Introduction:
Moisturizing agents are incorporated into skincare and haircare products with the primary function of preventing the loss of moisture from skin and hair. Various compounds with moisturizing effects include proteins, acids, polysaccharides, and some molecules like aloe vera, glycerin, and sorbitol.
What Are the Types of Moisturizing Agents?
There are three types of moisturizing agents, such as
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Emollients: These are oil-based moisturizers that rebuild the lost lipids in the skin and are available as gels, ointments, and lotions. They act as hydrating agents for rough and dry skin and help balance the microbiota in the skin.
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Humectants: These agents extract moisture from the environment and lock it into the epidermis. They contain hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, amino acids, and glycerol.
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Occlusives: These agents form a physical barrier on the skin and prevent water loss. They can be silicone, wax, or oil-based with a thick consistency and are commonly used for individuals with skin disorders causing skin dryness.
How Are Emollients Available?
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Emollients are available in various forms as follows,
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Lotions: These products are thin, can easily spread, and are recommended to use on damaged skin.
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Sprays: These can be absorbed quickly and are used for areas that are hard to reach.
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Creams: These products can be absorbed quickly and are used during the daytime.
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Soap Substitutes: The skin conditions can be improved by using emollient soaps instead of normal soap for handwashing and bathing.
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Leave-on Products: They can form a protective barrier over the skin and trap moisture. They also contain certain ingredients that treat or prevent skin conditions.
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What Are the Safety Precautions to Be Followed While Using Emollients?
- Keep emollients away from flames, fire, and cigarettes, as they can easily catch fire.
- Use a clean spatula to remove emollients to prevent product contamination.
- Keep emollients away from children as they may develop adverse symptoms in children with atopic eczema.
What Are the Personal Care Products That Contain Humectants?
- Shampoo.
- Conditioner.
- Body lotions.
- Face cleanser.
- Lip balm.
- Eye creams.
How Do Humectants Work?
The skin surface consists of dead skin cells clogging up its surface. The humectants help in breaking down those dead cells. This process is called desquamation. But when the moisture content in the corneal layer is reduced to 10%, the skin tends to dry. So as soon as the humectants break down the dead cells, they draw water from deep layers of the skin.
What Are the Types of Humectants?
The most common types of humectants are,
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Hyaluronic Acid: This is a naturally available molecule in our body, but as we age, its production decreases. This leads to drying and aging of the skin. The hyaluronic acid used in skincare products is made in laboratories.
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Glycerin: It is also a naturally occurring substance in plants and animals. The glycerin in personal care products is derived from soya beans and sugarcane.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids: These acids, such as lactic acid, citric acid, and glycolic acids, help in drawing water and removing dead cells. Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane, lactic acid is from milk, and citric is derived from citrus fruits.
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Aloe Vera: It acts as a humectant and emollient derived from the aloe vera plant.
How Do Occlusives Work?
Occlusives are protective barriers that do not allow water to escape from the skin's surface and keep the skin protected against irritants, allergens, and other harmful substances.
How Can Occlusives Be Used in Your Routine?
Occlusives are one of the ingredients in moisturizers. But if you wish to have double protection, adding an occlusive product such as petroleum jelly to your routine is good. But the occlusives should be applied at the last step of your routine.
Who Should Not Use Occlusives?
Individuals with oily skin or acne-prone are advised not to use occlusives as the products with occlusives have heavy consistency.
Why Do We Need Moisturizers?
Individuals with dry and rough skin typically use moisturizers. However, a moisturizer should be a primary product in the daily skin care of every individual as it has the following benefits.
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Anti-inflammation: Some moisturizers have components like palmitoyl-ethanolamine, ceramide, and telmesteine that can provide a soothing effect on inflamed skin.
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Antipruritic: Water-based moisturizers provide a cooling effect as they contain substances like methanol, thereby reducing itchy symptoms.
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Antimitotic: Due to their antimitotic property, mineral oils are found beneficial for psoriasis, characterized by increased mitotic activity.
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Wound Healing: Hyaluronic acid accelerates the wound healing process.
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Sun Protection: The moisturizer helps in protecting the skin from sun damage.
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Anti Aging: Some moisturizers contain antioxidants that fight against free radicals and prevent your skin from aging.
What Are the Types of Moisturizers Used for Different Skin Types?
What Are the Disadvantages of Over-Moisturizing Your Skin?
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Application of moisturizers too much can often lead to clogged pores, breakouts, blackheads, and skin dryness. The extra moisturizer settles on your skin and attracts dust and pollutants, which does not allow the skin to breathe and thus makes it dull and lifeless.
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The chemicals, along with the moisturizing agents in the moisturizers, are found to cause allergies and cause skin damage. They disturb the natural sebum production activity of the skin and lead to a lack of nutrients in the skin.
Conclusion:
Various ingredients are present in different cosmetic products used in our skincare routine. They have their benefits and side effects and act differently for different skin types. So finding the right products with the best moisturizing agent is the best way to stay away from the side effects and experience only its benefits.
