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. Just like vice versa, a low-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 creams

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

• Daytime. They perfectly moisturize and cover the skin with a light, almost imperceptible oily film. Great to use as a base for makeup, especially when layered with powder. Such creams are available with different compositions, where the majority is water. Such creams protect the skin throughout the day.
• Nutritious. These creams contain beneficial ingredients that have a beneficial effect on both dry and oily skin. Aging processes and withering slows down. Nourishing creams are based on night, day and cold creams. Next come oils, vitamins, hormones, lecithin, etc. The quantity and general presence of auxiliary components varies depending on skin type.
• Creams with lecithin and cholesterol. They have a very good effect on the condition of the epidermis. The skin becomes pleasant to the touch, smooth and renewed. The components combine especially harmoniously with vitamins D, A, E, F.
• Cold cream. They contain wax, almond oil, water, borax and whale oil in varying quantities. The composition of such creams can be compared with regular ones, but it is worth noting their higher saturation. A good cream will not irritate the skin, but will give you a slight cooling feeling. 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 replenish the lack of moisture and restore lost elasticity and firmness.
• Vitaminized creams. Nourishes 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-keratinizing effect. Vitamins from group B are used for acne, regular pimples, have a tonic effect, and also help the absorption of vitamin A. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, removes pigmentation and promotes rejuvenation. A lack of vitamin F manifests itself as excessive dry skin and the appearance of inflammatory processes. Vitamin E rejuvenates the skin and promotes its renewal.
• Hormonal creams. They can be both daytime and nighttime. They usually include female ovarian hormones and estrogens. These are the most effective creams that give a quick and amazing effect, but have many disadvantages. First of all, they are expensive. Secondly, they cannot be used for a long time, as they can be addictive, and after their withdrawal, 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 cell regeneration processes and improve metabolic processes. Bio-stimulants include such simple elements as wheat germ oil, bee products, collagen, aloe, etc.
• Collagen creams. Particularly valuable specimens among ladies, since it is collagen that is responsible for the youth and elasticity of the skin. With its deficiency, the face begins to “drain”. At the same time, the complexion improves significantly and wrinkles are smoothed out. This 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 penetrating into the deep layers of the skin; on the contrary, they act exclusively on the surface.

Creams can be intended for the face, eyelids, neck and décolleté. They all differ not only in composition, but also in structure, so it is undesirable to apply face cream, for example, to the skin of the eyelids, and for neck and décolleté on the face, as it may be too “heavy”.

Always study the composition of creams. A conscientious manufacturer will always indicate the full composition of the drug, and not inscriptions like: “complex of vitamins” - he will definitely write down exactly what vitamins and active substances are present in the tube. When reading the components, take into account the fact that their placement order and sequence were not chosen casually. The first is what there is in the cream, and then it decreases.

Always select a cream according to your skin type and never neglect this rule. The fact is that, for example, creams with an oily and thick consistency are made for dry skin, and if you apply it to oily skin, then in addition to unpleasant sensations you can get clogged pores, blackheads and acne. It would be great if the packaging of the cream states that it is non-comedogenic - this means that the cream does not 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 selecting skincare cosmetics is: never take creams from unverified and dubious places (subway 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 cream, since it perfectly moisturizes and nourishes itself. But this is a big misconception. A properly selected skin care cream will give the skin a matte appearance, regulate the functioning of 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 appropriate labeling on the packaging of the drug “for oily skin.” Since it is she who is prone to the appearance of blackheads, pimples and other rashes, therefore the cream must be chosen very carefully.

For oily skin the following creams are provided:

• Moisturizing. Lack of moisture results in aesthetic problems: increased sebum production, acne, comedones. If you want to prevent such troubles, choose special moisturizers for oily skin.
• Nutritious. They will nourish oily skin with the missing elements. They will be especially useful in the cold season, when the dermis needs additional protection.
• Anti-inflammatory. Helps cope with existing rashes.
• Matting. Eliminates oily shine and gives matte finish. High-quality creams provide an effect for the whole day.

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

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

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

Both essential oils and medicinal plant extracts 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 due to an incorrect lifestyle and diet. For example, if there is a lack of niacin in the body, the skin may become oily (skin shine, enlarged pores, etc.). But as soon as you include foods rich in this element in your diet, the skin condition normalizes and it ceases to be oily.

Creams for dry skin

Tight skin requires special attention and constant hydration, so the ideal cream for it is oil-based. The oils will resist moisture evaporation, and the resulting film will protect the dermis from aggressive external factors. Creams for this skin type can be found in almost all product lines of manufacturers in 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, it is better to study and choose a product from a company that is more focused on problematic, allergenic and dry skin. As a rule, products of this type are more often represented in the pharmacy chain. The big advantage of buying from such places is that there is less chance of running into a fake.

Creams for dry skin types should include natural oils (cocoa, shea), glycerin, and 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, and chamomile are great - that’s why they are welcome in the composition.

