Get to know moisturizers
Usually, we use moisturizers to prevent and treat dry skin. But you know, moisturizers can do much more than you think. They can protect your sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections.

Basically, moisturizers keep water in the outermost layer of skin while acting as barrier which allows damaged surface cells time to repair themselves. Many moisturizers contain 4 important parts:

1. Humectants: Examples are urea, glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, others. They absorb water from the air and keep the moisture in the skin. Humectants need very high humidity levels to be effective. Humectants are also useful in softening thickened or scaly skin.

2. Emollients: Examples are butyl stearate, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, others. They help replace lipids, and smooth and lubricate rough skin. There are 2 main types of emollients:

     2.1 Oil-based emollients: They have a small amount of water dissolved in oil. Oil-based creams leave a slight residue on the skin and have more staying power than water-based creams do.

     2.2 Water-based emollients: They are primarily water and have a light, nongreasy feel. Water-based creams are easier to apply and don't leave much of a residue, but they don't have as much staying power.

Water-based creams are more commonly found than the oil-based ones. Examples of the water based creams are Vanicream and Cetaphill. Eucerin is an example of an oil-based cream.

3. Fragrances: Many moisturizers have fragrances to give the products an attractive smell. However, you need to be careful because fragrances in skin care products are likely to cause skin irritations and allergies.  

4. Preservatives: Products with water and oil must contain one or more preservatives to prevent bacterial contamination after the product is opened. Preservatives can sometimes cause skin reactions. The kinds that seem to cause problems are quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea.

After using a moisturizer for some time, if it does not improve your skin condition or your facial skin has problems after using it, you should see a doctor or dermatologist for help.

Generally, we can look for moisturizers in the market ourselves by choosing the ones that suit our skin type. However, some of you may have sensitive skin, which is prone to skin problems if you use a wrong type of product. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to recommend likely-effective moisturizers for you.

Healthy skin begins with a fine quality moisturizer. Spending time looking for moisturizers suitable for your skin type is not a waste of time.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 July 2008 )