Why do we need cream

Using creams has become a habit with us. In summer, even in the heat, we need them especially – to protect ourselves from the sun and save ourselves from dehydration. We expect pleasure from them … and lightning-fast results. And we believe in a lot. How reasonable are our expectations?

Psychologies: Can a cream actually prevent some of the signs of skin aging?

Yes, but do not think that it is only about anti-aging cosmetics. What is very important is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. And also to combine the use of cosmetics with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet rich in vitamins, proteins and antioxidants, with the restriction of tobacco and alcohol – all this leads to a slowdown in the aging process. Those who doubt can compare the skin of our mothers with the skin of our great-grandmothers: two generations ago, the signs of age in women were much more pronounced.

Can creams have regenerative properties, i.e. really turn back time?

Vitamin A and its derivatives slow down the aging process caused, for example, by ultraviolet radiation. They also stimulate cell regeneration, that is, the revival of the skin. The same applies to fruit acids (ANA). The results of in vitro and in vivo tests are encouraging, now it is up to larger studies that can convincingly show how many years visible signs of age can be delayed using such agents.

Does moisturizing your skin every day help slow down aging?

Certainly. All biochemical processes in tissues occur with the participation of water. In dehydrated skin, intracellular metabolism slows down – nutrition and respiration of cells worsen, their release from toxins. All this cannot but affect the rate of skin regeneration, its elasticity, tone. Lack of water leads to tightness of the skin, peeling, wrinkles and creases – the signs of aging become visible much faster. Moisturizing is the bare minimum of what we can do to preserve youth.

Are treatments prescribed by a dermatologist more effective than cosmetics?

It is important to distinguish between these concepts. Medicines have a targeted effect on the skin – in order to solve a specific problem. They may have contraindications or side effects, only a doctor can correctly assess their effect. They cannot be used uncontrollably, and their scope is very narrow, specific. Another thing is cosmetics. Currently, cosmetology laboratories are working not only on the hypoallergenicity and safety of their products, but also on polysensory, that is, they strive to create products of such a composition that has a positive effect on all our senses: with the help of smell, color, texture and consistency. Recent studies confirm that the positive effect of the cream consists not only of the impact of its beneficial components, but also of the pleasant sensations and pleasure that we get in the process of care. To enhance the action of the cream with the help of sensual pleasures, manufacturers have to study the processes occurring in different parts of the cerebral cortex.

Read more:

• Why creams do not get rid of wrinkles?

And what about the most expensive creams? Are they really better?

In fact, there is no direct relationship between the price of a product and its effectiveness. Some very expensive creams are very effective, but as for the more affordable ones, they are sometimes practically not inferior in terms of the degree of impact to luxury products. New products are not always more effective than those products that have been on sale for a long time (and new products are usually more expensive). And individual characteristics are very important: sometimes the most expensive cream may not be suitable. How to make a choice? Listen not only to the advice of cosmetologists, but also to your skin. A feeling of comfort, smoothness, elasticity, even color are signs that your skin is suitable for the “diet” chosen for it.

Do I need to use both day and night creams? Or is it just a marketing ploy?

The main thing that distinguishes them is the content of protective components in the day cream. Chemical ultraviolet filters, our undisputed ally during the day, become an unnecessary burden for the skin at night, which uses this time to rid itself of toxins, neutralize free radicals and replenish the energy reserves of cells. The night cream recipe contains just such components that help the skin solve all these problems. However, there are universal creams that can be used 24 hours, but in this case, the skin requires additional protection during the day (for example, foundation with an SPF of at least 15 units).

Are laboratory tests trustworthy?

Undoubtedly. Currently, manufacturers have a whole range of tools aimed at concretizing the results obtained. Before and after tests are carried out by interviewing consumers, clinical trials are carried out by dermatologists, and biometric technologies allow us to evaluate the results of a cosmetic product on the skin. Some brands do all sorts of tests to get more reliable results. Can manufacturers provide us with false information? Theoretically, this is possible, but not very profitable for them. Cosmetics are less tested than medicines, but the competition is so high that manufacturers are really interested in the effect, that is, in the consumer’s trust, his commitment to the brand. By cheating, they will deal with the anti-fraud authorities – this can be very damaging to the reputation of the brand.

Will the result promised by the cream manufacturers be noticeable soon?

To feel the difference, you need from three to six months – in a week you most likely will not notice obvious changes. Only the use of creams based on AHA, moisturizing and exfoliating, can give a quick result, noticeably even out the texture and color of the skin – especially if it was dull, with a thickened stratum corneum. Dehydrated and poorly protected from the weather, the skin easily restores elasticity and tone if you start to nourish it every day. On the other hand, some “quick-acting” cosmetics have only a temporary effect. For example, express masks or lip gels with moisture-retaining components instantly smooth the skin, but only for a short time – for one evening. The same applies to the optical particles that are part of many day corrective creams – they even out skin tone, helping to hide wrinkles and age spots, but do not affect their causes.

How to take care of men’s skin?

Men’s skin is slightly different from women’s. It is slightly denser, but just as sensitive to harmful effects and requires care. Now men prefer to use their own products, with a pronounced masculine scent. But this does not mean that funds for women are not suitable for them.