Label Reading
It is important that you read the label and the ingredients properly before you buy any cosmetic product. Not only reading them, but also understanding properly the function of the ingredients mentioned is required.
In the US moisturizer sales sum up to $1 billion each year. As it is known, there are quite a few options in terms of products. Here let us take a look at the basic components of the moisturizer.
Humectants – these are ingredients which are capable of replenishing the moisture that has been lost making the skin dry. These are water soluble which are capable of attracting moisture to the skin from the outside environment as well as the underlying epidermis. This though is not ideal and that is why humectants should be mixed with other agents. Humectants commonly known are sorbitol, glycerin and alpha hydroxyl acids.
Occlusives – these help in retaining the moisture of your skin. These ingredients are oily in nature and decrease the rate of water loss from the skin. At times, they overdo their function and the skin may feel excessively greasy and hence they are normally combined with humectants.
Emollients – when the skin loses moisture, the cells curl up especially at the edges and it feels rough. It is at this time that we apply moisturizer for a soothing effect. The skin feels smooth after the application. This is due to the emollients which fill in the gap between the skin cells and a soft and luminous skin is created. Good quality moisturizers have all the 3 components, i.e. humectants, occlusives and emollients.
We hope that the above information has been enlightening and will henceforth help you when you shop for moisturizer or other products meant for applying on the skin. Good quality skin care products are a must for a healthy skin.
