Skin Moisturisers

Moisturisers are cosmetic products which to some extent provide a practical answer to problems of water lossfrom 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 moisturise the skin. Moisturisers, therefore, combine both water and oil. This not only replaces some of the waterlost from the skin, but more importantly prevents its loss to the surroundings.

There are several moisturising 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 moisturisers 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 dry-ness. A commonly used humectant is glycerine. Newer ingredients have been added to increase the efficacy of this group of moisturisers, but still their effect remains temporary.

The second category of moisturisers comprise the newer water-in-oil emulsions. They are marketed generally creams or lotions. Being oil-based products, these trap moisture in the skin by forming anocclusive film on the skin surface; this forms a barrier retarding water loss.Many of these products are also called anti-dehydrating creams.

Skin Moisturizing Tips

The purpose of moisturizing is to return to the skin the moisture (not necessarily the oil) it loses naturally during the day and to protect it from the environment. Moisturizers do this quickly and effectively with almost immediate results. If you have never used one, try it and after two days you are sure to see a remarkable difference. A moisturizer is a supplement to your skin (like putting a fertilizer in your garden), which needs moisture to grow.

Some people think that all you have to do with your skin is moisturize, moisturize and moisturize some more. That's just not true; all that cream could be clogging up your pores. First you need to wage a campaign against dryness and dehydration from the inside.

One way to do this is to drink eight glasses of water a day. This may sound difficult but is easier than you might think.

Moisturizing the skin on your body should be done after a shower or a bath (not in the shower or bathtub because you'll either slip or leave a slippery film for the next person). Use baby oil or a body cream made for this purpose, and rub it in all over. Then blot off the excess with a towel. Easy-all you have to do is do it.

Choosing a moisturizer

Moisturizing your face takes a little more thought. First you have to choose a moisturizer that complements the kind of skin you have. Very oily skin may not need to be moisturized at all. If you have truly dehydrated skin, use a heavier moisturizer (you may also want to use a night cream for additional moisturizing while you sleep). For the rest of us, moisturizing is also a necessity, not a luxury.

How to moisturize your skin

After some practice you will get to know your skin well, and you will know when to moisturize differently at different times. When your skin is dry on your cheeks but is particularly oily in your "T" zone, you should moisturize only the dry areas and leave the "T" zone alone (or you can put some astringent on the ''T'' zone to get rid of the excess oil). If at other times your skin seems even in its condition and texture, use your light moisturizer allover your face.

The only rule is: moisturize. For most people, moisturizing in the evening and in the morning is the best idea. Do remember-after some education and practice, the best judge of how to treat your own skin is you.

Before applying your moisturizer, clean your hands and face and then use an astringent if that is part of your program. Now moisten your face and your neck with some tepid water (or with spray from an atomizer) because applying moisturizer on damp skin seals in the water. Now put a small amount of moisturizer on your fingertips and gently pat it at various spots on your face. Don't pullor stretch the skin-smooth on the moisturizer softly and carefully. Now you are ready to put on your foundation or to go out and face the world as you are. Your skin is clean, moisturized and protected from the elements. An added note-if you don't wear any makeup, try to at least brush some translucent powder on your face after you have applied the moisturizer. This will give you added protection from the air.