A moisturizer, which is formulated differently than lotions or cleansers, is designed to deliver moisture, minerals, and vitamins to the skin for a long-lasting feeling of protection and hydration throughout the day.
Moisturizing our skin is an essential habit, and finding the right moisturizer is just as important. Each skin type should have its own
Choose the formula based on your skin type. Is your skin dry, oily, normal, or combination? Whatever your skin type, you need hydration.
There are several textures on the market, from the richest for extremely dry skin to the lightest for oily skin.
There is also an important distinction between using day and night formulas, with the former allowing makeup to stay on and the latter being more nutrient-dense for extra absorption during sleeping hours.
The benefits of moisturizer are endless.
- It helps keep your skin hydrated and refreshed. It moisturizes, conditions, renews, and brightens the skin tone and color.
- It helps promote healthy barrier function for hydrated, plump, and supple skin.
- It promotes cell renewal for a dewy appearance.
- It gives dry skin a smooth, hydrated appearance.
- As we age, the sebaceous glands that keep our skin healthy and hydrated begin to lose their effectiveness. As a result, oil production decreases.
- Moisturizing is an ally of the sebaceous glands because it makes them work less hard.
- The ingredients in moisturizer give you a new base for makeup application.
- If you have oily skin, choose a water-based moisturizer with soothing ingredients to combat oil irritation on your skin.
- It helps soothe sensitive skin.
- Anti-aging: Including a high-quality moisturizer containing retinol in your daily routine is one of the best ways to fight wrinkles and keep your skin fresh with a rosy glow.
- Protect and cover small cracks in the skin.
- It helps slow down the evaporation of moisture from your skin.
- Creates a soothing layer of protection against aggression.
- Replaces some of the oils that the skin naturally produces.
- Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in creams and moisturizers also help brighten your skin.
All of these benefits work together to nourish your skin and keep it healthy and happy.
What is the epidermis ?
The etymology of epidermis derives from the Greek words epi "exterior" and derma "skin".
Our skin is made up of 3 layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. The structure of the skin is the body's first line of defense against external factors such as pathogens, UV rays, chemicals, and injuries. The epidermis is the outermost layer and the only one visible to the human eye.
How big is the epidermis ?
It varies depending on the thickness of your body. In areas of the skin that are heavily used, such as the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, the epidermis is thicker.
These areas can be up to 1.5 mm thick, which is about the thickness of two stacked credit cards. The epidermis is thinner in other parts of your face.
For example, the epidermis layer of the eyelids is about 0.5 mm thick, which is about the thickness of a sheet of writing paper.
Epidermis' structure
The epidermis is composed of 5 layers: the deepest layer is where the ceramides develop; the second layer is responsible for the flexibility and resistance of your skin; the third and fourth layers are visible under the microscope; while the last layer is made up of fat that prevents water from entering and leaving the body.
The epidermis is made up of up to 30 layers of continuously shedding cells, specifically keratinocytes (keratin-producing cells). The epidermis is the thinnest layer of the skin, but its thickness varies throughout the body depending on the area it needs to protect. For example, the skin on the soles of our feet is thicker and hairless, and has an extra layer, while the skin around our eyes is the thinnest.
Epidermis' functions
The epidermis acts as a skin barrier that protects our skin from UV rays, chemicals, and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Historically, it was thought that the function of the epidermis was to regulate, find, and protect the body from mechanical injury.
In recent years, we have learned that it is a complex system that plays an important role in how the immune system communicates and targets our defense.
The nine main functions of the epidermis are:
- Physical protection of the body
- Hydration
- Sensation
- Regulation of body temperature
- production of vitamin D.
- Absorption and excretion
- Production of new skin cells
- The epidermis has melanocytes that produce melanin. Melanin is a group of pigments present in the skin that provide skin color.
- Immune protection for the body.
Dependence on the dermis
Because the epidermis does not receive direct blood flow, the outermost layer of your skin depends on the underlying dermis for the supply and removal of water products and nutrients.
This happens through a diffusion process via the dermal-epidermal junction. This is located just below the germinative layer of the epidermis.
The epidermis: conditions and disorders
The epidermis can be affected by a number of conditions and disorders. Anything that irritates or hurts your skin, as well as the immune system, can have a negative impact on the epidermis. Infections can occur when bacteria enter the skin through a cut or injury.
