Essential Ingredients of an Awesome Moisturiser
We can find a great variety of moisturising lotions and creams on the market but what makes a moisturiser a great one? There are a few key ingredients that an awesome moisturiser should have.
Moisturising is one of the essential elements to maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Moisturisers increase the level of hydration while they also protect the skin from losing this hydration and seal the rest of the products from our skincare routine, in order to get the best possible results.
Humectants
Humectants attract water from the dermis (the middle layer of skin located between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue) into the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) Increasing the water content in the epidermis helps the skin maintain a healthy moisture level. Humectants can also attract water from the surrounding atmosphere but only if humidity is higher than 70%. The most commonly used humectants in quality skincare feature Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid and Sodium PCA .
Occlusives
Occlusives increase the water content by slowing the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin. They basically create a barrier against aggressors and seal in moisture. These are the ingredients that are most effective when applied on damp skin and that’s mostly because of their waxier and oilier texture. Examples of occlusives in quality skincare are Caprylic triglyceride, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone and Propylene glycol.
Emollients
Emollients are lubricating ingredients that remain in the outermost layer of the epidermis, called stratum corneum which is composed mainly of keratin. Emollients fill in the rough patches of the skin and help maintain soft and smooth look to it. The most commonly used emollients are Glyceryl stearates, Isopropyl palmitate, Propylene glycol linoleate and Squalene.
Other Essential Ingredients
Other essential ingredients are usually actives that are added to the moisturiser in order to target a specific concern and can be antioxidants, peptides or different acids, for example. Antioxidants fight free radicals and protect skin from UV damage which can cause premature ageing. Peptides are chains of amino acids and are most useful at night when the skin is in renewal mode, as they help to heal and regenerate the skin. In this category we have Vitamin C, Resveratrol, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Retinol.
The Hydra Lotion and Hydra Cream from Science Skincare are examples of moisturisers with added benefits. Hydra Lotion offers hydration but also cell rejuvenation for compromised and damaged skin, wound healing effects and anti-ageing properties. The silky Hydra Cream infuses skin with potent antioxidants, technologically advanced biomimetic peptides, lipids and natural moisturising factors.
Often day moisturisers contain broad spectrum sunscreens, as well to ensure hydrated and also protected skin. Plus, every dermatologist will tell you that sunscreen is the one anti- ageing product we should all be using on a daily basis.
Finding the best formulation for each skin type is the answer to a healthy, soft and hydrated skin. Choosing the right ingredients is vital for maintaining optimal skin health and achieving radiant complexion.
