Moisturisers - Moisturisers Information

How do moisturisers work?

Moisturisers are cosmetic products which to some extent provide a practical answer to problems of water loss from the skin. Though water is the missing ingredient, in dry skins, application of water alone is not the solution as this has only a temporary effect. Though oil is equally essential (it serves to hold water on to the skin surface), it alone also can't moisturise the skin. Moisturisers, therefore, combine both water and oil. This not only replaces some of the water lost from the skin, but more importantly prevents its loss to the surroundings. There are several moisturising products available in the market. They all fall, basically, into 2 main types: oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions.

The oil-in-water moisturisers sometimes also contain substances called humectants which attract water from the surroundings, but this may have its own disadvantage because humectants may sometimes absorb too much water from the skin itself thereby increasing its dryness. Acommonly used humectant is glycerine. Newer ingredients have been added to increase the efficacy of this group of moisturisers, but still their effect remains temporary.

The second category of moisturisers comprise the newer water-in-oil emulsions. They are marketed generally as creams or lotions.
Beingoil-based products, these trap moisture in the skin by forming anocclusive film on the skin surface; this forms a barrier retarding water loss. Many of these products are also called anti dehydrating creams.

How to choose your moisturiser

Choosing the moisturiser to suit your skin type is very very important.The proportion of oil varies according to the type of skin for which the product is formulated. The label on the product generally states this so do read the instructions carefully! Generally speaking, products meant for well balanced normal skins are water-based, containing a little oil. Those designed for dry skins make up for the lack of oil on the skin, by adding oil to the skin. Humectants like glycerine and lactic acid, are also added to retain moisture. 'Sensitive' skins also need moisturisers having a high oil content.

Moisturisers are, generally, not to be used on oily skins, because they can cause spots. But today safe synthetic chemicals are available - these oil-free moisturisers do not contain any mineral oils, vegetable oils or animal fat, but contain either modified oils or other synthetic ingredients. Sonow you can enjoy the luxury of using such products, even if you have an oily skin. Use them on patches of dryness caused by excessiveuse of anti-pimple remedies, yet don't use them too often or too liberally.

Now, newer light non-greasy creams and lotions are also available - these are as effective as the heavy, thick and greasy creams and
are competitively priced. They are the best type to be worn under-make-up, as they give a superb finish to the make-up.