KissMeGoodnight Article Series:
The Simplest & Most Practical Beauty Secrets

Lotion Tips: What to Wear and How to Put It On

A lotion is defined as, “a fluid with healing, antiseptic properties that is used on the skin.” Lotions, in the form of moisturizing agents, are applied to the surface of the skin and go to work on dry skin to hydrate the skin, relieve flaking and itching. Lotions however, contrary to popular belief, cannot slow down the process of aging, prevent wrinkles from forming or penetrate the deepest layers of the skin.

Lotions are broken down into two types - emollients and humectants. Emollients form a barrier of oil on the surface of the skin that serves to seal in moisture and prevent it from quickly evaporating before it is absorbed. Emollients are very much like the natural oils found in the skin. They come in the form of lanolin, mineral oil and petroleum jelly. Humectants on the other hand both attract and then hold in water that is on the surface of the skin. Humectants come in the form of glycerin, lactic acid, sorbitol and urea. It is not always easy to determine what kind of lotion is best for your skin. A number of factors have to be taken into consideration such as how chapped, dry or sensitive your individual skin is. Do you have any known allergies? This is another thing you must know as you don’t want to have to deal with your skin breaking out. As a rule the simpler a lotion it is, the better it is for the skin. Lotions that are loaded with a lot of perfumes, colors, emulsifiers and thickeners are more likely to cause an allergic reaction to sensitive or delicate skin. If acne is a problem (as some people are prone to acne on their backs, arms or legs) overuse of lotion or the wrong kind of lotion could cause a terrible break out. This you want to avoid at all costs!

Lotions with alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) are good for skin that needs firming, smoothing and for skin damaged by the sun. AHAs are taken from fruit, sour milk and red wine. Research has shown that cell turnover is greater when a lotion contains these acids. Both low concentration as well as high concentration AHA lotions can be found on the market today. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist to determine which one, if any, might be right for your particular skin type or condition. Always look for non-clogging lotions that will not block up pores, especially if you are prone to break outs. Look for the word “noncomedogenic” on the labels of lotions.

Everyone requires a pH-balanced acid for his or her skin care regimen. People with delicate skin need a product that contains the same acid balance (or pH) as that of normal skin, and this would be in the range of pH 4.5 to 5.5. However labels on products can be misleading because many read “pH-balanced.” That really does not tell you anything because it could be pH-balanced acid or pH-balanced alkaline but neither of those is beneficial to the skin. To make a proper determination purchase pH papers (such as for example, pHydrion) and dip them into the product in question. The paper will change its color and then you can make a comparison with an enclosed color chart to find out what the pH level is in the lotion you are wondering about.

Sunscreen lotion is the single most important age-erasing step you can take in your daily skin care plan. Your best bet is to use a lotion or cream based sunscreen as a moisturizer for both your face and your body. Make sure to choose a sunscreen or moisturizer-sunscreen that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least fifteen, but preferably thirty, or higher (such as forty-five if necessary). Also look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. These are often referred to as full-spectrum sunscreens. This form of sunscreen offers the most protection in terms of preventing the surface burning of skin and deeper tissue damage.

Skin that is prone to allergic reactions must be treated with care and that includes the lotion you choose to use. Look for lotions that are fragrance free and unscented, allergy-tested, dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic (which means it is less allergenic).

The best time to apply lotion is right after a bath or shower before you dry off because this locks in the moisture and is very nourishing to the skin. However do not apply lotion to a recently shaved area, such as the legs, immediately following a shower because the pores of the skin are open and red bumps on the skin are likely to result.

Click here and learn about a hot, brand new product for a leaner, sexier & younger-looking face... without surgery. It's my KissMeGoodnight recommendation.

# # # # #

by KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

> Home > Beauty Secrets Main Page