Moisturizing keeps the skin healthy. Skin cells that aren’t moisturized often shed, leaving dry, itchy skin. And properly moisturized, healthy skin has the added benefit of not accumulating wrinkles at as fast a rate as people with dry skin.
서면피부과Moisturizers prevent transepidermal water loss, make the skin feel smooth and supple and reduce visible flakes. They also serve as adjunct therapy for a wide range of dermatological conditions.
Moisturizing
Moisturizers hydrate skin, making it soft and smooth. If your face or body has a dry tone, using moisturizer regularly can help prevent wrinkles and make you look younger. It’s important to apply moisturizer before you go outside and after a shower or bath, while the skin is still damp.
The outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) has natural moisture-binding properties. But this doesn’t stop the skin from losing water to the environment through a process called transepidermal water loss, or TEWL. Moisturizers reduce this by replacing the lipids and other compounds in the skin’s barrier.
There are three main types of moisturizers: occlusives, emollients and humectants. Occlusives are the old-school moisturizers: they act as a physical barrier, stopping water from escaping. Vaseline is an example of an occlusive moisturizer.
Emollients are oils that add moisture to the skin. They’re typically used in body lotions, but can be found in moisturizers for the face as well. The skin on the face is thicker than on the body, and it requires more hydration to keep it looking young.
Humectants are a group of chemicals that bind to the water molecules in the skin, drawing them in and keeping them there. They’re typically one of the first ingredients in moisturizers. The skin on the face sheds cells more frequently than any other part of the body, and a good moisturizer can help it look fresh and healthy.
Hydrating
Moisturizing is a crucial part of any skin care routine. Many people don’t think of it as an essential step, but if you want your skin to stay healthy and vibrant, it should be one of the first things you do every day. Moisturizers are creams, lotions, or ointments containing emollients that help to soften the appearance of the skin by creating a protective barrier and locking in moisture.
The type of moisturizer you use depends on your skin type and preferences. For oily skin, a lighter lotion may be best, while thicker creams can work well on the face or body. Ointments are usually used on very dry skin and act as occlusives, blocking water to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In addition to the hydrating ingredients found in moisturizers, many also contain sunscreen, ceramides, emulsifiers, fragrances, penetration enhancers, preservatives, and vitamins. They can also be formulated with plant and animal extracts, which are often claimed to impart a variety of skincare benefits.
It’s important to keep in mind that moisturizers are meant to be absorbed into the surface of the skin, rather than washed away. This means that they should be applied while your skin is still damp, and that you should gently pat the product into the skin instead of rubbing it in, which can cause irritation.
Brightening
When you’re dealing with spots, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, scarring, or dullness, brightening can help restore your skin’s original healthy complexion. Unlike ‘whitening’ products, brightening doesn’t aim to lift the color of your skin several shades lighter. Instead, it looks to fade discoloration and lighten dark spots and blemishes caused by sun damage, acne, and inflammation.
The most effective way to get the most out of your skin brightener is to apply it before you moisturize. This is because it will help the serum penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin to work its magic. You can also add a facial massage with face oil for even better results and to increase the absorption of the product.
If you’re looking for the best brightening products for your skin, look for ingredients like licorice extract, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and yuzu lemon to name a few. These ingredients are natural brighteners and safe for most skin types (depending on how sensitive you are). Avoid products with hydroquinone, which can be too harsh for your skin.
Another great tenet of K-Beauty is exfoliating regularly with gentle, chemical exfoliators to remove dead skin cells. We’re big fans of exfoliating with acids, especially those from fruits, like lactic and yuzu lemon; enzymes, such as pineapple; and other plant-based options. These exfoliants are safe for most skin types and won’t cause redness or irritation.
Anti-aging
Moisturizers don’t just hydrate your skin—they can also help slow the aging process by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for products that contain ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, which helps plump the skin and smooth out wrinkles, and vitamin C, which supports collagen production and can fade discoloration from sun damage.
Moisturzers also help reduce blemishes by protecting the skin from moisture loss and repairing damaged skin. For blemish-prone skin, look for a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won’t clog pores. For oily skin, try a gel-cream formula with added clay to help absorb excess sebum. For dry skin, opt for a cream-based moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or glycerin.
Moisturizers can also reduce atopic dermatitis by restoring the skin barrier, which can be damaged by environmental stressors like UV rays and harsh cleansers. Look for products with ceramides and other skin-restoring ingredients like the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) gluconolactone, which replace natural fats and soothe the skin. Moisturizers can also be anti-inflammatory, which is beneficial for those with sensitive skin. Some ingredients, such as palmitoyl ethanolamine and glycyrrhetinic acid, help to block inflammatory compounds in the skin, such as cyclooxygenase and proinflammatory cytokines. The result is less redness, itching, and sensitivity. Use your moisturizer daily after you shower, bathe, or shave, and especially before and after exposure to the sun.