Even though moisturizers won’t necessarily affect how the skin functions at the cellular level (that is, they won’t change the production level of collagen and repair of tissue damage), they are an excellent way to keep the skin hydrated, replenishing the natural moisture elements in the upper layers and bolstering the barrier function of the skin. Yes, that smooth, dewy appearance is temporary but if you moisturize frequently you keep that glow turned on. In fact, nothing over-the-counter can change the fabric of your skin. Even a surgical facelift still leaves you with the same skin; its texture and water-holding capacity remain the same. So don’t sweat over the fact it’s difficult to permanently alter your skin’s appearance (and be wary of moisturizers that claim to treat wrinkles and use the term antiwrinkle). You can have a huge impact on how your skin looks just by applying topical ingredients that give it the illusion of youth. And these ingredients can help you prevent future skin damage from the environment, so you are in actuality doing more than meets the eye!
From The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Less Stress, Gorgeous Skin, and a Whole New You by Amy Wechsler.
Skin Moisturizing
Recently Answered
-
1 AnswerA
RealAge answered -
2 AnswersA
RealAge answeredSee All 2 Answers
Keeping skin hydrated with moisturizer can help protect it as well as improve the skin's look and texture. Moisturizers use humectants, which are water-binding compounds that hydrate the skin and help prevent water loss, and emollients, which are compounds that smooth and soften the skin.
-
1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredPeople with oily or acne-prone skin may still need a moisturizer. Talk to your dermatologist about the best skin care products for your skin. He or she may suggest using a moisturizer labeled "noncomedogenic," means the moisturizer won't promote or worsen blackheads. Your dermatologist may suggest applying the moisturizer after you have washed your skin and applied any acne medication you may be using. If you are concerned that a moisturizer or other skin care product is causing your skin to break out, ask a dermatologist to recommend products that are safe for you to use. -
1 AnswerA
HealthyWomen answeredMoisturizers for dry skin come in three preparations: lotions, creams and ointments.
Lotions are least effective at replacing and retaining lost moisture in very dry skin. But they disappear after application very quickly, making them the most convenient to use and possibly helpful for normal and oily skin.
Creams are heavier than lotions and are therefore more effective at sealing in moisture for normal to dry skin.
Ointments, such as Vaseline, are thick and are best for preventing moisture from escaping from the skin, but you may find that they are inconvenient to use regularly.
Healthcare professionals advise women with very dry skin against using soap and alcohol-based astringents (toners), which typically dry out the skin. -
2 AnswersA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersAn unscented moisturizer or lotion containing lanolin, a natural oil, is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to help dry skin. Watch the animation to learn more about helping dry skin.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD , Dermatology, answeredSee All 2 Answers
Think of the skin's surface like the paint job on a car. If the paint is cracked, the metal underneath is left unprotected from the elements and quickly oxidizes and rusts. The same concept goes for your stratum corneum - once it's dry, brittle, or cracked, you've lost your shield and the skin is vulnerable to exposure from the outside and water evaporates from the dermis. You can get fissures on the skin, and infections can easily occur. When the barrier function is compromised for any reason (trauma, wind, dry air, too many chemicals on your skin), bacteria enters the dermis through the cracks on the surface. The stratum corneum contains approximately 30 percent water and lipids. Its water content is essential, even though it's made up of dead cells. If that Gore-tex dries out completely, it can't protect the layers of skin underneath. Similar to the shiny, beautiful coating on a car's exterior, putting on moisturizer not only makes the surface look pretty, it seals and protects what is beneath it.
Find out more about this book:
Simple Skin Beauty: Every Woman's Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy, Gorgeous Skin
Buy book -
2 AnswersA
Dr. Howard L. Brooks, MD , Dermatology, answeredSee All 2 AnswersIf you have oily skin, you should absolutely use a moisturizer -- it's a myth that oily skin doesn't need hydration. In this video, dermatologist Howard Brooks, MD, explains the best cleansing routine and products to use if you have oily skin.
-
1 AnswerA
Dr. Doris Day, MD , Dermatology, answeredLotions are in many ways similar to creams but they have more water. This means the vehicle is thinner, and that makes lotions potentially drying for people with very dry skin. I usually recommend that you use a cream during the winter, especially at night when there is increased water loss from the skin, and lotions or lighter formulations of creams during the warmer, more humid summer months. -
1 AnswerA
Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered
A common myth is that moisturizers that are absorbed faster are better for your skin. Moisturizer performance is based on the types of ingredients used in the formulation. Three important ingredients in a moisturizer are humectants, occlusives and emollients. Together, their properties keep the skin hydrated and healthy by holding onto water, reducing evaporation, and sealing in moisture.
-
1 AnswerA
RealAge answered
Recovering dry, chapped hands and lips to their normal, supple state is relatively easy. This is a good exercise you can recall when the dead of winter hits. For hands, get yourself a pair of moisture-retaining cotton gloves (any drug or beauty store will carry these) and lather on a body lotion or hand cream before slipping into the lightweight gloves overnight. If your hands are extremely dry, you can go for a heavier formula like Burt’s Bees Hand Salve, which contains botanical oils, herbs, and beeswax in a superrich, thick paste. Other brands I like include Cutemol or Triple Cream by Summers Labs.
To tame those flaming lips, get religious about applying your favorite lip balm or gloss throughout your day, one with sunscreen. Just be sure to skip the kind that contains phenol, like Blistex. Every time you think about licking your lips (or perhaps have just done so) get out the balm. Don’t forget to apply a balm to your lips at night, too. That one doesn’t have to contain sunscreen. Solid choices: Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 or plain old Vaseline. Kiehl’s also makes a line of lip balms and glosses with sunscreen.
From The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Less Stress, Gorgeous Skin, and a Whole New You by Amy Wechsler.