Facial Creams and Lotions

Facial Creams and Lotions

Skin is the largest organ in the body and therefore requires attention in order to ensure its continuous health as we age. The skin on the face needs extra care since it is the part of the body that is always exposed to damaging effects such as the weather, sunlight and pollution. For women, daily makeup is another factor that adds to skin damage in the long run. While many men and women know the basics of facial care, not all commit to a proper daily regimen. There are many different kinds of face cream. Some are designed for specific purposes, such as to improve the look of wrinkles or to provide sun protection, while others are just designed to moisturize. To choose the best face cream, begin by considering what your specific needs are and what type of skin you have.

The most basic of face creams are those that are simply designed to moisturize and do not have any extra features, such as anti-wrinkle properties or sunscreen. Even these basic moisturizers are designed for different skin types. Usually, the skin types fall into one of four categories: oily skin, dry skin, combination skin or "normal" skin: skin which is neither particularly dry or particularly oily. 

 

For an everyday cream, it is important to choose a lotion that has sunscreen mixed in. The sun's rays will damage your skin, causing wrinkles, age spots and potentially skin cancer, so it is important to wear sunscreen every single day. Many creams that are designed for everyday use contain sunscreen, but it is important to check.

Many ingredients in face creams are designed for a specific purpose. Face creams should contain emollients such as jojoba and lanolin, which moisturize the skin. A face cream might also contain anti-irritants and antioxidants. Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids are common ingredients in moisturizers for those prone to acne. If you are trying a new face cream and are often sensitive or allergic to beauty products, it might be a good idea to test the moisturizer in a small area first to make sure you won't have an allergic reaction.

A good regimen follows several simple steps: steaming, cleansing, toning, moisturizing, exfoliating, and masking.
1. Steaming: The first step in facial care is steaming, which helps soften facial skin and open up pores for deeper cleansing. Individuals can use a facial steamer or simply soak a washcloth into a bowl of warm water, then squeeze the warm cloth lightly and place it against the face and neck. They should dab and press gently for one to two minutes.

2. Cleansing: Once the pores are fully open, the skin needs to be cleaned. Facial cleansers come in many varieties, such as creams, milk, gel and foam. People should buy one that suits their specific skin type, and avoid cleansers that contain alcohol, which is drying to the skin. The recommended amount should be placed onto the palm and lathered with warm water. In an upward circular motion, the individual should massage the cleanser gently on the face and neck for 30 to 40 seconds, then rinse it off completely and pat the skin dry with a towel.

3. Toning: This third step in facial care is necessary to clean up any dirt or grime that was not cleaned off during the second step. Toner is also used to remove any residue from the facial cleanser that may not have been rinsed off properly. The individual should pour out the indicated amount onto a facial cotton wool or pad, then wipe the face and neck carefully. As with the cleanser, it's best to use an alcohol-free toner to prevent the skin from drying.

4. Moisturizing:  A good skin care regimen includes moisturizing your face and neck to keep skin sufficiently hydrated. People should always use a moisturizer that is suitable for their skin type. The right moisturizer not only leaves the skin soft and supple, but also assists in smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. The user should dot the face and neck with the moisturizer and massage it into the skin slowly and in an upward motion until all the moisturizer is fully absorbed.

The four steps above should be done twice daily, in the morning and evening. Aside from this, these additional recommendations should also be followed:
1. Exfoliating: Exfoliating helps achieve a radiant-looking skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging the pores to allow a more effective penetration of the facial products a person uses daily. After toning, a user should apply an exfoliant and massage it gently into the face and neck in upward circular motions. This will increase blood circulation to the face, resulting in a healthy glow. It must be rinsed off properly before a moisturizer is applied.

2. Masking: A mask is used in a facial care regimen because of its ability to firm up the skin on the face and neck, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial masks come in different forms, such as creams, powders, and peel-off versions. After cleansing and toning, a person should wet his or her face with warm water, then smooth the facial mask carefully onto the skin. He or she should not make any facial movements, like smiling or frowning, while waiting for the mask to set. The skin on the face will start to feel tighter as the mask dries. The mask should be left on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinsed off with warm water or simply peeled it off.

In addition to the four steps above, exfoliating and masking should be done at least once every week. Continuously following all these steps helps keep the skin soft, smooth, and firm.

Facial Lotions
What actually is a facial lotion? How can you know that it is effective and all natural to be used safely on your skin? Moisturizing agents and emollients are the two major components that you can find in a good facial lotion. You can also find petroleum based products and ingredients in your jar and the companies use it for adjusting the price to maximize their profits. The perfect way to choose the best facial lotion is to look for that having a lot of antioxidant in it. This is important as it helps in reversing the damage caused by the sun and also helps in maintaining the same power to fight against it. It is advisable to choose zinc oxide that is non-penetrating as it promotes the over all protection with better safety.

 

Face lotion, the idea is usually not only to moisturize but also to cleanse. Many creams and lotions that are formulated especially for the face will include cleansers that help to remove excess oil deposits from the pores of the skin. The result is that the face lotion is applied for a short time and then rinsed off the skin. Unlike hand lotion, there is no residue that continues to protect the face from the elements. Most people have enough natural oils to accomplish this task, and simply require face lotion to help augment the process.

A facial lotion may contain moisturizing ingredients and emollients to soften. The cheapest lotions contain petroleum-based ingredients that are not actually moisturizing or emollients. The best are not always the most expensive, but they do contain similar ingredients. Most of these skin creams and lotions also contain synthetic ingredients that are harsh and harmful to your body; some of these chemicals include glycol, sulfates, fragrances, parabens and mineral oil.

Some of these chemicals are toxic and carcinogenic; thus, they could lead to serious health problems like cancer. Mineral oil, which is also called liquid paraffin, paraffin wax or petrolatum is also bad for your skin; it will initially feel like it makes your skin soft; however, what it does is to form an impermeable layer on the skin, thereby blocking your pores and making your skin greasy. Blocked pores prevent the skin from breathing or eliminating harmful toxins; thus, mineral oil causes allergic reactions and acne breakouts.

The best face lotion should contain natural ingredients that are compatible with your natural body; some of the ingredients to look for when buying your cream or lotion are moisturizing oils such as Maracuja and Jojoba oil. These two help to control oil production in your skin; hence, your skin will not be too oily or too dry.