Specialized Moisturizers: What's What

Gone are the days of women applying only cold cream as a beauty regimen; today there are specialized moisturizers, but what's what? We are bombarded by new creams, moisturizers, hydraters, serums, eye creams, etc. Below are the different types of creams described in detail.

Eye cream. It is formulated to moisturize the delicate skin around the eye. You will find all types of eye creams in all price ranges; some are made with Pure Vitamin C, some with Vitamin E, etc. Try samples and see which one feels right with you.

Serums: Serums help tighten your skin. Before applying your regular moisturizer, apply a thin layer of serum and wait a few moments for it to be absorbed. Then apply your moisturizer as usual.

Collagen creams help plump up the skin. As we age, the natural proteins, collagen and keratin degrade, thereby causing the skin to lose elasticity and finally causing wrinkles.

After-sun creams:
Products which hydrate and nourishe the skin to provide skin repair after exposure to the sun.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxyl Acids)
All AHA's have a hydrating or exfoliating capacity. The action of AHA's is triggered by the quantity - either more or less hydrating or exfoliating. When used overly high concentration, can be irritating.

The more popular AHA's are citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid and tartric acid. As an example: lactic acid is hydrating up to 5%; exfoliating from 5-10%; irritant if in a content of over 10%. In a cosmetic, AHA's hydrate the skin and help cell renewal, thereby having an anti-aging effect. The human body contains AHA's. They are also found in fruits such as grapes, apples, oranges, and lemons.

Anti-wrinkle Creams
A product designed to reduce wrinkles.

Body milks
These are moisturizing and softening creams that never leave an oily sensation on the skin.

Cold cream
Cold cream is the pioneer of creams. It leaves a fresh feeling after use due to the evaporation of water it contains.

Face lotions
Face lotions are usually complimentary products to cleansing creams, such as toners.
Their purpose is to finish cleaning by removing any excess fatty matter and often contain floral waters.

Gel cream
Light and watery in texture enriched with a hydrating agent.

Lotion
Usually used to clean the skin, it is a lightly perfumed liquid product, most often used to clean the epidermis or scalp.

Retinol
Retinol, or vitamin A used for the treatment and reduction of wrinkles.