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Skin Moisturizers to moisturize your skin

Moisturizers 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 moisturize the skin.

Facial Moisturizers, 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 moisturizing 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 moisturizers 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. A commonly used humectant is glycerine. Newer ingredients have been added to increase the effectiveness of this group of moisturizers, but still their effect remains temporary.

The second category of skin moisturizers comprise the newer water-in-oil emulsions. They are marketed generally as creams or lotions. Being oil-based products, these trap moisture in the skin by forming an absorbing film on the skin surface. This forms a barrier retarding water loss. Many of these products are also called anti­dehydrating creams.

How to choose your Moisturizer?

Choosing the moisturizer 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 moisturizers having a high oil content.

Moisturizers are, generally, not to be used on oily skins, because they can cause spots. But today safe synthetic chemicals are available ­ these oil-free moisturizers do not contain any mineral oils, vegetable oils or animal fat, but contain either modified oils or other synthetic ingredients. So now you can enjoy the luxury of using such products, even if you have an oily skin. Use them on patches of dryness caused by excessive use 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 makeup, as they give a superb finish to the make-up.

Is it worth using a moisturizer regularly?

Yes, regular use of a suitable moisturizer does benefit your skin. By guarding against the excessive loss of water, these agents protect the skin against the drying influences of the environment - the effects of sun, cold and heat. A moisturizer is particularly helpful for naturally dry skins, but whatever be your skin type a moisturizer does compensate for the deficiencies in the natural oil-film and keeps your skin lubricated making it soft, smooth and looking more youthful.

Further, moisturizers give a smooth finish to makeup. Putting on a light moisturizing cream will make makeup much easier to apply and reduce the risk of dragging the skin.

Most dermatologists agree that moisturizers effectively combat skin dryness and
make the skin soft and supple. But the role of special ingredients, like vitamins, proteins, collagen and hormones, in many of the expensive creams is quite doubtful. In fact, it is only the simple lubricating action of the ingredients in the creams that do any good. So using exotic oils (such as deer oil) instead of ordinary oils, will not make the moisturizer any more effective, though it will add enormously to the cost. However, certain natural and synthetic substances, humectants - like urea, lactic acid, and phospholipids, might improve the effectiveness of moisturizers as they increase the hydration of the skin.