When it comes to looking good the old adage that beauty is skin deep might just ring true. This is where day creams come in. Nothing helps protect your skin from future wrinkles and crow’s feet like these creams. Day creams differ from night creams in that they invariably contain SPF to protect one’s skin from the harmful UV rays.

Keep it simple
“If you have older, dryer skin, spend long stretches of time in an air-conditioned environment or the sun, you should use a day cream,” recommends cosmetic dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar. The mantra for day creams is what’s simple often works best. Complicating it with too many ingredients could lead to unpleasant skin reactions and allergies. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel says, “It can be as simple as calamine lotion mixed with aloe vera.” For older skins, she recommends brands like Clinique, La Prairie, Lancôme, Elizabeth Arden and Clarins. “One can even try mineral make-up,” she adds. Big internationally, mineral make-up has just started gaining popularity in India. Unlike traditional products, this make-up is based on a hypoallergenic loose powder which contains no perfume, talc, alcohol, dyes or preservatives.

Check what goes in
It is imperative to read the back of a day cream before you buy it to see its list of ingredients. One absolute no-no is a day cream that contains photosensitising or exfoliating agents like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, organic dyes, hydroquinone and PABA-based ingredients as these absorb UV rays and react to it causing skin to become red and irritated when exposed to the sun. Ideally, a good cream should contain a hydrating agent like jojoba oil or glycerine which will replenish skin that is dehydrated. “A nourishing agent like Vitamin E as well as SPF 15 to protect skin is vital,” feels Dr Snehal Sriram, the head of medical services at Kaya Skin Advisory. While Goel suggests chamomile for dehydrated skin, copper peptides for pigmented skin and safflower oil, grape seed and cocoa butter for wrinkled skin. ‘Water’ is another biggie. As important for the body as it is for the skin. “Using a water-based lotion ensures that the cream is easily absorbed and ideal,” advises Sthalekar.

What works best
Oily/combination or normal skin
“Go in for a mildly perfumed cream but not one which contains musk as this attracts UV rays,” cautions Sriram. Avoid oil-based products which could trigger acne, try water-based ones instead.

Dry or sensitive skin
Use non-perfumed products to avoid allergies. An oil-based product will work better as it will form a protective coating of lipids on dry skin. “But in the case of sensitive skin, it is better to get a dermatologist to recommend a specific product. For instance, a whitening ingredient may adversely affect certain skin types,” points out Sriram.

Do a patch test
Always, always do a patch test to determine if a cream works for you. Apply a bit of the cream on a two inch spot on your neck or inner forearm. Leave it on for 24 hours. Then reapply the next day and check for reactions. If skin turns red or feels itchy, discontinue use.

Application
Apply the cream in circular motions on face and neck a half hour before stepping outdoors. Day creams need to soak in so wait for 20 minutes before applying any make-up.