Facial creams may contain emollients, moisturizers or both. Some of the better ones include nutrients that improve the skin’s health and appearance. Here are a few definitions and some ingredients that all into these categories.

Emollients are compounds that soften rough spots and soothe irritation. They work in three ways. They leave a layer of oil on the skin’s surface that slows moisture loss. They increase the skin’s ability to hold moisture and they act as lubricants to protect against damage from wind or friction.

Grape seed oil, passion fruit and Babassu wax are examples of naturally occurring emollients used for centuries by people from countries to which the plants are native. Newer compounds have been found in recent times, because of technological advancements. An example of one of the newer compounds is bioactive keratin.

Keratin is a protein naturally present in the cells of the skin’s outermost layers. It serves to make the cells harder, more impermeable. It is a water-loving protein. It is because of keratin that the skin starts to wrinkle and pucker when immersed in water for long periods of time.

Facial creams containing bioactive keratin have anti-aging activity. They stimulate the production of new cells which helps to increase the skin’s thickness and its antioxidant content. Those things are important for fighting the visible signs of aging.

The term emollient and moisturizer are sometimes used interchangeably. But moisturizers are actually compounds that add moisture to the cells. Water is your basic moisturizer. Some people are disturbed when they see water or aqua listed first on a label of ingredients, but it is an important compound. It is used for hydrating dry extracts, for mixing and for moisturizing.

Several factors determine the moisturizing capability and the safety of facial creams. The inclusion of the compounds mentioned above is one of the first factors to consider. As far as safety goes, the ones mentioned here are some of the safest.

The exclusion of mineral oil and sodium laurel sulfate should be verified according to a recent laboratory study. Those ingredients contributed to the growth of skin cancer cells in mice. A moisturizer prepared specifically for the study without mineral oil or sodium laurel sulfate did not have the same effect.

Bacterial contamination is the final factor to consider. Natural ingredients such as grape seed oil can become rancid if no preservatives are included in the finished product.

However, facial creams containing paraben preservatives may also contribute to skin cancer. The safest preservative choice is natural vitamin E. Manufacturers like for their customers to know about it when they use naturally occurring vitamin E. The natural costs more than the synthetic version, which is derived from petrochemicals.

This brief lesson about the moisturizers and emollients is incomplete. The subject of skin health is a long and in depth one. You could have specific problems that need to be addressed. The thing to remember is that there are safe, natural and effective solutions for all of those problems.

The right facial creams will treat dryness, protect sensitive skin and improve the skin’s softness. The wrong ones will do more harm than good.

Author Bio: Valerie Rosenbaum has spent years searching for the best anti aging skin care products available. The skin care product line she discovered uses a proprietary blend of all natural ingredients like Cynergy TK and wakame. To learn more visit her skin firming cream website.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: facial creams