Moisturisers play an important role in maintaining skin health and hydration.
They are the second basic step in daily skin care routine. They are commonly prescribed by dermatologists in their day to day practice. They form the major step in controlling a few skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis etc.
why one should apply moisturizer?
Maintains skin health by improving skin hydration.
Forms a protective barrier against infections and friction.
Fills in the gaps present between skin layers.
Has antipruritic (anti itching) and anti inflammatory properties.
Has anti mitotic (reduces abnormal cell formation), especially useful in psoriasis.
Aids in wound healing.
Treats skin disorders associated with dryness and impaired barrier function like atopic dermatitis, eczema.
Helps in reducing aging signs like fine lines.
Can be photo protective.
Can be used as primer before makeup.
Types of moisturizers
There are three main types of moisturizers depending on their mechanism of action,
- Emollients: They are mainly lipids and oils, which hydrate and improve the skin softness, flexibility, and smoothness. Eg : squalene, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, jojoba oil, etc.
- Humectants: They are basically hygroscopic compounds which mean they attract water from two sources, from the dermis into the epidermis and in humid conditions from the environment. Eg : Urea, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid etc.
- Occlusives: They are substances that physically block water loss from the skin. Eg : Petrolatum, paraffin, lanolin acid, stearic acid, Acetyl Alcohol etc.
Nowadays, active ingredients like collagen, keratin, ceramides, peptides and sunscreen agents are also added to moisturisers to give photo protective and anti aging properties.
Dispensing formulations
Moisturisers are available as
- Lotions – preferred for body and large surface areas.
- Creams – preferred for face and hands.
- Ointments – preferred where occlusive effect is needed like in eczemas or infections.
- Gels – preferred for skin folds and for acne prone skin.
WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO APPLY MOISTURISER?
Moisturisers are the second step in a basic skin care routine.
Face moisturisers are different from body moisturisers
Lotions are preferred for the body and creams/gels are preferred for face mostly.
Ideally, one should apply moisturiser
2-3 times in a day
Apply adequate amount to cover the concerned area
Apply on a slightly wet surface
Glycerine and Urea based moisturisers are good for the body.
Ceramides and Hyaluronic acid based moisturisers are good for the face.
If you have dry skin issues or any chronic skin condition, you should apply moisturiser more often.
Choose fragrance free moisturisers if you have sensitive skin.
Moisturisers not only provide hydration, but also improve barrier function and protect against infections or friction. They also reduce aging signs. That’s why it is important to apply moisturiser daily, repeatedly and religiously and in all seasons.
