Different Kinds of Face Cream
There are so many types of face cream on the market today that choosing the right one to use can be confusing. There are day creams and night creams, cleansing creams and moisturizing creams, anti-aging creams and sun-block creams; the selection is virtually limitless. This is a partial guide to what certain kinds of face cream are and what these can do for you.
Cold cream was so named because of the feeling of coolness that it leaves on the skin. It serves as a moisturizing cream and a cleansing cream at the same time. It was invented by Galen, a physician who lived in Greece in AD 129 to 200, and is probably the oldest known face cream. Beeswax, essential oils, fragrance, and water are the ingredients of cold cream.
A cleansing face cream removes dirt, make up, and surface residue without drying the skin. It is applied and massaged onto the skin. Some cleansing creams are wiped off and others are rinsed off with water. There are cleansing creams that have granules that stimulate the skin and help in removing surface debris. Cleansing creams are best for dry to normal skin; a cleansing lotion will be better for oily skin.
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.
An anti-aging face cream typically contains alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and retinol (a form of vitamin A). Alpha hydroxy acids help reduce wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin through its peeling effects while retinol stimulates the renewal of skin cells. Care should be taken in using anti-aging creams because of common side effects that include burning, irritation, blistering, and discoloration of the skin.
A medical practitioner should be consulted before using any anti-aging cream. On the other hand, other types of face creams are usually harmless to most individuals. Just to be sure, a face cream should be tested before use. You can test by applying a small amount to an area of your skin which is generally not noticeable. Leave the cream on for 24 to 48 hours and see if it has adverse effects.
The purpose in using a face cream is to improve the condition and appearance of the skin. If the results are less than optimal, alternative products should be looked into. It may take a bit of time but the right kind of face cream for a particular individual can be found.