Image: iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer
About This Quiz
Moisturizing. It's a chore, but the experts agree: If you don't do it regularly, your skin will suffer. But there are so many different kinds -- what's right for you? This quiz could give you a little more confidence in the moisturizer aisle.
After a shower or bath, you should towel off completely before applying moisturizer.
fact
fiction
almost fact: Towel off, but live your skin a little damp.
Post-shower, you should pat (not rub) yourself dry and apply moisturizer within five minutes.
Advertisement
Creams and ointments are more moisturizing than lotions.
fact
Yes, it's true -- if you have severely dry skin, creams and ointments are the way to go.
fiction
almost fact: Creams, ointments, lotions -- whatever you call them, they're all the same.
Advertisement
You should never put straight petroleum jelly on your skin.
fact
fiction
Petroleum jelly is highly moisturizing, but people tend to avoid it because they think it's too greasy.
almost fact: You can use it, but only on rougher skin, like your heels.
Advertisement
A hyperbolic moisturizer helps slough off dead skin cells.
fact
fiction
almost fact: It's actually a keratolytic moisturizer that helps your skin shed cells.
Keratolytic moisturizers that contain lactic or salicylic acid are good for moisturizing and exfoliating.
Advertisement
A cleanser that contains hyaluronic acid will moisturize your face as it cleans it.
fact
Hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain water, so it does moisturize as it cleans.
fiction
almost fact: Hyaluronic acid cleansers penetrate the epidermis better than other cleansers, but they don't moisturize.
Advertisement
Moisturizers with retinoids are some of the best anti-aging products because they protect against sun damage.
fact
fiction
almost fact: Retinoids are effective because they encourage skin-cell turnover.
Retinoids diminish signs of aging by increasing cell turnover. They might also build collagen.
Advertisement
When it comes to body lotions, one good ingredient to look for is sodium lauryl sulfate.
fact
fiction
almost fact: Sodium lauryl sulfate is actually an ingredient to avoid.
Sodium lauryl sulfate, a common ingredient in soap, actually dries the skin.
Advertisement
As a rule of thumb, people with very dry skin should use moisturizers that come in tubs as opposed to pump bottles.
fact
Tub moisturizers are thicker than bottled lotions, and thicker products are more moisturizing.
fiction
almost fact: People with dry skin should use moisturizers in squeeze bottles.
Advertisement
If you have dry skin or eczema, look for moisturizers that contain glycerin or lactic acid.
fact
True. Other good ingredients for extra-dry skin are urea and ceramides.
fiction
almost fact: It's people with oily skin who should use lotions with glycerin and lactic acid.
Advertisement
Hand and face creams often have many of the same ingredients.
fact
It is strange to think about, but the thin skin on your hands responds to many ingredients in much the same way the face does.
fiction
almost fact: Hand and body creams have similar ingredient lists.
Advertisement
You Got:
/10
iStockphoto.com/webphotographeer
