Moisturizers help replenish skin by replenishing it and preventing moisture loss, increasing hydration levels and repairing barrier function. Furthermore, moisturizers also combat signs of aging and soothe irritation.
Oily skin needs non-comedogenic moisturizers to avoid clogging pores and creating excess shine, while those with dry skin need richer moisturizers containing occlusive agents and emollients for maximum hydration.
Moisturizing
Moisturizers are one of the primary methods recommended by dermatologists for maintaining skin hydration. Moisturizers come in the form of lotions, creams and ointments and may include rejuvenating ingredients to combat signs of aging and promote overall healthy skin.
Moisturizers’ primary function is to stop water loss and promote hydration, but they can also help manage symptoms associated with certain conditions like eczema such as flaking and itching. This course explores the physiology of skin barrier performance as well as how specific ingredients found in moisturizing products like lipids, ceramides, penetration enhancers and preservatives affect its performance as well as clinical outcomes.
Your skin constantly loses moisture as water travels up through its epidermis and evaporates into the air, so moisturizing is so vital. Moisturizers either trap moisture in the skin itself, or absorb it from outside and use an emulsion or more recently liposomes to trap it.
Anti-Aging
Moisturizers can help reduce wrinkles and dark spots by moisturizing regularly; for optimal results, choose formulas containing wrinkle-fighting ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide.
Ingredients used in anti-aging creams may include humectants (which attract moisture), emollients (which soften skin), and occlusives (which seal in that moisture). Furthermore, active wrinkle ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinol may visibly decrease fine lines and firm the skin.
An effective moisturizer can even skin tone, improve collagen levels and diminish brown spots. Mary Kay’s Good Housekeeping Seal star cream is oil-free and non-comedogenic – ideal for oily or combination skin types alike – plus, in testing conducted at GH Beauty Lab over two weeks it improved firmness as well as reduced the appearance of lines, creases, crow’s feet. With its light texture absorbing quickly without leaving an oily residue. Made up of Life Plankton extract and A. flos-aquae (also known as blue retinol), both known to promote cell turnover for wrinkle reduction.
SPF Protection
Unless you want to add yet another step to your morning routine, sunscreen moisturizers that include SPF may be suitable if time is short in the morning and water-repellency is not an issue; but keep in mind they often have lower SPF ratings than traditional sunscreens and may not offer water resistance protection compared to their full spectrum SPF 30+ counterparts. Christenson recommends applying at least 30 SPF protection when going outdoors.
La Roche Posay offers this moisturizer that targets redness, strengthens the skin barrier and provides UVA/UVB protection while offering powerful antioxidant protection from free radical damage – all while offering UVA/UVB coverage. Plus, white tea extract is included for additional antioxidative protection!
SPF numbers indicate how long it could take your skin to burn when wearing the product in laboratory tests; however, SPF ratings don’t take into account changes in UVB radiation intensity and environmental conditions that influence sunburn risk. Also, SPF values don’t show how effective products are at protecting against UVA rays that penetrate deeper and cause long-term sun damage such as premature aging and skin cancer.
Choosing the Right Moisturizer
Moisturizing is a key step in maintaining healthy skin care routine. But with so many moisturizers on the market, selecting one may prove challenging. In this video from dermatologist Alejandra Estemalik, she offers advice for selecting suitable moisturizers based on specific skin types.
She states that moisturizers generally fall into three main categories: occlusives, humectants and emollients. A good moisturizer will include ingredients from each group to keep skin hydrated and soft.
If you have oily skin, it is wise to choose a lightweight non-comedogenic moisturizer which won’t clog your pores. People with combination skin may require something similar but with added occlusives like glycerin or dimethicone for added hydration or lotion with hyaluronic acid for moisture retention. People with dry skin on either their face or body can benefit from heavier moisturizing cream with emollients; an ointment might be better for severe conditions like ichthyosis or dermatitis; always avoid scents or botanical products since these could lead to allergic reactions in those susceptible.
