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How do I Choose the Best Hydrating Body Cream?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Choosing the best hydrating body cream means carefully comparing the ingredients found in different brands. One of the most important things to consider is that the skin may absorb some of whatever is applied to it. If a skincare product is full of toxic chemicals, they may make their way into your bloodstream and damage your health. For example, parabens are preservatives that are frequently found on hydrating body cream labels, but some studies have linked them to cancer. Besides parabens, there are many other potentially toxic chemicals in skincare products, including those used to create fragrances; the best body hydrating cream is one that is free of potentially harmful substances.

Since hydrating body cream is supposed to moisturize and nourish the skin, the type of oil included in a formula is very important. Some companies opt to use mineral oil in their formulas, but many manufacturers claim this oil is not the best choice. They claim mineral oil clogs the pores and contributes to the development of acne. Research shows that it may even make a person more sensitive to the damaging effects of sun exposure. For this reason, it may be best to select a hydrating body cream that uses natural plant oils that have been proven safe and effective for the skin.

A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.
A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.

Consumers may also find that the best hydrating body creams address collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein responsible for helping to connect and support body tissues, and elastin, another important protein, gives the skin elasticity. Together collagen and elastin help to keep the skin firm and flexible, preventing sagging, wrinkles, and lines. The body produces less of both as people age, however, contributing to the development of dry, wrinkled, sagging skin.

A hydrating body cream may contain antioxidants, among other ingredients.
A hydrating body cream may contain antioxidants, among other ingredients.

A good hydrating body cream should stimulate the body to produce more of these proteins. An ingredient called Coenzyme Q10, for example, is said to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It may also help to fight free radicals, which are molecules that contribute to cell damage, disease, and signs of aging.

Antioxidants should also make the list of ingredients found in the best hydrating body cream. Like Coenzyme Q10, they help the body neutralize the damaging effects of sunrays, pollution, and other things that affect the body from the outside. Antioxidants are also known to neutralize the effects of damage that may occur inside the body, such as damage that happens as the result of oxidation, which is a reaction between oxygen molecules and other substances, including cells.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

fify

I have really sensitive skin and I get allergies very easily if I use anything which has too much perfume or dye in it. I can only use hypoallergenic and unscented body creams. I have never been able to use those flowery and fruity scented creams that girls love.

It doesn't bother me though, I don't really need perfume in my body cream anyway. I find it funny when people use scented body creams and then spray a perfume over it. My boyfriend is happy too because he can also use my unscented body cream. He wouldn't be able to if it smelled like vanilla!

I just bought a hypoallergenic firming body cream yesterday. I've gained some weight this winter so I'm hoping this cream will help me tighten things up a little bit.

bear78

@ddljohn-- Hey! Thanks for those tips! I'm just learning about body skincare and to be honest, this is the first time I'm hearing some of these terms like collagen and Coenxyme Q10.

I'm wondering, is there a certain age that we should start using these creams? Or is it better to start as early as possible?

Right now I'm using an organic body cream and I think it works well. It has almond essential oil in it and it smells really good. I actually bought it for the scent, which is probably not the best way to choose a body cream. But I'm glad I got a natural one because I don't want to put myself at risk for cancer in the future.

I know you said that a good body cream should absorb well. But I've noticed that my organic body cream does leave a slightly sticky and oily feeling behind. It doesn't really bother me though because I know it has natural oils in it.

Are there any all natural body creams that carry all of the qualities you mentioned?

ddljohn

When I was younger, I knew nothing about body lotions and would use whatever that came my way. To me hydrating body creme meant something that is really thick and heavy on the skin.

As I tried more and more products though (and better products), I realized that I've got it all wrong. A really thick body cream doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to nourish and hydrate your skin. What's important is how it absorbs. If it sits on top of your skin for hours and is all sticky and greasy, it means it's not working well.

A good hydrating body cream will be absorbed by your skin and disappear fairly quickly (I would say around 20 seconds). But when it does disappear, your skin should feel considerably soft and supple and should remain that way for a very long time. If the softness lasts for more than a day, it means that it's a very good hydrating body cream.

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    • A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger skin and older skin showing how the decrease in collagen in older skin can lead to wrinkles.
    • A hydrating body cream may contain antioxidants, among other ingredients.
      By: Africa Studio
      A hydrating body cream may contain antioxidants, among other ingredients.