Are we moisturising correctly?
The human body is made up of around 60% water and the skin being the largest organ automatically needs its fair share of water. So apart from chugging down our daily dose of H2O another way of replenishing the water lost is the topical way.
Of course, the majority of us know and use moisturisers, duh! And when you look at the ingredients, water is always first on the list. However, there is more to just slathering moisturiser on our skin. In other words, how can we maximise absorption into the skin and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
Okay, you're wondering what trans-epidermal water loss is. Basically, it's water loss from within the layers of our skin, the dermis. This is especially the case when the skins protective layer is damaged.
Most dermatologists suggest the optimal way of moisturising is to start on damp skin. Some who like to layer moisturisers often use facial sprays to keep the layers hydrated. Almost all moisturisers contain ingredients like Glycerin and Sodium hyaluronate which act as humectants. This means these water-loving molecules attract water from their surroundings and into your skin. To prevent them from absorbing water from within the layers of your skin and thereby drying it out is the reason why moisturising on damp skin is ideal.
To lock in all this moisture and stop it from evaporating into the environment an occlusive layer is important as the last step. Such ingredients can be oils, butter, petrolatum and silicones; most of which can be used separately or found included in a moisturiser.
Another less often talked about instance is that of over-moisturizing. As the term suggests, when our skin receives more than its required amount of moisturiser, you will see adverse reactions. Redness and whiteheads are commonly reported. While using a moisturiser, the key is to use just the right amount so your skin doesn't feel tight or stretchy.
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