Whenever I write about night cream or other skincare products, I advise people to read the list of ingredients. But, suddenly, I realized there is a problem with that. Unless you are familiar with plant nomenclature, you can never figure out what’s really in those night creams. So, I’m trying to make it a little easier for you.
Warning Labels
First of all, night cream should contain no irritants or allergens. If you see a warning label that says “test on an inconspicuous area”, there are known allergens and/or irritants in the bottle. So, put it back on the shelf.
Another warning label is a good tip off. “Discontinue use if rash develops or worsens”. Well, if you develop a rash after using a product, don’t wait on it to “worsen”, discontinue use immediately. Better still, if you see this label on night creams, don’t buy it.
You may run into some problems if you order night creams through the mail or on the internet, because often the warning labels are not mentioned at the website. After all, they want to sell you this product. They know that once you get it in the mail, you are unlikely to return it. But, still, it’s a good idea to look for a satisfaction guarantee, just to be safe.
Fragrance - What is it and Why?
One ingredient that’s easy to spot and will weed out a lot of losers is “fragrance”. One company actually uses the term “aroma”. You should avoid night cream that contains lists either term.
Essential oils, such as lavender, are sometimes pleasant to use in the bath, but you really don’t want to smell them all night. It’s best to look for a product that is fragrance-free. Many of the chemicals used to create fragrances are toxic to the nervous system. Since manufacturers are not required to disclose the “actual” chemicals that are used to create the scent, it’s best to simply avoid scented products.
"Broken Skin" & Night Creams
Another common warning label is “do not use on broken skin”. The best night creams help heal irritated or “broken” skin. They contain ingredients like honey and avocado, both of which are moisturizing, soothing, softening and healing. You might call them “therapeutic”.
I have seen some really strange ingredients in night cream and there’s no way to mention them all here. But, one of the most common and cheapest ingredients is petrolatum or mineral oil. These petroleum byproducts interfere with the natural rejuvenation process that occurs while you sleep.
Night Creams Solutions
Look for night creams that contain plant oils, instead. Avocado, as I mentioned above, is a good one and very compatible with the skin’s own oils. Shea butter is another excellent choice. If you can find a product that contains them both, along with honey, you probably have a winner.
Anti-aging Tip
If you want an anti-aging lotion, you should look for one that contains Functional Keratin, a protein extracted from sheep’s wool. It has been shown to increase skin cell proliferation, reduce wrinkles, inflammation and redness.
Now you know some things to look for in an effective night cream, but remember to check out those warning labels, before you buy.
