Skin Care Moisturizing Treatment

Skin contains about 70 percent water, 10-13 percent of which is within the outer, visible corneal layer. When the water level drops, the result is obvious: our skin tends to look-dull, taut and more lined because of dehydration.

Surprisingly, skin dehydration is not linked with age or sex. In fact, a man's skin can be just as dry as a woman's. Basic skin water levels are decided at birth. It is environmental factors and chemical interference that make all the difference to keeping the skin soft.

The colder the temperature, the drier your skin becomes, whatever your skin type. When the atmosphere is hot and dry and the humidity low, skin also gets dehydrated. Water diffusing from internal tissues towards the outer layers of skin will not be sufficient to replace that which evaporates from the surface.

As a result you get that taut, dry feeling, and lack of elasticity. 'Chemical interference' is what you actually apply to your skin in the form of cleansers, harsh astringents and face masks. These are factors which could encourage dehydration because they may destroy the natural hydrolipidic film which protects your skin from excessive evaporation of moisture. This film is a natural emulsion which defends your skin against the hostile environment. It also controls gradual water loss, retaining just 'the right amount of moisture your skin needs.

Moisturizers try to copy Nature's way. They are emulsions with water as a major constituent. Making them is a bit like making mayonnaise: waxy or oily ingredients and water are blended together with emulsifiers to produce a lotion or cream. They work by forming an invisible barrier to prevent water loss. They achieve this, not just by a film of grease alone, but also by aiming to copy the skin's water-holding hydrolipidic film. Modern moisturizers often have added benefits, particularly ultra-violet filters to help prevent sun damage. Many of today's new creams also claim to be 'non-comedogenic' - they will not trigger off spots. 'Non-allergenic' on a moisturizer is self-explanatory.

Most of us need to use a moisturizer each day, although oily/combination skins can get away with the lighter types, applied to neck, cheeks and eye area, and avoiding the very greasiest parts of the face, There are moisturizers and moisturizers. Some last on the skin longer than others. You need to test different products to find one that really suits.

New formulae claim anything from 15 to 24 hours' efficacy, so check the small print on the pack!

Choose your type of moisturizer, not only according to your skin type, but also in relation to the climate. Your skin's moisture content varies according to climatic conditions, so when the humidity is high, you will probably need just a light moisturizer. In intense heat or cold, when humidity is low, you'll need a heavy-duty type. Apply moisturizer every morning, before makeup, allowing it to sink into the skin thoroughly. Use moisturizer or skin-conditioning cream at night, particularly if skin is dry or ageing. Some are formulated especially for night use.

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