Skin Moisturizing

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• QShould I use moisturizer if I have oily skin?

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  A Dr. Howard L. Brooks, MD , Dermatology, answered

  

  If you have oily skin, you should absolutely use a moisturizer -- it's a myth that oily skin doesn't need hydration. In this video, dermatologist Howard Brooks, MD, explains the best cleansing routine and products to use if you have oily skin.

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• QHow should a man moisturize?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  A man should moisturize by applying the moisturizer when the skin is damp, such as after a bath or shower. Men with very dry skin should apply moisturizer more than once a day. Men with oily skin should apply moisturizer less frequently and use a moisturizer with less oil, such as a light cream or lotion. Skin can become very dry in the winter and it's important to moisturize during this time of year. It's a good idea to talk with your dermatologist about the best skincare products for your skin.
  
• QDo I really need to use a skin moisturizer?

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  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  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.

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• QDoes petroleum jelly attract or repel moisture?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Petroleum jelly is an oil-based topical ointment that repels or traps in moisture.

• QWhat should I do if my skin is dry and moisturizers don't seem to work?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  If your skin is noticeably dry and flaky, you may want to try exfoliating before you apply your moisturizer. Exfoliation removes excess dead skin cells and allows moisturizers to reach the troubled areas of your epidermis. However, exfoliation is an extremely harsh process and should never be done more than once a week.

• QIf a moisturizer is unscented, is it safe for my sensitive skin?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  If you have a known fragrance allergy or tend to react to products that contain fragrance, shop for products that say fragrance-free on the label.

• QWhy does skin that's oily need moisturizer?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Moisture is about water, not oil. Your skin needs water in order for it to function properly and stay healthy. Even skin that is oily (due to excess sebum) still needs to maintain its natural hydration. Use a noncomedogenic, oil-free moisturizer, which is formulated so as not to clog pores. It's especially important to moisturize after you wash, since cleansing can contribute to moisture loss.
  
• QWhen should moisturizer be applied?

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  A Mr. James M.. Wilmott , Dermatology, answered on behalf of Radical Skincare

  Minimally, a moisturizer should be applied in the morning and in the evening, similar to brushing your teeth.  The daytime moisturizer should contain a sunscreen and/or a well-conceived blend of antioxidants that address reactive oxygen species created by sunlight and environmental exposure.  It should also contain materials that help with the creation of stored energy that will be used to repair the skin at night.   The night moisturizer should be intended to soothe, pacify, and repair the skin from the day's traumas.  Typically, it is a more intense level of moisturization that also contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other skin nutrients to help with the repair process.   

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• QWhat type of moisturizer should I use?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Moisturizers have different purposes for different people. You'll need to test several products to figure out which will work best for you. People with sensitive skin should look for something oil- and fragrance-free.

• QWhy should I use moisturizer if my face gets oily?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  All skin types - even oily skin - need a particular balance of moisture. Adding a non-comedogenic lotion to your skin care routine won't increase the amount of oil on your skin or clog your pores. Because cleansing can have a drying effect on skin, applying a moisturizer after bathing will help it stay balanced.