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

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

Creams for problem skin

Problematic facial skin 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 a cream for problem skin:

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

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

• For problem skin types, it is better to purchase creams in specialized stores, or even better in pharmacies.
• The condition can be normalized by nourishing and moisturizing creams selected specifically for the type of dermis.
• The texture of such a cream should be light and delicate; after applying the composition there should be no feeling of a “film”.
• You also need to choose a cream based on the time of year. Since in winter you may need a thicker composition, and in summer it may be quite light.
• Tubes are a more suitable packaging option than jars, since they keep the products usable longer. However, the latter are more convenient and aesthetically attractive.
• 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 of allergies, then it is better to refuse such a product.

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

In a bowl, combine and heat the following ingredients in a water bath: a couple of spoons of strawberry puree, one spoon each of coconut, olive and sunflower oil, an oil solution of vitamin E. As soon as the composition melts, remove from the heat and whisk thoroughly to obtain a homogeneous consistency. Pour into a clean jar and let cool - done! Before applying to your 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 ideal skin. There are no flaws on her, no pores are visible, she does not suffer from acne, and there is no oily sheen. Overall, she's almost like she's from a magazine cover. True, there are very, very few lucky women with this skin type. It is seen everywhere in children. But even if this ideal was inherited from nature, this does not mean that she will remain so ideal for the rest of her life. It can also be spoiled and it will become greasy, for example, or problematic. If you overdo it with care or get addicted to 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 must be paid to the composition. It is especially welcome to have:

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

All these ingredients increase the level of skin protection, nourish it, promote rapid recovery and regeneration. In addition to oils, cucumber extracts 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 needs to be protected from harmful environmental influences: wind, frost, direct sunlight, exhaust fumes, etc.

Despite the fact that the appearance of normal skin type may indicate otherwise, it also needs to 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 manner.

Creams for aging skin

Aging skin needs special care, which will not only prevent further aging process, but also eliminate existing defects such as wrinkles. Choosing a high-quality cream that would meet all the needs of women is not an easy task, since most of those available 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 this is not cheap. Therefore, be prepared to pay handsomely for beauty.

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

First, let's look at what anti-aging creams exist.

• Peeling creams. One of the categories of creams with a rejuvenating effect, which include 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 takes shape again. However, we should not forget that peeling creams make the skin thinner, which makes it more susceptible to harmful environmental factors. Therefore, additional protection will be required.
• Creams with retinol. Another type of anti-aging creams and serums, which contain a large amount of vitamin A, which very effectively fights wrinkles. Such compositions are used for both facial and age creams. Under no circumstances should you use such creams unless necessary; this can lead to premature aging.
• Creams with vitamins E and C. Selenium is also included in these. As in the first option, such creams promote active collagen production. But in addition to fighting wrinkles, such compositions have a protective function against exposure to sunlight and exhaust gases. But when choosing a drug with vitamin C, you need to consider 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 creams with such a component. This acid “breaks” the cell membranes and all the dirty stuff from the outside seeps into the skin. Give preference to ascorbyl palmitate - this is what will prevent aging.
• Placenta cream. Such creams can work real 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 analogues, a priori there can be nothing natural in them. In addition, such youth preparations can be produced only in special sterile conditions under the constant supervision of doctors.
• Hormonal creams. Such products are also not cheap, but they are also highly effective. As a rule, the composition includes phytohormones. Such creams are recommended for use from 50 years of age and above. They help restore facial contours and reduce deep wrinkles. They will come in especially handy at the time of menopause, when there are not enough hormones in the body. However, it is worth understanding that refusing the drug after its use will lead to a significant deterioration in the condition of the skin.

And when choosing a cream with collagen, 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 as it cannot have even the slightest effect. But collagen hydrolyzate can.

Moisturizers

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

Not long ago, Roskontrol conducted interesting tests of moisturizing creams. Six samples of different price categories took part in the experiment: from 50 to 1000 rubles. Many are accustomed to thinking that the more expensive the cream, the better its effect. The research results completely refute this opinion. Testers were evaluated on many factors:

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

The following brands participated in the experiment: L`Oreal Paris, Clinique, Garnier, Nivea, Olay, Clean Line. The results were as follows.

• Nivia and Garnier showed the longest moisturizing effect (the effect lasted until washed off, i.e. all day). The lowest result was obtained by Clinique (the moisturizing effect subsided after 2 hours).
• My skin began to become unreasonably oily after L`Oreal Paris, Clinique and Clean Line. But Nivia and Olay showed remarkable results.
• The maximum amount of fragrances, preservatives and flavors was found in the Pure Line and L`Oreal Paris samples, and the lowest, also the best, was found in Nivia.

However, there is also consolation in the fact that in all samples the content of harmful components is within normal limits, which means they are not harmful to health. For some, this discovery will be a surprise, for others not, but the results of the study show that 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. You need to use nourishing creams from the age of 25, this will prevent early aging and wilting.

Like other creams, nourishing creams need to be selected separately for each skin type, but everyone needs such a cream, even normal and oily ones.

The best nourishing creams contain lanolin or wax - these ingredients are well accepted 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 intended for the cold season. It should be thick, white and resemble whipped sour cream. High-quality nourishing cream is quickly absorbed and does not leave behind greasy marks.

Always carefully study the composition of a product before purchasing it; the less chemicals it contains, the better for your skin and your health. Don’t skimp on yourself, but don’t overpay either, because, as the results of examinations show, price is far from an indicator of quality.