How to choose a face cream

The abundance of the cosmetic market leaves most women at a loss. Either professional cosmetologists or those who use the tips below can choose a product that gives the maximum result in a short time.

Cosmetic axioms

About skin

The epidermis is covered with a water-lipid membrane, which prevents moisture evaporation and is a barrier for pathogens. The active biological components of the cosmetic product must penetrate the shell in order to deliver the necessary restorative components to the deeper layers of the skin. The barrier heals over time, but the beneficial ingredients have already filled the cells, restoring radiance, firmness and health to the skin. To make the right choice, you need to firmly grasp several cosmetological axioms:

1. cream for dry and delicate skin – moisturizes and nourishes the upper layers of the epidermis;

2. for oily skin – nourishes and closes pores;

3. both problems are sieve cream for combination skin.

About the composition

We draw attention to the composition, in which each cream includes a certain set of ingredients:

1. water – present in each composition;

2. biologically active substances – active ingredients of a unique formula that provide the desired result;

3. emulsifiers – needed so that the consistency of the cream is uniform;

4. preservatives – keep the cream from deterioration, for the period specified by the manufacturer;

5. vitamins – purely absorbed by the skin only with the help of lecithin emulsifier. In other cases, they are added in the form of extracts;

6. cosmetic oil – the base of the cream, with a specific function (coconut – softens, olive – moisturizes, etc.).

'Scary' ingredients

A label on the tube that contains 'mineral oil' indicates that refined hydrocarbons from oil were used. A distinctive feature of the component is an increase in the stable consistency of a creamy mass and an improvement in its appearance. It also affects the emulsification of the vegetable oils that make up the composition. Since 'mineral oil' is highly refined, but still technical, it is not absorbed into the skin, but creates a kind of film that prevents the loss of its own moisture. The effect in some cases is morning swelling of the face. An interesting fact: in 2005, experiments were carried out to clarify the fact that mineral oil is gummy. Even those cosmetics, in which about 30 percent of this substance was present, did not provoke the development of comedones in the subjects. (DiNardo, J.C. Is a mineral oil comedogenic? J. Cosmet. Dermatol., 2005, 4, 2–3).

In order not to get lost when reading the composition, remember: all the components indicated on the box, jar or tube are arranged in descending order (the first is the component that is most of all, the last is the one whose presence is minimal). Another rule is that you should not take a cream if formaldehyde is present in the composition. This carcinogen destroys cells and causes them to mutate with prolonged use.

The last axiom: the ingredient 'paraben' is a necessary preservative and is present in all creams that are saturated with natural ingredients. The antifungal property of paraben, like the antibacterial property, helps to keep the cosmetic cream longer for later use. However:

1. its content should not exceed 0.3 percent;

2. the name of the paraben should not contain the 'iso' prefix.

An allergic reaction to the cream is usually caused by a paraben allergy. In this case, it is better to pay attention to the 'organic' cosmetic.

Correct packaging

Beautiful jars look more attractive on a home dressing table. However, professional cosmetologists insist: the best packaging is an opaque tube. First, direct light will destroy fragile plant compounds. Secondly, the oil base of the cream is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Thirdly, a one-time portion is small, and it is more convenient to get it using a special dispenser (or by pressing on the tube). But jar lovers also have a way out. It is better if the cream is taken with a special spatula, after which the lid is quickly closed.

It is advisable to test a cosmetic product before purchasing. This service is offered by many large cosmetics stores, whose marketers have created disposable sachets (probes). Ideally, try the product at home, on cleansed and prepared skin. If the allergy does not appear within 24 hours, feel free to buy the cream you like.

Purpose of the cream

A cream selected taking into account the following nuances will help to preserve the freshness and beauty of the face:

1. daytime – has a light and delicate texture, is quickly absorbed without leaving greasy marks. Their function is to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of the external environment (aggressive sunlight, wind, dust and dirt) and to keep the natural moisture inside the cells;

2. night – dense and oily consistencies help to regenerate epidermal cells. Their composition is more intense than that of day creams;

3. for 'summer' use – select moisturizing light formulations;

4. for winter – nourishing creams that protect the skin from chapping, flaking and low temperatures.

Different parts of the face require cosmetic formulations suitable for them. For the skin around the eyes (under which there is no fat layer of its own), light creams are needed, saturated with vitamins to the maximum. For the face – the cream should match the skin type. The main caveat: only trusted manufacturers of branded cosmetics use expensive technology to reduce the molecular weight of the constituent ingredients. This allows 30 percent of the active ingredients (from the total mass) of the applied cosmetic to penetrate into the cells of the epidermis. Therefore, the use of any cream should be continuous and systematic.

Age gradation

For a “stunning” effect, one cream is not enough. Once a woman has crossed the '30' age mark, facial treatment should be comprehensive. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to the marks of the manufacturers.

After 30;

The main problems of this age:

1. weakening elasticity of the epidermis;

2. faded complexion;

3. incipient pigmentation;

4. subtle violation of lines and contours.

Since the natural cycle of cell renewal slows down, it is necessary to exfoliate the keratinized upper cells with peels. Then you can apply a cream, the main components of which are:

1. hyaluronic acid (for moisturizing) and AHA (for example, lactic or fruit), which acts on molecules, tissue and skin cells;

2. niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 that improves the elasticity of the epidermis and enhances the barrier function. Powerfully fights pigmentation spots, evening out the tone of the face and its relief;

3. vitamin C – a vitamin that accelerates cell growth and regeneration;

4. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a sun protection filter that protects the skin from active sun exposure. The numbers shown next to the SPF mark indicate the amount of time you can safely spend in direct sunlight (SPF 25, for example).

Make sure that the cream contains retinol, collagen and glycerin. These are components that actively restore the elasticity and tone of the skin.

after 35;

The main problems of this period:

1. 'crow's feet', mimic wrinkles;

2. swelling of the lower eyelids;

3. dark circles from overwork;

4. reduction of skin turgor.

In this case, it is better to take care of the strengthening of the cells, their activation and sufficient hydration. Helping Ingredients:

1. collagen is a component from which skin cells are built;

2. elastin is a protein twisted in a spiral, easily stretched and returned to its original state (the facial muscles of the face consist of it);

3. algae extracts, vitamins;

4. fruit acids;

5. EGF is a protein containing 53 amino acid residues.

It is necessary to attend to thorough moisturizing and nourishing the skin, for which the cream is applied in several layers.

after 40;

The tasks solved in the 'Balzac' age are even more extensive:

1. skin nutrition and relief alignment;

2. fight against wrinkles and sagging 'flews';

3. elimination of the 'double or double' chin;

4. restoration of facial contours and elimination of age spots;

5. tightening of facial folds.

The number of required active ingredients increases:

1. glycerin and lanolin – soften the skin, smoothing out wrinkles;

2. ceramides – restore the water-lipid membrane;

3. peptides – chains of amino acid residues that restore internal processes in the cells of the epidermis;

4. collagen and hyaluronic acid – mentioned earlier;

5. ANA acids and dimethicone – smooth the relief and protect from external destructive and irritating factors;

6. vitamins A (retinol) and E (tocopherol) – elements that provoke the skin to self-repair.

The main request is a permanent lifting effect, which is achieved using a complex of the above ingredients.

Conclusion

It is much safer to choose cosmetics, and in particular creams, from trusted (brand) manufacturers. Don't forget: professional cosmetics work quickly, but contain chemical components. The effects of natural and organic cosmetics will become apparent in a couple of months.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right depilatory cream, the secrets of choosing an after-sun cream and the peculiarities of choosing a sunscreen.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.