Why moisturising is an esssential step
The skin barrier is a crucial defence mechanism that protects our bodies from various external threats. It consists of a tightly woven network of junctions that forms a strong barrier against harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, shields us from toxic chemicals and harsh environmental conditions and protects us from the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. The skin barrier also plays a vital role in preventing dehydration by locking in moisture and maintaining our skin's hydration levels. Given its important functions, it is essential to care for and preserve this intricate barrier to support our overall well-being and enhance our resilience against environmental challenges.
Moisturising serves the essential purpose of mimicking the skin's natural barrier function. A good moisturiser combines lipids and water elements to effectively retain hydration, minimise water loss through the skin, balance the skin's lipid levels and block external aggressors from penetrating the skin barrier. They create a protective layer over the skin, shielding it from dryness and environmental irritants while gently filling in small cracks, ultimately promoting a smoother and healthier complexion.
For most people, washing is a daily ritual aimed at maintaining cleanliness and freshness. However, the products and tools we use during our cleansing routine can sometimes compromise the skin's protective barrier. While these products effectively remove dirt and oil, they can strip the skin of vital elements that help it resist external factors. Therefore, it is essential to restore that protective layer after cleansing to keep our skin healthy.
What is the Purpose of a Moisturiser?
The primary purpose of a moisturiser is to mimic the skin's barrier properties, allowing it to function optimally. Moisturisers help restore lost lipids, retain hydration, and strengthen the structural connections within the skin. This fortification protects against bacteria and environmental aggressors that can compromise skin integrity.
What Should I Look for in a Moisturiser?
The skin is made up of both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (fat-loving) components. Hydrophilic components help to hydrate the skin, while lipophilic components make the skin water-resistant, reduce water loss, and act as a barrier against external factors. Both types of components are essential for keeping the skin hydrated, smooth, soft, comfortable, and healthy. Therefore, it is important to choose a moisturiser that mimics these properties.
Key lipophilic components of the skin include ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, which exist in varying ratios. When these ratios are imbalanced, it can lead to skin issues. Achieving the right balance of lipids, ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
Our Skin Barrier Health Moisturiser contains ingredients that replicate the balance of ceramides, fatty acids, and other nutrients necessary for promoting healthy skin, reducing water loss, and restoring its barrier function to optimal condition.
How Well Can a Moisturiser Hydrate or Seal the Skin?
Moisturisers typically fall into two categories: hybrid moisturisers, which contain both hydrophilic and lipophilic ingredients, and occlusive-only moisturisers.
The effectiveness of a hybrid moisturiser in hydrating the skin primarily hinges on its water content and the presence of water-attracting ingredients. It’s essential to recognise that hydration cannot occur without water! (For more information, check out our blog on Hydration and Skin Health.) Water must be present on your skin or in the products you use. The ability to attract and retain water can vary based on daily humidity levels and the specific properties of the ingredients used. Additionally, the effectiveness of hybrid moisturisers in preventing water loss depends on the balance between hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) ingredients. If the product lacks sufficient lipids, it can hinder the skin's ability to retain hydration, similar to how dry skin doesn't produce enough sebum to maintain moisture, resulting in persistent dryness and dehydration.
Occlusive-only moisturisers, such as oils, butter, waxes, and silicones, do not hydrate the skin directly. Instead, they work by preventing water from evaporating or entering the skin, acting like a band-aid.
Selecting a moisturiser largely depends on the other products in your skincare routine and your personal preferences.
Do I Need to Use a Moisturiser If I Am Using a Serum or Sunscreen?
The answer is both yes and no. It depends on the specific products you're using and their ingredient makeup. Many serums are water-based and require a follow-up moisturiser, while some are oil-based and already contain lipids and fatty acids.
When it comes to sunscreens, some products are specifically formulated solely for sun protection, while others include ingredients that also provide moisturising benefits.
To determine whether you need a separate moisturizer, ask yourself if your entire skincare routine (from the first step to the last) contains products that has a balanced blend of ingredients to effectively mimic and support your skin's natural barrier. A thorough assessment can serve as a vital step in enhancing your skin health, offering you valuable insights for achieving a healthier and more radiant complexion.