For Your Skins Sake, Take the Time to Pick the Best Moisturizer.

Every day, after washing my face or taking a shower, I apply some form of a moisturizer. The other day while applying my cream I began to think “what is the exact reason we use moisturizer at all?”   It has just become a routine for me over the years as well as just something I watched my mother and sister do. I was never fully explained to why applying moisturizer was important; it just made my skin feel good. So I decided to read up on some basic knowledge involving our skin and why we use what we use. I found some really good information that helped answer my question and more.

                It is stated that our skin is just about 80% water. Interestingly enough, that is not entirely true. From what I have learned, a larger majority of our skin is 80% water but the top layer of our skin (where all the dead skin cells are) contains far less. I think it was between 10-30%. This is why some of us have dry skin that peels off; these are the dead skin cell being pushed out making way for newer cells. The only problem with this is that, in the process, the water or moisture being pushed forward from new cells will evaporate leaving you with the same problem as before; dry skin. So the reason moisturizers are used is to best reduce this evaporation and keep as much moisture in the skin as possible.  These is why it makes you feel so smooth and nice, your skin is replenished.

                So now I knew why using the best moisturizer was a helpful tool, but I took it one step further. What were some of the safest additives used in moisturizers?  The reason I went this route was because all of the stories I have heard of chemicals in skin care being toxic and cancerous, also I wanted to check all of the products I use to make sure I was not falling victim to one of these dangerous ingredients. Don’t worry about me, all my products turned out to be safe but I did find something else.  What I found out was that there are quite a few ingredients out there calling themselves all natural and safe but only a few had the back up to prove this statement. For example, the ingredient mineral oil which is used in a couple of different so called best moisturizersis just a terror for your skin. Mineral Oil, although giving the appearance of moisturized skin, actually clogs you pores due to its heavy nature.  Also, they will not let your skin breath and take in the extra hydration it needs to stay healthy. Being in the petroleum family is the reason that mineral oil does this.

                So, for the next time you pick up that jar or bottle that is promising to be the best moisturizer out there, think again. Take the time to really look at the ingredients because, as I said above, there is a very good reason for why we need moisturizers on our body, preferably the best moisturizer.  Your body can only do so much for you without any help; the rest is up to you to do. Read those ingredients, make sure to keep a healthy routine for skin care, and strive to find the best moisturizer out there. Help your body help you.