Face cream is a spreadable paste that is offered for the care of facial skin. With aqueous, oily and greasy components in facial cream, it is possible to apply it in such a way that the combination of these components makes it ideal and skin-friendly for skin care. Face cream is offered, according to the skin type, in different variations.
What is a face cream?
Simplified, a face cream is divided into day and night creams, which, according to the respective skin type, is offered in specially adapted care products. Face cream is based on a very complex content. This consists mainly of structures of gels and emulsions, where a distinction is made between creams that are washable with water as well as non-washable. Due to the low water content, the face cream resembles an ointment. Very finely ground solids are incorporated into the cream, giving it a paste-like consistency that can be easily applied to the skin. In addition to vegetable fats such as cocoa butter, peanut oil or almond oil and also animal waxes such as beeswax are used in the production process. A chemically modified oil ensures greater durability and consistency. Emulsifiers help to maintain the emulsion-like character. Facial creams with a high water content in particular require more preservation or contain antioxidants with very sensitive ingredients. Perfumes and humectants can also be added to the face cream. Distilled water serves as a moisturizer, and vitamins and fragrances supplement the later face cream.
Forms, types and kinds
Face creams come in a very wide variety of types from a wide variety of manufacturers. Depending on the brand name and the ingredients, the prices vary, often special face creams for the higher demand are more cost-intensive. Simplified, a face cream is divided into day and night creams, which, according to the respective skin type, are offered in specially adapted care products. Especially in the case of day creams, a distinction is made as to whether it is a face cream for oily skin, for dry skin, for combination skin or for impure skin. There are other forms of face cream that address specific needs of the skin, such as bleaching creams or anti-couperose creams that reduce red, small veins. Anti-aging creams not only counteract the natural formation of wrinkles with advancing age to some extent, but also provide the skin with important moisturizing active ingredients that visually beautify and nourish the skin’s appearance. Covering creams are suitable for covering pimples and skin blemishes. In addition, so-called cold creams and wind and weather creams are offered, which provide stronger protection for the special requirements of the skin caused by wind, sun and air. For dry skin, a face cream is good for moisturizing. For irritated skin, a face cream that soothes and calms is ideal. For impure skin or younger skin, there are also special care products that are adapted to the individual needs of the skin, as standardized care is not useful for everyone. Depending on the consistency, it is necessary to decide whether a face cream is more suitable than a lotion, which is more fluid and easier to spread. The well-known face cream sometimes appears more viscous, but is excellent specifically for the care of the face.
Structure and function
A face cream contains hyaluronic acid as well as urea and glycerin. Additional substances such as aloe vera promote the effect of the face cream. To increase the shelf life, preservatives are used in most care products or perfumes to increase the fragrance effect. However, these substances can cause irritation of the skin or even cause allergies. Ingredients such as kerosene or other waxes are mixed to form a film that keeps moisture in the skin. Using a day cream and a night cream makes perfect sense, because the face cream for each coordinated time meets different needs of the skin. The night cream with its strongly caring and also nourishing ingredients has a thicker effect and forms a fine film on the surface of the skin, while the day cream is completely absorbed into the skin and contains lighter active ingredients. In this way, cell renewal is optimally supported.
Medical and health benefits
Face cream can be applied daily to keep the stressed skin firm and elastic. Depending on the skin type, it is recommended to use a suitable cream that provides the skin with optimal moisture and the necessary nourishing substances. With regular use, this prevents premature wrinkling and generally beautifies the skin’s appearance. In addition to facial cream, there are special creams such as facial sun cream or anti-aging products that meet the higher care requirements of mature skin. The use of face cream provides a rosy and fresh complexion. According to manufacturers, certain additives are supposed to ensure a particularly firm complexion and reduced wrinkles, but a person’s individual predispositions are a factor that must also be taken into account. The face cream not only has a regenerating and vitalizing effect, but also – depending on the product – promotes blood circulation in the facial skin. A mattifying face cream is ideal for combination or oily skin and, if desired, can also be used as a base for makeup. The ingredients contained soothe skin that is irritated, red or irritated. Face cream is also recommended for the prevention of skin inflammation and protects against environmental influences. Care products containing alcohol are less recommended, as they can have the opposite effect and dry out the skin. An oily skin type cannot tolerate greasy creams, which would further irritate the skin’s moisture balance. For example, moisturizer can have the opposite effect in individual cases and make the skin oily, thus promoting the development of blackheads and pimples.