Moisturizing

Why the Skin Needs Moisturizers

As part of its natural process, in a perfect world, skin should be able to keep itself hydrated. In reality, however, irritants such as harsh cleansing products and excess exposure to environmental elements can upset the skin's natural balance. The conditions often remove the protective oil-based products in the skin thereby decreasing the effectiveness of its barrier. Because water can then evaporate from the skin more easily, the result can be drier skin- hence, the need for moisturizers.

Like toning, there are disagreements among experts about the necessity of moisturizing. Most agree that it is a necessary component of a daily skin care routine, but others put forth the following arguments. First, they recommend moisturizing only for people with dry skin. If you have normal or oily skin, you naturally are producing enough (or too much) moisture for your skin. Additionally, most people are using advanced skin care products with active ingredients meant to reduce or prevent the signs of aging. These products generally contain moisturizers as part of their ingredients and so it's not necessary to apply another product.

If there are extenuating circumstances such as exposure to dry climate or frequent water exposure, people with normal skin may want to consider a moisturizer as part of their daily regimen.

If you feel the need to moisturize, buy products that are oil-free or water-based. Moisturizers with oil in their ingredients tend to clog the pores of your skin.

When applying a moisturizer, use upward and outward strokes.

Moisturizers Based on Emulsions

Emulsion based moisturizers have a mixture of oil-based products and water. As oil and water don't mix, additives referred to as surfactants are added to keep the mixture stabilized. In this way, the product won't separate. Depending on the water-to-oil ratio, emulsions can be referred to as oil-in-water or water-in-oil. To be deemed "water-based", the amount of water added to the mixture must be greater than the amount of oil-soluble substance added.

Emulsions are useful for skin that produces too little sebum and is therefore very dry. This situation is particularly common in women during and after the menopause. Oil-in-water emulsions are generally heavier than normal moisturizers and can benefit those with very dry skin. If you have normal or oily skin, you should not use these products.

Water-proof moisturizers

Occlusive moisturizers may include petrolatum, mineral oil and siloxanes among their ingredients- imagine a Vaseline-type of consistency. Occlusive moisturizers cover the skin with a waterproof film through which water cannot evaporate or escape. Because occlusive moisturizers can clog pores and may produce other adverse side effects, they should only be employed for dry skin which is unresponsive to oil-water emulsions.

Moisturizers for oily skin types

Humectants are made from substances that can trap and hold water. They designed to attract water either from the environment or from the underlying dermis to the epidermis. Oil-free moisturizers are recommended for people who have normal to oily skin, but who still feel the need or desire to moisturize.

Moisturizers for dry skin types

Ordinary moisturizers last for about an hour or two before dissipating. However, if your skin is extremely dry or if you live in a very dry environment, you may want to consider long-lasting moisturizers. These moisturizers are generally a mix of both humectants and occlusive ingredients. Long-lasting moisturizers should only be employed for severe dryness.