A Natural or Organic Moisturizer is Better For Your Skin

A natural or organic moisturizer is one that contains no mineral oil, parabens or chemical preservatives, but is made from pure ingredients from nature. The job of a moisturizer is simply to keep moisture from evaporating from the surface of the skin and to provide a barrier against bacteria, harsh weather and other potential skin invaders.

The skin is actually designed with it's own protective layer of sebum, the natural substance secreted though our skin's pores. Too little sebum means dry skin, too much can cause oily or greasy skin.

Sadly today, pollution and other environmental factors combined with our modern lifestyle means we have to actively protect our skin by applying a moisturizer every morning. However this doesn't have to cost a fortune and economical moisturizers can do as good a job as the expensive exquisitely packaged ones costing hundreds of dollars!

What is the most important ingredient in a moisturizer? It's water. Surprised? Well the only reason we use one is to lock precious water into our skin to keep it supple and looking moist and dewy. Younger skin, unless it's very dry looks moist and dewy most of the time. Older skin needs a good natural or organic moisturizer to help it look it's best and to delay the affects of aging. The simplest ones are made from oil and water

The best anti aging moisturizers are those which are made of natural oils -- not mineral oils. Mineral oils will not be absorbed into the skin and can actually dry the skin further. Mineral oils can also block pores and prevent the skin from eliminating toxins. Natural fruit and nut oils are a much better bet and some essential oils can be absorbed quite deep into the dermis due to their fine molecular structure.

Wheatgerm oil contains high levels of vitamin E and makes a good base as a night moisturizer for dry or aging skin.

One ingredient best avoided for older skins is alcohol. It doesn't matter whether you drink it or rub it on your skin, alcohol has a drying effect. If you enjoy a drink or two, make sure you drink water between drinks and don't buy products containing alcohol even if your skin is oily. Alcohol removes the water, not the oil.

If you have oily skin you may think you don't need to moisturize. Well you probably don't need any more oil, but your skin still needs a protective layer and it still needs moisture. Aloe Vera gel can provide this or choose a lotion that's not based on oil. There are however certain essential oils such as rosemary which can benefit oily skin.

What other ingredients should you look for in a moisturizer? There's nothing else that's absolutely necessary, but ingredients such as zinc oxide will provide sun protection and glycerin can be useful for attracting moisture to the skin and keeping it moist. Watch for natural glycerin that is sourced from vegetable oils.

Hyaluronic acid and Sodium PCA may sound like chemicals but in fact they are powerful moisturizing ingredients occurring naturally in the skin. They decline gradually as we age and are therefore good to have in a moisturizer. Green tea protects against free radicals and UV damage

Green Tea Daily Defense Facial Moisturizer is based on borage seed oil and rich in sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid, green tea and vitamins. It's suitable for all skin types & is non comedogenic (it won't clog your pores) You'll be surprised at the price. They'll send you free samples too!

However, don't forget the best and cheapest way to maintain a dewy skin is to drink plenty of water. The skin draws water from our body and if that body is dehydrated, your skin will look drawn and parched and will wrinkle faster.

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