What You Need To Know About Pampering Your Skin When Moisturising

The skin is the body’s largest organ and requires regular attention to stay young, blemish-free and healthy. Regularly using lotion and moisturizer should be a part of any good skin care regimen, OR BEAUTY ROUTINE

Moisturizing Reduces Skin Problems – Moisturizing everyday can reduce the chance of developing extreme dryness or oiliness. Both extremes are harmful for skin and cause common skin conditions like acne.

THE SCIENCE OF MOISTURISING

WHAT IS A HUMECTANT?

A cosmetic humectant is defined as a substance that moisturises the skin but it does this in a very specific way. As hydrophilic, or water-loving ingredients, humectants attract water to the skin as opposed to two other moisturising ingredients – occlusives and emollients – which act to reduce water loss or to enhance skin penetration of hydrating molecules. Occlusives include butters and waxes and emollients are ingredients such as squalane and triglycerides.

HOW DOES A NATURAL HUMECTANT WORK IN SKINCARE?

The function of humectants is to draw water either from the air to the skin or from the dermis (a deeper layer of our skin) to the stratum corneum (outer layer of the skin). Which of these two happens really depends on the humidity of the air.

In areas where the humidity is high, it is likely that the water is drawn from the air. However, if the humidity is low, or in other words the air is dry, the water needs to come from the skin itself. In this case, the skin pulls moisture from the dermis to the surface. This is why, in some cases, humectants can be drying rather than moisturising. What we need to remember is that not everything is black and white. Skincare ingredients and products need to work in synergy in order to maintain the skin in optimal condition.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOISTURIZING

Now that we’ve covered why moisturizing is important for healthy skin, these quick tips will help retain your natural glow:

Hot showers and baths are not good for your skin. Shower for a shorter amount of time and with warm water. You’ll see the difference in your skin. Always make sure you Watch the temperature of water –

Pat dry, don’t rub dry – After a shower gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing your skin dry. By patting dry your skin will retain more moisture you are going to seal in when you moisturize.

The importance of drinking water cannot be over emphasised, Drink more water – the moisture your skin receives also comes from your body. Drink at least 8 cups of water every day!

Use mild soaps or bath – soaps and shampoos that contain alcohol strip natural oils from your skin. Look for a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that has aloe minerals and vitamins.

Use a humidifier – If needed, a humidifier can add much needed moisture to the air.