The selection of face creams on the market today is virtually unlimited. Day creams and night creams, cleansing creams and moisturizing creams, anti-aging creams and sun-block creams are some of the types that one will see, and choosing the right kind to use can sometimes be difficult. This is a discussion of certain kinds of face cream to help you decide.

Cold cream is probably the oldest known face cream, having been invented by the Greek physician Galen who lived from 129 to 200 AD. It is an emulsion made from essential oils, beeswax, water, and fragrance. It was named “cold cream” because it leaves a feeling of coolness on the skin. It is used as a cleansing cream and a moisturizing cream.

For cleansing dry to normal skin, a cleansing face cream is beneficial. It removes make up, surface residue, and dirt without making the skin dry. The proper way of using cleansing cream is to dab a small amount on the skin and massage it in with gentle, upward, circular strokes. Use water to wash it off or soft tissue to wipe it off, depending on the instructions that came with the product.

A moisturizing facial cream is also beneficial for dry to normal skin. Some creams are only for night time use and some are only for daytime use, while there are those that can be used day and night. The regular application of moisturizers results in skin which is young-looking, soft, and smooth. This is because moisturizing creams maintain the skin’s natural lipid balance.

Sun-block or sun-screen creams have components that protect the skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause premature wrinkles, unsightly age spots, sun burn, and skin cancer. Regular use of a face cream that contains sun block or sun screen will forestall sun damage and keep facial skin young-looking.

Face creams that contain AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) and retinol (a form of vitamin A) are called anti-aging creams. This type of face cream stimulates the renewal of skin cells and reduces the signs of aging such as dark spots and wrinkles. While anti-aging creams offer a lot of benefits, these also carry adverse effects which include skin irritation, burning and blistering, and discoloration and should be used with care.

Almost all types of face cream are safe to use, with the exception of anti-aging creams, provided these are the right kind for an individual’s skin type and level of tolerance. Some creams may have ingredients to which some people are allergic. When using a face cream for the first time, it is best to test it on a small area of the skin and observe its effect for about 24-48 hours. In the case of anti-aging creams, a physician’s advice should be obtained.

Finding the best face cream for an individual’s requirements can take more than a bit of time and effort. However, because the result is healthy, great-looking skin, it will certainly bring great rewards.

Tags: Anti Aging

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