Choosing your skin cream

Choosing your skin care cream accurately is essential to keep it health. Hydration is one of the most important steps.

It is essential for strengthening the external barrier, which protects our epidermis, preventing the loss of water and the entry of harmful agents – and, consequently, prevents dryness, rough touch, itching, sensitivity and infections.

Therefore, there is no point in investing in all kinds of products and technology without including, in your daily beauty ritual, a facial and body moisturizer.

We found that this was a very important for our readers, the difference in facial and body creams, so we’ve done some research just for you.

The division between body and face products is important because, despite being a single body, it has different characteristics and needs in each area.

The face is always oilier than the body, sensitivity and pH also vary, so body products should not be applied to the face and vice versa.

For facial hydration, you should follow four steps – cleaning, hydration, treatment (antioxidants, serums and related) and photoprotection (during the day).

Contrary to what many people think, oiliness is far from being synonymous with hydration. Excess oil can even mean lack of hydration. It’s the famous rebound effect, in which even more oil is produced to compensate for the imbalance caused by dryness.

In this sense, you need to be aware of two things: be careful with soaps aimed at oiliness and acne, which tend to dry out too much, and avoid the use of astringents and alcoholic tonics for the same reason. The proper moisturizer is very important even in the treatment of acne, as it contributes to a better tolerance to acids and other actives.

The main difference is that oiliness requires softer hydration, as offered by serums and hydrating gels, while dryness needs creamier and more potent products.

The use of heavy moisturizers can contribute to a worsening of oiliness and the appearance of acne on the face, back and even on the lap. In the case of using too light moisturizers, you will notice the continuity of dryness, with a feeling of tightness and even peeling. Both cases are signs that, as much as it is a high-quality product, it doesn’t work for you and needs to be replaced.

The body, on the other hand, should be hydrated every day during or shortly after bathing. The regions that require more powerful care, such as the use of ointments and butters, are legs, elbows, knees, armpits and between the thighs, even to prevent them from darkening.

Often, as in calluses on the feet, it may also be necessary to use keratolytic actives, such as urea and salicylic acid, which promote a chemical exfoliation, removing dead cells and ensuring a smoother and more uniform appearance.

In addition to the silky touch and renewed vigor, well-hydrated skin is also at lower risk of suffering from dermatitis and other infections. Moisturizing after showering is usually enough, people with a lot of dryness, for example, may need to apply moisturizers twice a day, especially in winter and dry weather.

There is no general rule that applies to everyone when choosing their products. Even the types with similar characteristics may have a detail or another that demands a different kind of attention. That’s why that moisturizer that makes your friend’s skin silky might not work for you, for example. Also, your needs can also change over time.

There are some tips that are always worth paying attention to when choosing your moisturizer –

• There is an inverse relationship between potency and amount of perfume – heavily scented moisturizers hydrate less.

• Moisturizing creams tend to be more potent than bath oils. Oils prevent water loss, but cannot restore lost hydration.

• Lotions are more fluid and easier to spread, but less potent than creams.

Skin firming cream

In the self-care routine, we make use of several products: facial soap, moisturizer, sunscreen, as well as active ingredients that contribute, such as acids, vitamins and other molecules. However, the texture of the products makes a total difference at the time of application and even for different types. Among the most common textures are serum, cream and lotion. Do you know the difference between them?

Serum is the best product for oiliness. Almost liquid, this texture is great as it penetrates quickly without leaving a sticky look. Among those that can appear in this texture are moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C serum and other anti-aging treatments.

Cream works best on dry and normal types. It is one of the most common and well-known vehicles among these products. With a more concentrated and firm texture, they usually contain oils and water. It is more suitable for those with dryness, as it restores shine and hydration and gives a healthier appearance.

Lotion is for all types. This has a texture closer to cream, but more liquid and lighter. That’s why it’s common for this vehicle to match all types, giving back all it needs: water. The lotion absorbs faster and leaves it less sticky as well. Therefore, they are usually offered in the form of a moisturizer, as they help maintain the natural moisture.

Firming creams also have their lotion versions, and they have become an ally for people who want a firmer skin. When choosing, consider factors such as components and benefits.

Collagen reduction and loss of elasticity are caused by factors such as aging, pregnancy and weight loss, causing sagginess. Belly, breasts, buttocks, legs, arms and face are some of the affected body parts. The good news is that firming creams help alleviate this problem.

Its function is to recover elasticity and firmness, toning and reducing sagging.

Skin tightening cream

Whether marketed as a "lifting face cream", "skin firming cream" or "tightening cream", it is a product that contains collagen or elastin and firms or plumps the skin.

Elastin is the body’s supporting fiber that allows this organ to have an elastic quality. During early childhood, it produces a lot of elastin, but when older it produces almost nothing. Then sun damage and age further degrade the elastin and the body starts to sag and look like crepe paper.

There really is no magic cream to correct sagging. However, it is possible to keep this organ hydrated and healthy to minimize the signs of it.

You will be pleased to know that there are some ingredients that can give it a more youthful appearance. Even though they can’t magically recreate their appearance from 20 years ago. These include:

• Vitamin A, also called retinol is applied topically. It can improve the shape of the elastin. And there’s even a small amount of research showing it can build elastin. Applying a retinol product every night can help a lot. The same goes for prescription retinoids.

• Alternatively, try the plant-derived ingredient bakuchiol. Research shows that this natural ingredient has many anti-aging benefits, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

  Skin repair cream

  Repair creams are indicated for people who have special needs. These are usually indicated by dermatologists to help in the recovery of diseases and post interventions such as sutures, laser and peeling for example.

They act against intense dryness, prevent light and sunburn, prevent diaper rash, and some even have antibacterial action. You can also find versions that claim they can be applied to both face and body.

Best skin firming cream

The firming creams review champions are –

• Alastin Restorative Skin Complex – When a brand name is a play on the word elastin, you know you’re going to get some good benefits. For total firmness, this is a highly praised option. Elastin, along with collagen and hyaluronic acid, are all essential components of this organ extracellular matrix that provides support, volume and hydration to our overlying cutis.

This makes this formula ideal for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and tightening it, resulting in a more youthful appearance. In addition, it is also very hydrating and contains a dose of protective antioxidants.

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream – Firming products are a category that naturally leans towards the harder side; credit the types of ingredients needed to make a formula effective. And this product demonstrates good results at an affordable price. It’s a great choice for anyone with the sensitive type, as it’s fragrance-free and contains soothing colloidal oatmeal.

• Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream – The formula is rich in peptides, one of the main ingredients to look for in firming creams because they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers. In addition, it also contains vitamin B3, which works on the surface of it to promote cell renewal and gentle exfoliation.

Best skin firming lotion

• St Tropez Daily Firming Body Lotion – This watermelon-scented firming body lotion acts as a gradual bronzer. As you build your tan day by day, the multitasking lotion uses hyaluronic acid, plant-based seaweed and an antioxidant blend of recycled blueberry and raspberry seed oils to make it smoother and firmer.

• Trilogy Firming Body Lotion – Moisturizing, nourishing and firming, with caffeine and evening primrose to help promoting firmness and smoothness.

• Coola Sunless Tan Firming Body Lotion – This self-tanning lotion leaves no marks, its formula includes caffeine, known to help getting a firmer and smoother look. The tan is super natural and the lotion formula makes it super easy to apply.

Choosing your skin cream deserves some close attention. It can be seen as prevention against many problems, and moreover well-being, by proving the right nutrients to nurture a very important part of yourself.