Here are some of the common conditions that affect your epidermis:
- Dark spots or growths of different shapes and colors.
- Dry or cracked skin
- Peeling skin
- Scaly skin
- Eczema
- Acne is the most common skin condition. It forms when small openings in the skin, called pores, become clogged with dead skin, bacteria, and oil.
To prevent dark spots and reduce the risks associated with skin aging, consider purchasing moisturizers specifically designed for the face. They should only be used if they contain an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen.
Treatements of the epidermis
Most of the time, simple lifestyle changes can improve the condition of your skin and keep it healthy and thriving.
A skin care routine is the simplest and most effective way to care for your skin from the outside; a cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer for the face usually does the trick.
Avoid hot temperatures, sudden temperature changes, and thermal shock by showering in lukewarm water.
If you feel hydrated from the inside out, water and fruit are the best ways to keep not only your skin moist but your entire body hydrated.
A diet rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acids is an ally for your skin's radiance.
Protect your skin from the sun, as exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging and permanent sun damage such as wrinkles, brown spots, and melanoma.
Skin Care: How to Maintain Healthy Skin
Establish your skin care routine and follow your dermatologist's recommendations to keep your skin fresh and healthy.
Use mild soap and products for your shower or bath, and pat dry skin instead of scrubbing. Apply your facial moisturizer after drying your skin to help seal in moisture. Reapply your cream 2 or 3 times a day.
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day. Water helps keep your skin moist.
Take showers or baths with warm water, not hot water.
Eat antioxidant-rich meals, including vegetables, beans, fish, and fruit rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids and nuts.
Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Avoid sudden changes in humidity and temperature.
Avoid rubbing and scratching irritated skin.
Limit exposure to those you know to be allergens and irritants.
Skin care: How to choose the right moisturizer
You might think that all moisturizers are the same-it's just a cream or lotion that you put on your face to keep it hydrated, right?
That's not quite the case!
There is a wide range of moisturizing products out there, all of which have different smells, textures, and benefits for the skin.
So how do you choose the best product for your skin-care needs?
Follow these tips to find the right one for your skin type!
Consider your skin type.
Is your skin oily, dry, or a combination of different types ? Are you prone to acne or do you have extremely sensitive skin? The answers to these questions should determine the type of product you choose, as different moisturizers are formulated for different skin types.
Check the scent.
Your moisturizer will be right next to your nose when you apply it, so its scent is extremely important.
That's why it's worth buying it from a place where you can taste different types of moisturizers or at least unscrew the jar to take a whiff. And if you're sensitive or have acne-prone skin, try to avoid any fragrance and choose an unscented product.
Think about the texture.
The texture of a fine moisturizer for you is also related to your skin type. Normal skin types are best served with non-greasy, lightweight moisturizers. Why do dry skin types need light, non-greasy moisturizers? Why does dry skin need a heavier, creamier formula that is better able to hold in moisture?
Look not only at the texture of the product in the jar but also at how it feels on your face or body after application.
Use SPF
Do you apply sunscreen every day ?
You probably know that it's a key step in a daily skin care routine. The best way to fight UV damage to your skin is to apply sunscreen every day.
That's where your moisturizer can come in—always try to choose a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it as directed by skin experts.
Read the labels.
The labels on skin care product packages may seem completely incomprehensible, but there are several things you can learn from them.
Specifically, look for moisturizers that are labeled as allergy tested and non-comedogenic. These labels don't guarantee that the products won't irritate the skin, but they are a good starting point for most people.
Finding an effective dermatologist product can be a big challenge. Often, consumers achieve this through trial and error, which works differently for each person. We recommend using these tips to find the right product for you.
Final Word
Moisturizer is really important to repair your skin. It helps keep your skin hydrated and also protects it from damage.
Moisturizers with essential ingredients can also help your acne-prone skin, as dry skin causes your body to produce more oil, which further clogs pores.
Choose a moisturizer that fits your skincare regimen or skin type and is safe for oily and sensitive skin. It's always best to stick to oil-free, water-based combinations, as they won't clog your pores or cause breakouts. In the end, this will help you keep your skin fresh, healthy, and glowing.