitous in children. But even if this ideal inherited from nature, this does not mean that she will remain so ideal until the end of her life. It can also be spoiled and become oily, for example, or problematic. If you overdo it with care or get hooked on the wrong diet, then this is a direct road to problems.

Creams for normal skin are still needed, but, as in previous cases, special attention should be paid to the composition. The presence of:

• soybean oil;
• apricot oil;
• shea butter;
• olive oils;
• avocado oil.

All these ingredients increase the level of skin protection, nourish it, and promote rapid recovery and regeneration. In addition to oils, extracts from cucumber have a positive effect, green tea, aloe, calendula, chamomile and lavender. These products are a real storehouse of vitamins, they soothe the skin and prevent early aging. Normal skin should be protected from harmful environmental influences: wind, frost, direct sunlight, exhaust gases, etc.

While the appearance of a normal skin type may suggest otherwise, it should also be monitored and cared for. The same peeling, masks, cleansing and creams - all this is periodically required, albeit in smaller quantities and in a more gentle mode.

Creams for aging skin

Fading skin needs special care, which will not only prevent the further aging process, but also eliminate the defects that have already arisen in the form wrinkles... Choosing a quality cream that would meet all the needs of women is not an easy task, since most of those that are on store shelves are nothing more than a "dummy".

First of all, you need to realize that only powerful elements, mostly of organic origin, can cope with age-related changes, and it is not cheap. Therefore, get ready for the fact that you will have to pay handsomely for beauty.

Fading skin is considered after 35-40 years, it is at this age that serious age-related changes are observed. Ideally, the selection of the cream should be carried out by a cosmetologist. This will save you money on waste and achieve truly visible and lasting results.

First, let's take a look at what anti-aging creams are out there.

• Peeling creams. One of the categories of anti-aging creams that contain fruit acids. They have a mild exfoliating effect, renew the epidermis and eliminate pigmentation. In addition, under the influence of acids, the amount of collagen produced significantly increases, due to which the firmness and elasticity of the skin increases, and the oval of the face regains its shape. However, do not forget that peeling creams make the skin thinner, which makes it more susceptible to harmful environmental factors. Therefore, additional protection will be required.
• Retinol creams. Another type of anti-aging creams and serums, which contain a large amount of vitamin A, which is very effective against wrinkles. Such formulations are used for both mimic and age creams. In no case should such creams be used without the need, this can lead to premature aging.
• Creams with vitamins E and C. Selenium is also ranked among them. As in the first option, such creams promote active collagen production. But in addition to fighting wrinkles, such formulations have a protective function against exposure to sunlight and exhaust gases. But when choosing a drug with vitamin C, you need to take into account the following: if the latter is presented in the form of ascorbyl phosphate, then you should not expect any help in the recovery processes from it, and in general, it is better not to use a cream with such a component. This acid "breaks" the cell membranes and all the filth from the outside seeps into the skin. Give preference to ascorbyl palmitate - that's what it just prevents aging.
• Placenta creams. Such creams are capable of working miracles and numerous reviews confirm this. The fact is that the placenta contains stem cells that penetrate deeply into the skin and act from the inside. But such creams are very expensive, so you should not buy cheap analogs, there can be nothing natural in them a priori. In addition, such preparations of youth can be made only under special sterile conditions under the constant supervision of doctors.
• Hormonal creams. Such funds are also not cheap, but their effectiveness is high. As a rule, phytohormones are included in the composition. Such creams are recommended for use from the age of 50 and above. They help restore facial contours and reduce deep wrinkles. Especially come in handy at the time of menopause, when the body lacks hormones. However, it should be understood that refusal from the drug after its use will entail a significant deterioration in the condition of the skin.

And yet, when choosing a collagen cream, also pay attention to the composition. The fact is that collagen is a very large "thing" in size and it physically cannot penetrate the skin, just like it can even have a slight effect. But collagen hydrolyzate can.

Moisturizers

A high-quality cream, regardless of its functions, should not have a strong odor, since it is this indicator that indicates the presence of fragrances that have a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin. The same can be said for dyes. If high-quality raw materials were used in the creation of the product, then it does not require masking in the form of dyes. And, by the way, it is the latter that seriously increase the risk of allergic reactions.

Not so long ago, Roskontrol conducted interesting tests of moisturizers. The experiment involved six samples of different price categories: from 50 to 1000 rubles. Many people are used to thinking that the more expensive the cream, the better its effect. Research results completely refute this opinion. The testers were evaluated on many factors:

• the presence of harmful substances (mercury, arsenic, etc.);
• manifestation of side effects;
• the duration of the moisturizing effect;
• the presence of fragrances and dyes;
• compliance with mandatory safety requirements.

The experiment involved brands: L`Oreal Paris, Clinique, Garnier, Nivea, Olay, Chistaya Liniya. The results were as follows.

• The longest moisturizing effect was shown by Nivia and Garnier (the effect lasted until washing off, i.e. all day). Clinique had the smallest result (the moisturizing effect subsided after 2 hours).
• The skin became unnecessarily oily after L`Oreal Paris, Clinique and Pure Line. Nivia and Olay, on the other hand, have shown remarkable results.
• The maximum amount of fragrances, preservatives and fragrances was found in the Pure Line and L`Oreal Paris samples, and the lowest, it is also the best, was found in Nivia.

However, it is also comforting that the content of harmful components in all samples is within the normal range, which means that they are not harmful to health. For some, this discovery will come as a surprise, for others it will not, but the results of the study show that the price is really not an indicator of quality.

Nourishing creams

A good nourishing cream is worth its weight in gold. After all, it saturates the skin with all the necessary elements that eliminate defects and maintain the health of the dermis and its beauty. It is necessary to use nourishing creams from the age of 25, this will prevent early aging and wilting.

Like other creams, a nutritious one needs to be selected separately for each type of skin, but everyone needs such a cream, even normal and oily.

The best nourishing creams contain lanolin or wax - these ingredients are well perceived by the skin, as they are closer in structure. Low-quality creams have paraffin and petroleum jelly instead. The amount of water in the nourishing cream is also very important, it should not be liquid, especially for the cold season. It should be thick, white and resemble whipped sour cream. A high-quality nourishing cream is quickly absorbed and does not leave behind a greasy residue.

Always carefully study the composition of the product before buying it, the less chemistry it contains, the better for your skin and your health. Do not save on yourself, but do not overpay either, because, as the results of the examinations show, the price is far from being an indicator of quality.