Dry Skin Creams

Dry Skin Creams

Ever wonder what the difference between creams, lotions, and ointments were? Dry skin products such as moisturizers often use the terms interchangeably, creating quite a bit of confusion on our parts. To make it clear, they are different from each other. Lotions are water-based and come in liquid form, being poured from bottles or by a pump dispenser. Ointments are oil-based and are semisolid, often coming in cups. Creams are water-based compounds that have a texture and consistency that's in-between lotions and ointments… yes, creamy.

Despite the difference, most moisturizers focus on the same objective: to soothe dry skin by adding a bit of moisture to parched areas, and to trap in moisture already in the skin to keep it from going dry. Virtually all moisturizers work best when applied after the skin has been cleansed, rinsed, and dabbed dry. Wiping the skin can take away all the moisture and leave nothing for the moisturizer to lock in!

When choosing a cream, it's important to know your skin type. If you have sensitive or extra-dry skin, choosing a hypoallergenic cream such as Pond's Dry Skin Cream will be a wise choice. If you have acne, then look for creams that have "anti-comedogenic" on their labels. These creams often contain no oil and are less likely to form pimples by clogging pores, but avoid moisturizers that have lanolin or propylene glycol in the ingredients. Water-based moisturizers are the best choices for individuals with normal/combination type skin. In all cases, make sure that your cream has no alcohol, no detergents, and is pH-neutral.

Some of the more popular moisturizing cream brands include Cetaphil, Neutrogena, and Moisturel. Here are other creams you might want to try to treat your dry skin:

1.) Neem Leaf and Oil Cream. This cream uses the medicinal extracts from the neem tree to treat dry skin. It also contains some nourishing aloe vera and shea butter.

2.) Eucerin. This cream contains urea, which when applied to the skin promotes rehydration and locks the water in. This cream is highly recommended for extremely dry or sensitive skin, but may not do too well with combination and oily skin types.

3.) Lancome Absolute Replenishing Cream. This cream uses wild yam, soya and sea algae to make for one of the best anti-aging creams on the market, but it comes at a hefty price tag.

Special types of creams used to treat skin inflammation are topical corticosteroids, or also known as "steroid creams." Perhaps the most popular type of steroid cream is hydrocortisone. Steroid creams are used to treat dry skin conditions that are characterized by inflammation, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema, by hampering the chemicals that trigger inflammation. While steroid creams have been found to ease the symptoms of the said skin conditions, they do not cure them. Steroid creams should not be applied to any other area besides the affected parts of the skin, and should not be applied more than twice a day.

Many steroid creams are too potent to be used without a prescription, but there are many other brands that are mild enough (1% hydrocortisone) to be bought over the counter. But even then, steroid creams should not be used beyond a week or the advice of your doctor. Side effects such as acne, osteoporosis, and a weakened immune system can result from the overuse of steroid creams. When in doubt whether to use a steroid cream, always consult your doctor. Steroid creams should be avoided when you have very itchy skin, when you have broken skin that has become infected, or when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals afflicted with acne should also avoid steroid creams. Never use steroid creams on the face.

Are there any drawbacks from opting to use water-based moisturizers over oil-based ones? It would seem so. In general, water-based moisturizers are easier to apply, leave less of a mess, and lack the greasy feel of oil-based moisturizers. But oil-based moisturizers are better in locking in moisture and generally last longer on the skin. That, and oil-based moisturizers don't freeze on your face during the winter! This is the reason why many people use two moisturizers: a water-based one for the warm months and an oil-based one for the colder times of the year.

Some moisturizers offer a measure of sun protection and are great choices for the day. If your moisturizer doesn't have sunscreen, always apply a sunscreen after moisturizing. Sun exposure is a leading cause of dry skin and can easily nullify the protection given by your moisturizer.

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