When I talk with clients, I try to explain the concepts of internal and external moisture of the skin. Moisturizers, the second most popular skin care product after cleansers, should provide both protection against moisture loss and attract/add moisture internally to several layers of the epidermis. Many moisturizers just provide a soft, smooth feel to the skin locking in whatever internal moisture exists. Early moisturizers were primarily made of mineral oily, glycerin and preservatives. Mineral oil made the skin feel smooth and kept moisture locked in while glycerin added some internal moisture. However, the problem is mineral oil is petroleum based and not healthy for skin. Today for good skin health and especially if you are 45 or older, you need a moisturizer that adds or creates internal moisture plus protects against moisture loss to the environment. Emollients such as dimethicone, grape seed, borage, jojoba or sesame seed oil make your skin smooth and soft and protect against water loss. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, sodium PCA, or glycerin add internal moisture to your skin. Thus, keeping skin glowing. There are also ingredients Acetyl Hexapeptide 3 or aquasense that not just add but promote internal hydration. Moisturizers can also contain cosmeceuticals ingredients such as peptides or Vitamin C that are functioning to protect or repair the skin. Know what is in your moisturizer and what your skin needs then pay accordingly. Many moisturizers do not have the functional ingredients to add or promote internal hydration; they only protect moisture loss. Your skin needs the internal and external moisture necessary for healthy skin.
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