Must Have Ingredients for a Moisturizer

With dozens of moisturizers on the market, how do you decide which one is the best for you? …

Regardless of your skin type, all moisturizers should have the following key “active” ingredients

• Glycerin: This super-hydrating ingredient attracts moisture from the environment and the inner layers of skin to prevent dryness ok skin cells and prevent loss of moisture. 
• Hyaluronic Acid: This magical molecule swells up 1000 times its weight in water.  Hyaluronic acid, when used in moisturizers, removes the appearance of fine lines by swelling up and filling the crevices of the skin. 
• Sodium PCA: A derivative of amino acid, Sodium PCA is great at attracting moisturizer from the environment.  In fact, it can hold several times its weight in water, and is non-irritating to the eyes and skin. 
• Lactic Acid: Found in milk, this is one of the alpha-hydroxy acids that act as an exfoliator by removing the material which binds dead skin cells together.  It has been shown to reduce signs of photoaged skin measured as a decrease in skin roughness, discoloration, and UV-damage.
• Ceramides: The nine different types of ceramides are a vital part of preventing moisture loss from skin cells.  These naturally occurring lipids act as a barrier against toxic environmental factors, harsh skin care products, and sun damage.  Think of them like personal bodyguards for water inside your cells.  The ceramide precursors, phytosphingosine and sphingolipids, actually help make more ceramide inside your skin. 
• Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, C and K are in important part of maintaining a healthy, young looking, and plump skin. Vitamin C has been shown to promote collagen synthesis, retinol (vitamin A) is well known to smooth wrinkles, and all the vitamins have a major antioxidant effect on human skin and body. 

So, there you have it guys – a simple and easy-to-follow breakdown of key ingredients that every moisturizer should have. So read the article, read it again and remember what these ingredients are the next time you are buying a moisturizer at Sephora or wherever you shop for your beauty products.