The health and beauty of your skin is very important – no matter what your age or skin type.  Maintaining a regular skincare regimen, including the proper skin care moisturizer cream, is vital.

Here’s a guideline to follow:

Dry Skin – Look for a thick, oil-based moisturizer with ingredients such as glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, urea and lactic acids, combined with petrolatum, lanolin, or silicone derivatives.  Remember to apply your skin care moisturizer cream while your skin is still damp.

Oily Skin- Look for a water-based, oil-free moisturizer with ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids or AHA, benzoyl peroxide or retinol.  The presence of beta hydroxy salicylic acid is great for skin exfoliation and clearing dead cells.

Sensitive Skin – Look for a gentle, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer containing vitamin E, aloe, salicylic acid, or plant extracts.  These ingredients will soften and smooth your skin while delivering nutrients to it.  Use your skin care moisturizer cream liberally at least twice daily.

Combination Skin – Your ideal moisturizer will have a light texture and be non-greasy.  A water-based moisturizer is best.  You can alternate between oil- and water-based moisturizers.

Rosacea- Use an oil- and fragrance-free moisturizer.  Your moisturizer should contain 0.1% kinetin, which proves to be beneficial on rosacea-prone skin to help reduce symptoms.  Note that moisturizers that contain eucalyptus, alcohol, fragrance, peppermint, witch hazel, and menthol may actually exacerbate rosacea.

Eczema- A plain moisturizer is best – one that is more greasy than creamy because creams usually have preservatives in them.  Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and a lot of extra ingredients.

Here are some skin care tips for all skin types:

• After a bath or shower, apply your skin care moisturizer cream to lock the moisture into your skin.
• Over-using your moisturizer can result in clogged pores.
• It’s never too early to start moisturizing your skin to help protect it from signs of aging.
• Choose a  moisturizer that contains a low level of sunscreen, i.e. SPF15.
• Wearing warm clothes, along with gloves, scarves, and hats in the winter will help prevent chapped skin and loss of moisture.