How to Find the Right Skin Moisturizer

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Feel overwhelmed when you want to buy skin moisturizer for your dry skin? That’s no surprise, as there are dozens to choose from at the drugstore and hundreds more at high-end cosmetics and department stores — creams, lotions, ointments, some with sunscreen, others with an exfoliant. Choices range from the basic $1.50 jar of petroleum jelly to a $500 five-ounce tub of designer skin moisturizer. And all the options in between can make your head spin.

While choosing the right skin moisturizer may seem confusing, it’s actually very simple if you follow a few guidelines, says dermatologist Monica Halem, MD, of ColumbiaDoctors Eastside in New York City. Dr. Halem’s first rule of thumb? Don’t spend too much money.


Cleansers and moisturizers are the most important skin products, particularly for softening dry skin. A skin moisturizer works by sealing moisture into the outer layer of the skin and by pulling moisture from the inner layers of skin to the outer layer.

Key ingredients that seal in moisture are petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, and dimethicone. Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, urea, and vitamins help attract water into the outer layer of the skin.

Some skin moisturizers also contain an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which exfoliates dead skin, says Francesca Fusco, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a spokeswoman for the Skin Cancer Foundation. AHAs are a good choice if you have very dry skin.

Finding the Skin Moisturizer For You

It may take some trial and error, Halem says, so be patient. Follow these guidelines as you shop and, if you’re not getting the results you want, try a new one the next time:

Note the first five ingredients. Look for common active ingredients, such as lanolin, glycerin, or petrolatum, Dr. Fusco says. Glycerin is less likely than lanolin to cause an allergic reaction, she says. She also recommends picking a moisturizer that’s made by a reputable company.
Go for added sunscreen. Protecting your skin from harmful sun damage is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking young, so buy a moisturizer with a sun protection factor of at least 30. You’ll have to do some searching, but more companies are offering face and body moisturizers with sunscreen, Halem says.
Make it skin-type appropriate. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive, so it’s a good idea to use a different moisturizer on your face than you do on your body, Fusco says and recommends buying one that’s labeled “non-comedogenic” because it won’t clog your pores. Of course, choose one that’s right for your skin type. If you know you have sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to look for a moisturizer labeled hypoallergenic. If you have oily skin, go with a light, oil-free moisturizer. If you have dry skin, get something richer. And if you have combination skin, go with a lighter moisturizer for your whole face and dot drier areas with a heavier cream, Fusco says. Keep in mind that you may need a lighter lotion in the summer, and a cream or ointment in the winter.
Consider using a moisturizer with retinol before bed. Retinol is vitamin A for your skin, Halem says. It works by increasing the speed at which your skin cells turn over. You can find it over the counter or by prescription, but use it carefully as it may cause a skin irritation, red skin, or dry skin.
Relief by Prescription

If your skin is very dry, consider a prescription moisturizer. Prescription moisturizers contain the AHA lactic acid, which softens the top layer of your skin and can do a better job if over-the-counter moisturizers aren’t working for you, Fusco says. AHAs such as lactic acid and glycolic acid can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Tell your doctor if you experience burning, irritation, red skin, itching, or a rash.

Another prescription option is a barrier cream, which contains humectants that hold on to moisture longer, Fusco says. Barrier creams penetrate a little deeper than standard moisturizers, she adds.

When to Moisturize

Once you find the right product, moisturize every day and you’ll go a long way toward preventing dry skin and even camouflaging wrinkles. While a skin moisturizer can’t get rid of wrinkles — because wrinkles begin much deeper in the skin due to collagen loss — it can plump up the skin and minimize their appearance, Halem says.

Whichever moisturizer you choose, it will work better if you apply it to damp skin. Think about a sponge that’s dried out, Fusco says. If you put moisturizer on it, it won’t go anywhere. But if you soak the sponge in water and coat it with moisturizer, the sponge will absorb it. Your skin works the same way, happily lapping it up.

Get more tips for dry winter skin.

7 Ways To Take Care Of Your Body In The Summer Heat

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It’s mid-July, and I don’t know about you, but I’m already getting a little irritated with the heat. I should be used to it though, as 25 years of living in Florida makes one comfortable with the heat, very quickly. It’s also made me something of an expert when it comes to taking care of my body when it is super hot out. So before you give up and hide inside your house for the remainder of the warm months, behold! There’s a way to get relief. These are some body care tips on how to keep cool in these next couple of months of summer, and what to do if you do get just too damn hot.

