Over 50? What to Look for in a Moisturizer

Moisturizers work by supplying water to the epidermis, and also coating the skin so that it does not lose moisture quickly. Hyaluronic acid is hydrophilic. This means it is attracted to and binds to water. It can help your skin cells to retain 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most effective moisturizing agents found in nature.

Free radicals are unstable atoms which cause aging by damaging our cells. They are everywhere and unavoidable. Oxygen, which is vital to human life, can exist in a free radical form. Retinol is an antioxidant commonly used in moisturizers and anti-aging creams. It protects your skin from damage and also helps promote tissue repair, making your skin look healthier and more youthful.

UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun can damage your skin. Even if the effects are not immediately noticeable, the underlying damage will show eventually. Excessive sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer too. Regular use of sunscreen is a good habit to start in your youth, but it is never too late to protect your skin. Choose a moisturizer with a mild SPF built-in, and use it daily. The sun's UV-rays can do damage even on dull, cold days so using UV protection regularly will help keep your skin looking youthful.

Your parents may have sworn by using aloe vera for burns. This natural remedy is now a popular addition to premium moisturizers too. If your skin ever feels inflamed or sensitive, a moisturizer with aloe vera could be a good choice to soothe irritation and leave you with a silky-smooth complexion.

More and more women are turning to natural moisturizers, choosing to avoid ingredients such as parabens or petroleum out of concern that they may clog their pores. Shea butter is a natural emollient that softens and soothes the skin while being non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog your pores. It is gentle, natural, and has a pleasant scent as well!

Glycerin is an effective moisturizer that works particularly well for dry skin. It helps your skin absorb moisture from the air, and it soothes and softens dry patches almost instantly, giving you vibrant and healthy-looking skin. Glycerin works on the outer layer of the skin, so it is still worthwhile using a night cream with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the lower layers.

If your complexion is pale or uneven, but you don't want to wear a heavy foundation, try a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone. Tinted moisturizers contain less pigment, so they won't clog your pores. Just like standard moisturizers, they are rich in humectants, too. Treat your skin well and you will look your best not just today, but in the future too!

Vitamin C is used as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to your skin. Its powers don't end there, however. Vitamin C is also a valuable nutrient used in cell regeneration and repair. The body doesn't store Vitamin C, unlike some other, fat-soluble nutrients, so you need to take it regularly.

As we age our skin tends to dry out more easily. Dead skin cells can make your complexion look dull and less healthy. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub is a good way to restore youth to your face, sloughing off those dead cells to reveal healthy and vibrant skin underneath.

Some moisturizers are light and easily absorbed, or have built-in SPF or a slight tint, making them a good addition to your morning routine. Others are heavier and thicker for use before bed. A good night cream is rich in antioxidants and vitamins and will promote tissue repair as well as supplying much-needed hydration for your skin.