Moisturisers are a common cosmetic and health product. One that we often use without much thought to its ingredients. They tend to work well, especially when the right moisturiser is used in the right situation-so here’s how to choose a moisturiser:
The Ingredients in Moisturiser
Moisturisers help retain water and replenish your skin‘s natural protective properties. Moisturisers are made up of 3 different groups of ingredients with distinct properties. First, we have Humectants That absorb water and keep the top layer of skin moist. Some of the more commonly used humectants are Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Propylene Glycol
The second group are called Emollients. These ingredients provide a filling material that retains water and seals the small fissures and cracks in the skin. Commonly used Emollients include Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter.
The last group of ingredients are called Occlusives. They are used to form a protective layer over your skin to retain moisture. Commonly used Occlusives include Cetyl Alcohol, Lanolin and Petroleum jelly.
How To Choose a Moisturiser
Moisturisers can include all 3 groups of ingredients. But specialised moisturisers for facial use tend to contain fewer occlusives, as they can block the fine facial pores. Moisturisers meant to soften the dry skin on your feet tend to favour greater use of occlusives.
Moisturisers that provide protection in drier environments often contain an emollient as well as a humectant. The emollient helps to seal the moisture in and prevent the drying of the humectant. This is especially important in dry climates, or in windy situations.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the skin. It is easily degraded by the ultraviolet light present in natural sunlight. So if you are spending time outside, you may wish to consider a moisturiser that includes hyaluronic acid and apply it frequently to ensure the best moisture retention for your skin. Never replace a sunscreen cream with moisturiser, but instead moisturise a short time before applying sunscreen, and again after you have finished in the sun. This will leave the sunscreen cream to do its job effectively.
Whichever type of moisturiser you choose, making sure it is regularly used will always be more effective than trying to correct dry flaky skin in one or two infrequent applications.
If you have any tips on how to choose a moisturiser share them below