By Dr. Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., FACS
Aug 8, 2013 - 2:31:10 PM
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - The condition of the skin can easily be
explained through the analogy comparing the raisin to the grape. Both begin as
a plump, juicy, piece of fruit. When the moisture content is depleted from one
of these grapes, the result is a raisin. While the lack of moisture in one's
skin will not create the dramatic difference in appearance between these two
edibles, it does offer some insight as to how water content can create more
supple skin.
Though we think of our skin as an inactive organ, there is actually
constant water movement throughout its various layers. When the water reaches
the surface layer, called the epidermis, it is likely to evaporate, leaving the
body forever. This natural process, as well as the body's overall hydration,
and the environment in which a person lives can affect the level of moisture in
the skin. Thus, it is recommended that everyone use a topical moisturizer to
maintain a healthy balance of skin hydration.
Effective moisturizers can improve the look of the skin by evening both
its texture and tone while camouflaging imperfections. Moisturizers are not
simply a cosmetic fix for dry skin, but also a preventative measure for the
discomfort caused by this condition. It is also essential to a person's overall
health that the outer layer of skin remains intact. Skin conditioners are
marketed for a variety of skin types, and it is important to understand how the
ingredients in each product will either benefit you or be a disadvantage to
your skin's health.
The Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is the group of humectants that
naturally occur in the skin to help it maintain a certain level of moisture.
The skin can self-moisturize through the combination of naturally-occurring
substances such as lactic acid and glycolic acid. Many of the
moisture-retaining molecules found in the skin are also added to skin
moisturizers.
Moisturizers can be divided into two categories: humectants and
occlusives. Humectants promote water absorption either within the epidermis or
atop its outermost layer by forming a bond to the moisture content. Glycerin,
which is a common ingredient in moisturizing products, is one example of a
humectant. The molecules of glycerin are small enough to penetrate the skin and
help it to absorb water. A larger molecule in the humectant family, hyaluronic
acid, naturally occurs within the body. The particles of hyaluronic acid cannot
readily penetrate the epidermis and are found in plumping lip glosses or
injectable fillers.
Occlusives prevent water from leaving the skin by forming a barrier
composed of oil that remains on the skin's surface. Typically, these or other oils are combined with additional ingredients to form
lotions and creams, as oils are not accepted as appropriate to put directly
onto the face.
Skin moisturizers may be composed of humectants, occlusives, or a
combination of the two types of moisturizers. Different types of skin warrant
varying treatment plans. Occlusives are best suited for dry skin, known
medically as xerosis, because of their high oil content. Normal or combination
skin can benefit from both occlusive and humectant moisturizers, while oily
skin can be maintained through a water-based humectant moisturizer.
Dr. Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., FACS is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based
facial plastic surgeon who holds a double board certification with the American
Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery.
Source: http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Skin_Care_600/Proper-Moisturizing-for-Your-Skin-Type.shtml
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