How Do Moisturizers Work?

One of the current wonders of cosmetics is the humble moisturizer. They come in so many types and forms but still with the same content that sometimes, it is just more of a matter of finding what is compatible with your skin. Dermatologists suggest that you use a moisturizer regularly to ensure that your skin retains its color and "life". But do you know how moisturizers work?

Your skin has two main layers. The upper layer is called the epidermis while the lower one is termed as the dermis. In the epidermis, there are four known sub-layers: the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum and stratum corneum. There is another layer, a fifth one called stratum lucidum, but you only get to have it in really thick areas of your skin like the one in your heels.

When you use a moisturizer, water in your stratum corneum is held. This is why moisturizers are known to prevent drying of your skin. Oil, which naturally makes the skin smoother and softer, is also preserved by a moisturizer.

There are generally two types of moisturizers: water-based and oil-based. A water-based moisturizer feels less greasy when you apply it to your skin. Even at the onset of the application, you would notice that it is less consistent and relatively flimsy. Your skin gets to absorb this easily because it seeps through your pores. But oil-based moisturizers are somewhat different. They not only rehydrate your skin. They also fill in the spaces left in between your skin cells to replace the lipids you have lost through sweating.

According to ingredients, there are also other categories of moisturizers. You have the humectants, which help in generating water from the dermis for the use of the upper layer of your skin. Humectants have ingredients like glycerin and urea. Also, there is the occlusive agent like the silicone that puts up a hindrance to prevent loss of water. Finally, there is the emollient. It is used mainly to flatten flaky cells in her skin.

Dermatology experts agree that use of moisturizers is something you should do every day to rejuvenate your skin cells and ensure your rehydration. But it is also important that you ensure the compatibility of your skin to the chemical ingredients of your moisturizer. This would help you prevent the onset of conditions relevant to your skin like allergies and rashes. To prevent flaky skin rehydrate it with lotion.

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