What are they
Moisturizing products are usually creams or gels and act on the most superficial layer of the skin, the corneum. They are usually based on plant substances and help to maintain the balance of the hydrolipidic film that protects the skin.
Why they are used
Sun, wind, cold, pollution, improper nutrition, stress, diseases, aging, are all causes of dry skin. Even the use of too aggressive cleansers, especially on the face, can contribute to dehydration of the skin.
Dry skin is more prone to the onset of wrinkles and fine lines. A certain degree of sebum should therefore always be maintained and soaps and creams should be chosen according to your skin type and possibly equipped with sunscreens, even in winter.
How to choose them
The choice of moisturizing products depends on your skin type. Let’s see in detail the characteristics.
| Skin type | Most suitable features and products |
|---|---|
| Dry skin | The most suitable moisturizing products contain collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which form a sort of protective barrier and do not They allow the water contained in the skin to evaporate. Among the dry skin friendly substances are aloe vera, jojoba oil, rosehip oil and borage oil |
| Oily skin | It tends to be greasy so the best products have an effect mattifying, moisturizing but not too astringent. Creams are suitable fluids containing coconut oil, lavender oil, beeswax and propolis or vitamin C and vitamin A gels |
| Sensitive skin | The hydration of sensitive skin, that is, that it reddens easily and tends to manifest allergic reactions, it must be delicate. Products should not contain perfumes and dermatologists recommend to treat it mainly with specific thermal waters in spray |
How and where to use them
The skin must be cared for every day. Heating and air conditioning can dry out your skin at night or sweating can cause it to lose too much fluid.
In the morning, therefore, before applying the cream, the face should be cleansed with cleansing milk and a non-alcoholic tonic.
The product can also be used on the neck and décolleté, but not around the eyes where a specific product is to be applied.
The moisturizer also has a protective effect, barrier, against smog and indoor pollution.
Those who travel frequently by plane or on high-speed trains always carry their moisturizing product with them as the air conditioning tends to dry out the skin.
On the body, the moisturizer should be massaged after showering, especially on the areas most subject to dryness such as legs, arms and buttocks.
The feet also need hydration: for the extremities, creams are also refreshing, often based on chamomile, menthol and lavender.
For the hands, in contact with substances of all kinds (detergents, glues, dust, food, etc.) the cream is an obligation and must not only moisturize but nourish and protect.
The skin here is particularly thin and at risk of dryness and cracking, especially in winter.
Even antibacterial hand-washing gels, in the long run, can ruin them. Hydration yes, therefore, but the product must be rich in emollient substances such as shea butter, avocado or wheat germ oil.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.