Beauty Solutions: How to Buy Facial Moisturizer

Dermatologists agree: A twice daily dose of moisturizer can make your skin look supple, feel soft, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. But with so many moisturizers doing double duty-hydrating and treating your skin-it's easy to miss what's right for your face's needs. Thankfully, you can save your skin and sanity with these tips. Read on to find the perfect moisturizer to give your skin a radiant, healthy glow 24/7:

TEXTURE: Most moisturizers usually come in these forms: a lotion, a gel or cream. What you need depends on your skin type and preference. If you're oily, then you'll want a lotion that doesn't clog pores or feel greasy. If you're very dry, you'll want a cream that sinks into skin and feels hydrating going on.


FORMULA: The formula you choose is based on your skin type and most moisturizers are labeled that way. Dry? Look for a moisturizer that specifically targets your thirsty skin, usually packed with richer, hydrating ingredients than a formula for normal types. Oily? Focus on an oil-free, noncomedogenic or matte formula that simply adds a touch of hydration without extra oil. Normal? You can try almost any formula just make sure it's not too rich, which can cause pimples.


TREATMENT: Some moisturizers are overachievers; not only do they hydrate, but they also contain special ingredients like peptides and extracts to combat sagging skin, firm up wrinkles and lines, or brighten a dull tone. Some are backed by scientific research or a dermatologist's endorsement. Zero in on your skin's concerns and look at the moisturizer's claims before you make the decision to buy it. Then give it a whirl for at least a month to see significant results.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Lisa Cohen Lee

Beauty Solutions: How to Buy Skin Serum

Think of a skin serum as your on-call dermatologist: Depending on the formula, one drop can smooth deep wrinkles, tighten saggy skin or give you an even, gorgeous tone. Because a serum is a lightweight fluid, the micro-sized ingredients can easily penetrate skin, which practically guarantees noticeable results. Follow this primer for finding your perfect skin potion, and you'll be on your way to pretty, glowing skin in no time.

Target: A good start is to decide your skin needs. For instance, do you want to reduce fine lines? Help minimize redness? Erase dark spots? Fill in deep wrinkles? Once you zero in on your needs, then you can choose a fformula that works specifically on those areas. If you have more than one skin woe, opt for a serum that can do double-duty.


Ingredients: Skin serums are concentrated concoctions composed of potent active ingredients. Most formulas have one star ingredient or a combination of them; some examples include: antioxidants, peptides, glycolic acid, retinol, hyaluronic acid and patented actives. They can help smooth wrinkles, tighten sags and brighten a dull complexion.


Results: Skin serums are known for getting results; that's why companies invest a lot of science and testing in them. They want to assure you that you will see a difference in your skin after repeated use. Look for ones that tout percentages and satisfaction stats, and make your decision based on how quickly and aggressively the serums works, and what kind of changes you can expect.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Lisa Cohen Lee