Evescafe

Apart from ageing, dry and cold weather, excessive exposure o the sun and the chemicals in the air, constant exposure to air conditioning and heating and even make-up are all responsible for moisture depletion from the skin. This leads to dull and dehydrated skin, dryness, flaky and itchy skin, infections, eczema.

Hence, it is important to keep our skin well moisturized, as it performs many vital functions. The skin acts as a mechanical barrier to infections. It prevents micro-organisms and other substances from entering the body, prevents excessive water loss and regulates body temperature.

A moisturiser is an agent designed to make the top-most layer of the skin [stratum corneum] softer and more pliant by increasing its hydration. Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin, protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture.

On the most basic level, moisturizers hold water in the outermost layer of skin. They also act as a temporary barrier. Many moisturizers contain combination of humectants and emollients, as well as other ingredients. A large number of preparations are available, many of which are marketed as cosmetic and therapeutic moisturizers

WHAT DO MOISTURISERS CONTAIN?

Humectants [glycerin, urea, alpha hydroxyl acids]: These absorb water from the air and hold moisture in the skin. Humectants act better at high humidity levels and are also useful in softening thickened or scaly skin.

Emollients [lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum]: These ingredients fill spaces between the cells in the skin, helping replace lipids and thus smoothing and lubricating rough skin, Emollients are either oil- or water-based. Oil based creams leave a slight residue on the skin and have more staying power than water-based creams. Water-based creams are easier to apply and don’t leave much of a residue and hence are meant for oily skin.

Fragrances: Most moisturizers include fragrances which give the product a pleasing odour and cover up the smell of other ingredients. However, one must understand that fragrances in the skin care products are the most likely cause of skin irritations or contact allergies.

Preservatives: Any product that includes water and oil must contain one or more preservatives to help prevent bacterial contamination after the product is opened. Most products contain multiple preservatives. These ingredients can sometimes cause skin allergies or reactions.

Moisturisers may include other ingredients as well, such as minerals, plant extracts, sunscreens, antioxidants such as alpha lipoid acid, coenzyme Q10, grape seed extract, and vitamins A, C, E.