Do I really need to use a skin moisturizer?

Typically, your skin soaks up moisture to keep itself young and vital, but you lose the ability to do that as you age. Most commercial face creams are oil-based and work by blocking the release of water from the skin. As people grow older, however, they cannot rely on oil-based preparations to block the release of moisture. That's because aged skin loses the ability to attract moisture in the first place and becomes fundamentally dehydrated. But the vitamin A family, commonly called retinoids, can increase the actual water content of the skin, without clogging the dead layer of cells. Retin-A contains retinoic acid, and requires a prescription. Retinyl propionate, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, and retinol don't require a prescription and are converted by your skin's own enzymes into retinoic acid.hypoallergenic

Healthy moisturizers don't disturb the acid mantle of the skin or clog pores. We prefer natural moisturizers, like squalene (made from olives), avocado oil, walnut butter or cocoa butter, and ones that are proven to be hypoallogenic. Apply it while you're still damp from the shower to seal the moisture in, and remember it's especially important to moisturize when you're flying, in high altitudes, or in dry climates. Many moisturizers pack sunscreen protection, too. An SPF 30 is a good choice.

Ask your dermatologist if you need to use a moisturizer, but for most people the answer will be yes. Using a moisturizer daily helps you achieve healthy, glowing skin. Moisturizers help maintain the functioning of the stratum corneum, the uppermost layer of the skin, which acts as your body's barrier against the outside world. If your skin becomes dry, itchy, or cracked, you may be more prone to skin infections. Moisturizers can help prevent dry skin by minimizing water loss from the skin and adding a barrier of moisture on skin's surface, which can make it feel more supple and look healthier.

If your skin in dry you may need to use moisturizer several times a day. If your skin is oily you may still need a moisturizer. Choose one that is lightweight and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't block pores.