Lotions, oils and creams attract and hold moisture in the skin, preventing the premature effects of aging. They form a barrier that protects the skin from the elements, environmental pollution and the drying effects of central heating and air conditioning. Your need for moisturizer varies with your age, you skin type, the season and the time of day. Always choose one that does not irritate your skin or clog pores. Lighter lotions are generally better for the face, for they allow the skin to breathe. Apply moisturizer in the morning, after cleansing and before putting on makeup. You can use a moisturizer with an SPF (sun protection formula) 15 sunscreen or apply sunscreen separately. At night, you may like to use a moisturizer that contains alpha-hydroxy acids. If you have oily skin, you may want to moisturize only around the eyes or not at all. Moisturizers now contain many nutrients and additives to prevent premature aging of the skin. Among these are antioxidants, including vitamins A, B, C and E. Antioxidants eat up free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules from UV rays and pollution that turn iron to rust, make apples brown and cause skin to age. Antioxidants halt free-radical damage and are thought to be instrumental in protecting the skin.
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