Moisturizer Ingredients

As we all know moisturizing the skin is an important part of a skin care regimen after cleansing and toning. There are many different types of moisturizers available in the market that promise youthful skin, so it is very difficult to choose the right one. What is the criteria for choosing a moisturizer which will keep your skin hydrated and delay the signs of aging? Well, it is definitely not the attractive packaging or the very reassuring words of the salesgirl. You should carefully read the label at the back of the package to find out about the ingredients in a moisturizer.

Once you know about the ingredients in a moisturizer and which of them are beneficial or harmful for your skin, you can make an informed decision while buying a moisturizer. Another question that people ask is, do moisturizers work? Yes, they most definitely work. Provided that you are using the right one that is most suitable for your skin type.

Beneficial Moisturizer Ingredients

The main ingredients in a moisturizer are water and oil. The ratio of oil and water that is present in the moisturizer is what differentiates one moisturizer from another. People with dry skin should choose a moisturizer that is oil based while those with normal or oily skin should choose a water based moisturizer. Some other moisturizer ingredients that are beneficial for the skin are hyaluronic acid and ceramides which not only help to plump up the skin, giving the appearance of a smooth line free skin, but also retains and draws moisture from the air, keeping the skin hydrated. Another great ingredient is neuropeptides that stimulates collagen production and improves the texture and tone of the skin. Vitamin C and E are also ingredients that are present in some expensive high-end moisturizers that have great anti aging properties. Vitamin E protects the skin and helps in cellular regeneration making skin smooth and wrinkle free while vitamin C improves skin elasticity and the production of collagen.

Harmful Ingredients in Moisturizers

You might think that reputed beauty companies would avoid using harmful ingredients in the moisturizers, considering how expensive some of them are. But sadly, even some of the best facial moisturizers contain harmful ingredients that in the long run would dry up your skin and speed up the aging process. Here is a list of ingredients in a moisturizer that might harm your skin's structure.

• Petroleum Products: Petroleum products like paraffin and mineral oils clogs up the pores causing the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads. It also slows down the development of collagen and regular use of such products causes build up of toxins.
• Parabens: This is a very widely used preservative that is used in moisturizers as well as other skin care products. They disrupt the body's hormonal balance and also adversely affect the adrenal system. Some research has also linked parabens with cancer.
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate: This is also a harmful moisturizer ingredient that is found in hair shampoos too. It can very easily penetrate the skin by breaking down the moisture barrier of the skin. When sodium laureth sulfate combines with some other chemicals found in the moisturizer it turns into nitrosamine which is a carcinogen.
• Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol can inhibit the growth of skin cell and also cause dermatitis. Prolonged use can give rise to skin irritation and kidney and liver abnormalities.

Some active ingredients in moisturizers are vitamin C, aloe vera, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin A. Your moisturizer should contain these ingredients to be effective which will help you to attain smooth skin. Some good moisturizers are Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer, La Prairie Skin Caviar, Chanel Hydramax, Creme de la Mer, Philosophy Hope in a Jar and Clinique Superdefence Triple Action Moisturizer. Always read the label at the back of the moisturizer before purchasing one and do not get taken in by hype and fancy packaging.