Until recently, the best facial moisturizer on the market could only increase the skin's moisture content by about 5%. Glycerin is the ingredient that was considered the best moisturizer for face and body. But, now there's something new.

A company in New Zealand developed a protein-rich formula called Functional Keratin. Clinical studies have shown that creams containing it increase the skin's moisture content by over 20% after the first use. There are many other good things about this formula, too. I am sure that it is the best facial moisturizer in the world.

Most moisturizers are only temporarily effective. Functional Keratin has a lasting effect. When moisture content was measured 24 hours later, it was still over 20% higher than it had been before the cream was used. With continued use, it even improves the skin's ability to retain moisture, by another 11%.

For years we were told that the best moisturizer for face creams was an ingredient called petrolatum, which is really white petroleum jelly. It turns out that petrolatum is not actually moisturizing. It does not penetrate, so it provides no improvement at all. If you ever used a cream that felt greasy, it was because of petrolatum, or mineral oil, a similar ingredient.

The best moisturizer for face creams is obviously Functional Keratin, but there are some other important things to remember when you are shopping.

Even if you don't feel like you're the delicate type, the common irritants and allergens that are in most of the products on the market are gradually damaging your appearance. Even if you see no redness or irritation, these ingredients cause the release of inflammatory molecules. The body identifies them as unrecognizable toxins and seeks to get rid of them.

Free radicals become activated in response to a perceived pathogen. Since no pathogen is actually present, they become frenzied and do damage to the skin's cells and fibers. Free radical damage and chronic inflammation are two of the causes of cellular aging.

So, the best facial moisturizer is one that is free of irritants and allergens, including artificial preservatives and added fragrances. The best moisturizer for face and body is one that contains natural anti-inflammatories. Some of the other important ingredients are antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage.

The best facial moisturizer contains nothing but nutrients, because the skin's cells are just like all of the other cells of the body. They need nutrients to perform their daily functions and to reproduce.

In a young, healthy, well nourished person, the outermost layer of the epidermis is completely replaced once a month. As we age, this cellular replacement becomes much slower.

Functional Keratin is the best moisturizer for face creams because it stimulates skin cell replacement, by as much as 160% in as little as three days. When it comes to this product, the worse you look, the better the effect that you will see. It takes a little searching to find the best facial moisturizer, but once you do, you'll be glad you took the time.