Facial moisturizing

Moisture conservation is one of the most important functions of the skin, and its appearance largely depends on how well the skin copes with it. Moisture conservation was a matter of life and death for the first land animals. According to the laws of equilibrium, water tends to be evenly distributed between the internal environment of the body (where the moisture content is about 70-80%) and the surrounding environment. Therefore, only those whose skin turned out to be a sufficiently reliable barrier to water managed to go out onto dry land and settle in areas remote from bodies of water without fear of drying out. At the same time, the skin was given a double load - it had to retain moisture inside the body and take care of its own hydration.

The body is partially protected from moisture loss by the fatty layer (hypodermis), which envelops our bodies like a mantle. Behind the hypodermis begins the dermis, which has its own source of water supply - a network of blood vessels. Having seeped through the walls of the capillaries into the intercellular space, water immediately binds to the molecules of the intercellular substance of the dermis, forming a gel. Thus, the dermis also saves water, but it does not act as a barrier, but rather as a sponge or diaper.

Excess water slowly rises to the surface of the skin, seeping into the epidermis. The epidermis no longer has blood vessels, so its hydration is entirely determined by how much water enters it from the dermis and how intensively it evaporates from the surface of the skin.

So, in the skin there is a dynamic balance between the evaporation of water and its intake from the blood vessels. Normal water balance is very important for the appearance of the skin. With hyperhydration, the skin swells and wrinkles (as with prolonged swimming), and with dehydration it loses elasticity and becomes covered with wrinkles.

Most often, the skin suffers from dehydration, so many cosmetics aim to moisturize the skin. It is very difficult to change the rate of water flow from the vessels of the dermis. To some extent, massage, contrast baths and masks that stimulate blood flow in the skin contribute to this. It is no less difficult to increase the water-absorbing capacity of the dermis, for example, to increase the content of hygroscopic molecules such as glycosaminoglycans and collagen. Therefore, the main point of influence for cosmetics has always been the stratum corneum.

Moisturizers act as a barrier to prevent moisture from evaporating and, as a result, drying out the skin. Moisturizers prolong the youth of the skin, maintaining its elasticity and softness. Regular use of moisturizer helps prevent dry skin, especially in cold and windy weather.

Avoid using scented moisturizers that contain a lot of ingredients. Plain Vaseline is a quality, inexpensive moisturizer to have on hand.

Moisturizers also protect the skin from cracking. There are different types of moisturizers according to skin types, so when buying a cream, make sure it is suitable for your skin type. Moisturizing is extremely important for the health and beauty of the skin. If you are unhappy with your complexion, consider tinted moisturizers. Moisturizers prevent skin aging and wrinkles only if they contain sunscreen ingredients. Plant-based moisturizers are easy to use, absorb quickly, and do not irritate the skin.

How to apply moisturizer correctly?

Before applying moisturizer, wash your hands, rinse with cleanser and warm water.

After cleansing and toning your skin, lightly moisturize it with water. Blot the moisture with a tissue until almost dry, then apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face using dotted movements and spread the product evenly without rubbing it into your skin. Regardless of your skin type, it is best to apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin - it helps retain moisture in the upper layers of the skin, as if "sealing" it. This way, the moisturizing effect lasts longer.

Those with oily skin may only need to use a moisturizer once a day; other skin types (especially dry skin) require more frequent moisturizing. Men may not need to use a toner, but they should not neglect moisturizing the sensitive skin around the eyes. If the skin around the eyes is particularly prone to dryness, it is recommended to choose a separate moisturizer for it. If the skin on the face is uniform, the same cream can be used for the eye area as for the rest of the face.

Facial Moisturizers

Generally, facial moisturizers are intended for use in the morning. All moisturizers available today are formulated in such a way that they do not clog pores, cause acne, or cause allergic reactions. Moisturizers for dry skin contain mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, and cyclomethicones - all of which help prevent dehydration and dryness. Moisturizers for normal skin usually contain less oily ingredients, such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone, and light oils (cetyl alcohol). Moisturizers for oily skin are very light, using dimethicone as the main active ingredient.