Confused about all the different moisturizers? Well, so were we so we decided to find out just what the heck is the difference in all of those moisturizers out there. Here’s what we found.

The Ingredients

When looking for a moisturizer, look for one that contains emollients rich from plant oils, animal oils, petrolatum, mineral oils and cocoa or shea butter. Ingredients like these will help to keep skin smooth and soft as well as keep moisture in. Ingredients such as Lanolin and jojoba are said to be the best because they are closest to our skin’s natural moisturizing agent, sebum.

Other ingredients you may find listed that can be just as important are: glycerins, glycols, and sorbitols that are water-binding agents that help to attract water to the skin. You may also find ingredients that sooth the skin as well as keep it from irritants. Aloe, green tea and chamomile extract are a few.

Some ingredients that are still on the questionable list are: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Both of these have been shown to remove dead skin cells and clear up pores. The only negative benefit to AHAs is that they can make you more venerable to the sun’s harsh rays. Because of this, a sunscreen is an absolute must.

While many moisturizers contain vitamins, there is no true evidence that they work as far as moisturizing or healing the skin. All in all however, it doesn’t hurt to have it in an moisturizer if you feel it does do you some good.

What’s What

Okay, so what’s what in moisturizers? Well, here’s the skinny.

Creams- Creams are generally a consistency of a frosting thickness and contain the same ingredients as any other moisturizer. The only true differences are its texture, absorbency, since they have more oil than water and shelf life. These are great for areas like elbows and feet since they take abuse every single day and need the most attention.

Lotion- Lotions are generally thinner than most moisturizers. They can easily be poured onto the skin and have the most amount of water and can absorb into the skin, quickly. Lotions are good for all over daily use, only and must be applied more often than any other moisturizer.

Butters- Usually most butters contain over 50 percent oil than other moisturizers. These moisturizers are general thick like the consistency of butter and come in jars only since they can’t be used any other way. They are mostly solid oils with little or no water. These moisturizers are great if you have extremely dry skin. They are extremely useful if your hands, feet and elbows tend to be very rough or cracked and are great as an overnight treatment.

So, what is the real skinny? The only real difference in the moisturizer types listed above is the oil to water ratio. So, no matter which you choose, the most important thing you should keep in mind when choosing a moisturizer are the ingredients. Then, take a look at the different types and decide which one works better for you. Finally, to get the most our of your moisturizer, apply it as soon as you step out of the bath or shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. This will help you to retain the water and absorb easier into the skin for a softer, smoother you.

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