How to choose a face cream

The abundance of the cosmetic market plunges most women into a state of confusion. Choose a tool that gives maximum results in a short time, can either professional beauticians, or those who use the following tips.

Cosmetic Axioms

About skin

The epidermis is covered with a hydrophobic membrane that prevents evaporation of moisture and is a barrier to pathogens. The active biological components of the cosmetic must penetrate the membrane in order to deliver the necessary regenerating components to the deeper layers of the skin. The barrier is restored over time, but the beneficial ingredients have already filled the cells, returning the radiance, elasticity and healthy skin condition. To make the right choice, you need to firmly grasp a few 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 the pores;

3. both problems sieve cream for combination skin.

About the composition

Pay attention to the composition, in which each cream includes a specific set of ingredients:

1. water is present in every composition;

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

3. emulsifiers - needed to ensure that the consistency of the cream was homogeneous;

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

5. vitamins - in their pure form are absorbed by the skin only with the help of lecithin emulsifier. In other cases, added in the form of extracts;

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

"Scary" ingredients

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

In order not to get lost while reading the composition, remember: all the components indicated on the box, jar or tube are arranged in a decreasing degree (the first is the component that is most, the last is the one whose presence is minimal). Another rule - you should not take the cream, if formaldehyde is present in the composition. This carcinogen destroys cells and leads to their mutations, 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. Antifungal properties of paraben, as well as antibacterial, helps to keep cosmetic cream longer for subsequent use. But:

1. its content should not exceed the rate of 0.3 percent;

2. In the name of paraben there should be no prefix "from."

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

Proper packaging

Beautiful jars look more attractive on the 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 extract it using a special dispenser (or by pressing the tube). But lovers of jars have a way out. It is better if the cream is collected using a special spatula, after which the lid is quickly closed.

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

Cream appointment

The cream chosen with the following nuances will help to preserve the freshness and beauty of the face:

1. daytime - has a light and delicate texture, absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. Their function is to protect the owner from the harmful effects of the external environment (aggressive sunlight, wind, dust and dirt) and to preserve the natural moisture inside the cells;

2. night - dense and fatty consistencies help regenerate epidermal cells. Their composition is richer than that of day creams;

3. for “summer” use - select moisturizing light formulations;

4. for winter - nourishing cream that protects the skin from weathering, peeling and low temperatures.

Different areas of the face require suitable cosmetic compositions. For the skin around the eyes (under which there is no body fat of its own) light cream is needed, saturated with vitamins to the maximum. For the face - the cream should match the type of skin. The main nuance: only proven manufacturers of branded cosmetics used expensive technology to reduce the molecular weight of the composite ingredients. This allows 30 percent of the active ingredients (from the total mass) of the applied cosmetic to penetrate the cells of the epidermis. Therefore, the use of any cream should be long and systematic.

Age gradation

For the "stunning" effect of one cream is not enough. As soon as a woman has stepped over the age mark “30 years”, face care should become complex. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to marks of producers.

After 30;

The main problems of this age:

1. weakening elasticity of the epidermis;

2. dull tone of face;

3. beginning pigmentation;

4. subtle disturbance of lines and contours.

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

1. hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and ANA-acid (for example, lactic or fruity), affecting the molecules, tissue and skin cells;

2. Niacinamide - water soluble vitamin B3, which improves the elasticity of the epidermis and enhances the barrier function. Powerfully fights pigmentation, leveling the tone of the face and its relief;

3. Vitamin C - Vitamin accelerates the growth and regeneration of cells;

4. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) - a sunscreen that protects the skin from active sun exposure. The numbers shown next to the SPF mark indicate the amount of time that can be spent fearlessly under the sun's direct rays (SPF 25, for example).

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

after 35;

The main problems of this period:

1. “Crow's feet”, mimic wrinkles;

2. puffiness of the lower eyelids;

3. dark circles from overwork;

4. reduced skin turgor.

In this case, it is better to take care of cell strengthening, their activation and sufficient moisture. Helping ingredients:

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

2. elastin is a protein spun in a spiral that stretches easily and returns 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.

You need to take care of thoroughly 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 leveling relief;

2. fight against wrinkles and sagging “wings”;

3. the elimination of the “second or double” chin;

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

5. tightening facial folds.

The number of active components required increases:

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

2. ceramides - restore the water-lipid membrane;

3. peptides are 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 - even the relief and protect from external destructive and irritating factors;

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

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

Conclusion

It is much safer to choose cosmetics, and in particular cream, from proven (brand) manufacturers. Do not forget: professional cosmetics acts quickly, but contains chemical components. The effect of natural and organic cosmetics will become apparent in a couple of months.

In the following articles, our experts tell how to choose the right cream for depilationsecrets selection of cream after sunburn and features sunscreen selection.

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