1) Know the signs.

Key to body care in the summer is being able to pay attention to the signals your body sends you when you’re getting overheated. Muscle cramps, headaches, weakness, fatigue, confusion, and nausea are all signs of heat related illnesses. If you have these symptoms, get inside and cool your body immediately, as these may mean you have heat stroke. The symptoms are more likely to occur if you are being active out in the heat, but if you live in an area where you aren’t used to high temperatures and are out and about, watch for them too.

2) If you can, limit your hours outside.

And try to avoid the midday sun, typically between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. With the sun at its most direct, these are the hottest times of the day. I’m going to go even further by pushing that number to 4:00 p.m. if you are in an especially hot area. From living in Florida, I know that the 3:00 hour is just as damn hot as 2 o’clock. If you absolutely have to go outside between these times, try to stay in the shade, or else chill out in a body of water. I hardly venture outside during the middle of the day, and my fave time of the day is in the evening, partly because it is in the eighties, as opposed to the nineties.

3) Drink plenty, drink often.

No, I’m not talking about your alcoholic drinks, darlings. I’m talking about drinking to hydrate. Water is the best for hydration, but if you can’t get it, or absolutely hate it, first read this. Or try iced tea, lemonade, orange juice, or a sports drink. If you’re going to be exercising outside, drinking a sports drink may be the best bet for you, as they will replace the sodium, potassium, and chloride lost when you sweat. I’ve gotten to the point that I always, and I mean always, carry my trusty water bottle, filled to the nozzle with ice, wherever I go.

4) Don’t exercise outside when it’s super hot.

Exercising in the heat of the day is not good for your body whatsoever. Not only is your workout raising your body temperature, but so is the heat. Exercising in the heat puts stress on your muscles, as your body is circulating more blood throughout your skin (and not your muscles) in order to keep it cool. With less blood in your muscles, your heart rate increases. To get the best workout, and to avoid muscle heat cramps, workout either inside or in the mornings or evenings.

5) Use sunscreen.

Whether your complexion is mocha, peaches-’n’-cream, espresso, ebony, café-au-lait, or ivory, you need sunscreen to protect your body. When there is extreme heat, there is more than likely extreme sun too, so you need to apply the proper SPF so as to help prevent skin cancer, brown spots, skin discolorations, and premature wrinkles. And guess what? Sunscreen actually helps your body stay cool. Sunburns decrease the body’s ability to cool itself, which is of course dangerous in hot temperatures. But by using an SPF of at least 30, you are far less likely to burn, and more likely to keep cool for longer. I recommend using SPF 50, as you can be outside for that amount of time—fifty minutes—and won’t need to reapply until the fifty-first minute. But if you do get a sunburn, stay out of the sun and use outrageous amounts of aloe vera.

6) Dress for the weather.

This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style, it just means that you need to wear the right clothes for hot days. Bring out your big sunhat, and think loose clothing, light colors, and shorts. You can still be a rocking fashionista, but now a cool fashionista.

7) Know how to get cool when you’re too hot.

Besides drinking lots and lots of water or a sports drink, if you find yourself with any heat illness symptoms, get in the shade or indoors ASAP. You should fan your body, remove excessive clothing, and place cool, damp towels or ice packs on your neck, wrists, underarms, and face. Even hop in a tub full of cool water, or else spray yourself down with a hose. If you are still feeling the heat after 30 minutes, you should talk to your doctor immediately, as it may be possible that you have heat stroke. And heat stroke can be nasty: your body is at 105 degrees, is unable to properly cool itself, and may induce seizures and loss of consciousness. So yeah, let’s avoid that, shall we?

How to choose a perfume for summer

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When the days start warming up and the nights get balmy, it’s a sign to review your beauty regime. It’s time to switch to lighter makeup, embrace tousled beach hair and choose a fresh, fruity and light scent to match the relaxed vibe of the season.

Here are our tips for choosing a scent that can handle the heat this summer.

