Healthy skin is a goal that everyone should strive to achieve. The tone, texture, and even moisture of our skin can be improved with proper care. We rely on moisturizers to do a lot of the work, but most individuals do not know that the term stands in for general ointments and lotions. Each type of moisturizer may be classified in a variety of groups, with most of them being emollients, humectants, or occlusives. When choosing the moisturizer for your skin, you need to know the difference between each of these types.
The Importance of Moisturizing Your Skin
We all have cabinets full of the best skin care products for our skin. While there are a variety of formulas that claim to make your skin better, moisturizers are important to add to your daily routine. Moisturizers provide a benefit that other skin care products are unable to touch. These benefits can include improving the glow of your skin and plumping up the skin cells. Hydrating your outer skin can help your skin feel less dry and get rid of unwanted redness, itchiness, and flakiness. One of the most celebrated advantages of moisturizers is the anti-aging benefits they have on your skin. Physicians such as Dr. Wright understand that moisturizers help add natural moisturizing factors back into our skin, including hyaluronic acid and lipids. Choosing the right formula for your moisturizer will help you find the benefits your skin really needs.
Humectant Moisturizers
To counteract products that dry your skin out such as soaps and alcohol, Dr. Wright recommends using humectants. This formula helps your skin extract water molecules from the surrounding air and bring them back into your skin. You will not find the term ‘humectant’ on the bottle of moisturizers, so instead look for ingredients such as amino acids, honey, sugar alcohols, aloe vera, ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, among others. Glycerin and hyaluronic acids are the most commonly used ingredients in humectants for your skincare. Humectants are definitely something to look for when buying moisturizer for your skin.
Emollient Moisturizers
For help with treating sensations of itchiness, make sure to choose an emollient. These forms of moisturizers can help restore your skin barrier and increase natural lipids in your skin. Ingredients often listed on emollient bottles include lipids, oils, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and isopropyl palmitate.
Occlusive Moisturizers
Dr. Wright will also advise that the best form of moisturizers to protect your skin from irritants and water loss is occlusives. You can help retain moisture in your skin while reducing any possible irritation by applying this form of moisturizer right to your skin. Ingredients for occlusives include waxes, oils, silicone, mineral oil, dimethicone, lanolin, and white petrolatum. Since occlusives are also very thick, they are a great moisturizer for very dry skin.
Learn About the Best Moisturizer for your Skin
Take your skincare up a notch and let Dr. Wright and his team assist you with any skin care needs you may have. This trusted team in St.Louis will ensure you will enjoy the feel of your skin again. Call today for your free consultation and see how Dr. Wright can help with your skincare needs.
