Dry skin, also known as xerosis in medical terms, is a common facial condition that occurs and recurs amongst men and women around the world. It is an uncomfortable condition that makes the facial skin feel tightened and stretched, while accompanied with itchiness.
When the skin is exposed to certain external conditions, the upper layer of lipid of fat covering the skin, responsible to hold in the moisture and suppleness, is stripped off. This leaves the skin unprotected and irritated, thus causing dry skin. There are a number of such external factors that can cause dry skin. Dry skin can be the result of extreme exposure to the sun, or exposure to harsh climatic conditions, such as dry and windy conditions. Swimming in chlorinated water may also result in dry skin, and so can long hot baths. Soap, skin care products, cosmetics, and medications can also be the reasons behind dry skin. Certain internal conditions such as stress or hormonal changes can also be origins to dry skin.
Because the skin loses essential moisture when such conditions occur, it is necessary to replenish the lost moisture with the use of a moisturizer. This is where the virtues of face moisturizers come in. Face moisturizers restore the natural softness and suppleness of facial skin. Good moisturizers protect the skin against dehydration resulting from both external and internal factors. Moisturizers with sunscreens are more effective than those without sunscreens. It is also important to look for moisturizers that say non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog pores and thus will prevent the skin from breakouts. Moisturizers that are hypoallergenic are also effective against allergic reactions that may occur in sensitive skin.
There can be three kinds of moisturizers to treat dry skin. These are oil moisturizers, lotion moisturizers or cream moisturizers. Oil moisturizers are also called ointments and may contain vegetable or mineral oils. Baby oils are also effective oil moisturizers. Cream moisturizers are thicker in texture than lotion moisturizers, and provide longer lasting protection. Lotion moisturizers, however, is the most popular form of moisturizer as they are quickly absorbed in the skin, and hardly feels like it is there.
There are a number of popular brands that offer dry skin moisturizes for facial skin. Some of these brands are Olay, Aveeno, Clinique, Neutrogena, L’Oreal, Lancome, Revaleskin, Dove, Biore, Pond’s and the like. These brands offer high-quality facial moisturizers that protect and restore dry skin, giving it a smooth and soft texture. Amongst these brands, Olay produces one of the most popular moisturizers in the market which is the Olay’s Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion with SPF 15. Though expensive (estimated at $19 for a 2.5 oz bottle), this lotion is packed with excellent moisturizers and anti-oxidants that effectively soothes dry skin, while providing a light-weight sun-protected coverage. Users have come out with positive reactions to this moisturizer, and claim it to be very effective for dry skin.
Aveeno has have manufactured some really effective moisturizers for dry skin. One of its popular dry skin moisturizer is the ULTRA CALMING Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15, priced at $17 for 4 oz. The product contains natural soothing and calming ingredients that protects and revitalizes dry, irritated skin, and also provides effective sun protection. It is dermatologist tested, and is suitable for use everyday.
When shopping for facial moisturizers it is important to look for products that contain ingredients that are non-irritating to the skin. Because dry skin is more prone to irritations, it is better to look for soothing natural constituents that protect the skin and restore lost moisture effectively. Natural ingredients like shea butter, avocado, olive or almond oil are always good for dry skin relief. However, it should be noted that products that work with certain skins may not be suitable with others, and therefore it is necessary to choose products that are right for particular skin types and conditions.
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