One of the many golden rules of beauty is that your regime should change as the seasons do and this applies especially to perfume. Fragrances are very seasonal and, in this country, summer calls for much lighter, fresher scents. Why? Heat intensifies the notes in a perfume, meaning that the deep, sensual fragrance that’s gotten you through winter will be way too powerful in the warmer months. So, when spring comes around, go for subtle, crisp notes. As a general guide, zesty, grassy and woody notes are great, but experimenting is half the fun when you’re trying to find your new signature scent!

Get fruity

If you’re a fan of super light, fresh fragrances, you can’t go wrong with one that has citrus notes. Perfumes that contain notes such as mandarin, grapefruit, lemon and lime are always incredibly crisp and airy, and you’ll barely feel as though you’re wearing anything at all. However, citrus notes evaporate after 10 to 15 minutes -- longevity isn’t their strong suit -- which is why it’s a good idea to go for a perfume that combines zesty notes with floral ones. You’ll still get that freshness, but you won’t need to spritz yourself all day long.

Try: Radiance by Britney Spears, Coach Signature, or Jo Malone Orange Blossom.

Seaside dreaming

Since humans have a fantastic sense of smell, fragrance has the power to trigger memories of a great place or experience. It’s safe to say that most people have summer memories that are sparked by a scent of some sort and the ocean is a very common one. If you’re a water baby or someone who feels most at home at the beach, choose a perfume that has oceanic notes. Frangrances that are evocative of the sea are both fresh and sensual and they really can have an uplifting effect on your mood. Spritz these concoctions on when you’re stuck in the office on a gorgeous summer day and you’ll feel a little better.

Try: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia, Elizabeth Arden Meditteranean, or Calvin Klein Light Blue.

Get exotic

If you prefer deeper, more mysterious fragrances, there are plenty on the market that will satisfy your tastes and still smell fabulous when the temperature heats up. The key is to look for woody bases and milky undertones, such as coconut or pineapple. These have a long-lasting power and are great choices for day or night. If you want something a little stronger for a night out, go for darker notes such as sandalwood or blond woods. While those bases are quite sensual, if you prefer scents that remind you of nature and freshly mowed lawns, opt for grassy bases instead.

Try: Ralph Lauren Hot, CK One, and Issey Miyake’s Le Feu d’Issy.

Last minute check...

Before you take your new scent to the counter, keep these tips in mind:

• Get the eau de toilette version rather than the eau de parfum -- it’s less concentrated, lighter, and much fresher, which is exactly what you want in a summer scent.

• Wear it outside the store -- air conditioning blasts perfume into place and it doesn’t give you an indication of how the fragrance will develop over the day. If you want to get a sense of how your perfume will really smell, spritz some on, head outside and do what you would normally do. If you still like it after a day of running around, you’ve found your new scent!

What’s your favourite summer perfume?

How to choose Best Nail Care Products

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Raise your less-than-TV-ready hand if you suffer from dry cuticles, hangnails or constant chips in your freshly lacquered manis. That's what we thought (you can put your hand down now).

Since you've been so honest, we'll do the same -- thanks to hundreds of women across web, we've drummed up a foolproof list of the best nail products on the market. Finally, winning the battle against those little troublemakers is at your fingertips.

Susan Nam, celebrity manicurist and owner of Polished Beauty Bar in New York City, weighs in on the truth behind nail care:

First, your cuticles -- Nam recommends not cutting them (since they protect us from germs and bacteria) and says to choose cuticle creams and oils that contain ingredients like jojoba and vitamin E. Also, remember: "You can get the same results from moderately priced items as really expensive ones," says Nam. "The most important thing to look for is the list of ingredients."

Our guru also advises using 240-grid nail files, since they are the least abrasive on natural nails. You definitely shouldn't drop a wad of cash on one of these, either -- according to Nam, "nail files should be changed every few weeks, because they are prone to grow bacteria."

Once you've filled your tool belt with the basics, there are a few things you can do to maximize the staying power of a manicure. "You should apply a coat of topcoat mid-week to keep it looking fresh and help prevent it from chipping," Nam says. "If you do your manicure at home, make sure to start with a clean, oil-free nail."

So, what are you waiting for? Let's clean up those suckers. Here are the best nail products you need in your mani toolkit.