e'ssensure    l    The Skin Beauty Specialist

 

 

 

 

IS MOISTURE GOOD FOR OUR SKIN? Which is better? Fluid intake or Topical products? It is a beauty myth if you think that our skin moisture can be replenished by any topical water application. It is a beauty myth if you think that moisture alone is sufficient to maintain our skin beautifully. Water molecules are large and hence they could not penetrate deep into our skin. Water is required by our body systems for many important functions but if you think high or regular fluid intake means towards a very good path of skin conditioning is incorrect. Moisture in our skin is prevented from dehydration via our skin outer barrier. By adding water would not help to keep that moisture in skin unless the outer barrier is maintained or repaired. In fact, adding more moisture to the skin is not necessarily a good thing, too much moisture, like soaking in a bathtub, is bad for skin because it disrupts the skin's outer barrier (the intracellular matrix) by breaking down the substances that keep skin cells functioning normally and in good shape. Extensive sun and air-conditioning exposure, overwashng/cleansing, hash skincare products with irritating ingredients, alcohol, drying cleansers and smoking could further worsen the skin outer barrier. (Sources: British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34; Dermatologic Therapy, March 2004, Supplement 1, pages 43 -48; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, June 2007, pages 75-82; and International Journal of Cosmetic Science, April 2003, pages 63 -95, and October 2000, pages 37-383). Skin is our largest organ among all and the symptoms of losing moisture would appear in diversity depending on your skin. Symptoms are likely to reflect skin outer barrier problems more than just losing moisture. You may find yourself having more fine lines, drier skin, flaky, tightening sensation or even oilier condition for some when you are losing your moisture. Your skin cells may not function more normally than it should. In some cases, you may find your skin more sensitive to ultra-violet assault. In some situations, you may be surprised to see pimples/blemishes with or without redness too. While moisture replenishment and fluid intake are important for these cases, having a good moisturizer and exfoliator would help the situation greatly. A balanced and suitable moisturizer should contain properties for lipids building and boosting (building skin natural barrier, i.e. ceramides, cholesterol), water-binding (attracting and holding more moisture in the skin, i.e. hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, glycerin), anti-oxidants (neutralizing skin cells damaging free radicals, i.e. Vitamin E, Vitamin C, lycopene), skin cells signaling (inducing damaging skin cells to function more normally, i.e. Vitamin A, ATP, Vitamin B3), anti-irritants (soothing and anti-flammatory, i.e. allantoin, chamomile extract, bisabolol) and emollients (minimizing hydration, i.e. synthetic and/or natural oils). There is also research indicated that with the presence of water-binding agents such as glycerin in the intercellular layer helps other skin lipids do their jobs better (Sources: American Journal of Contact Dermatitis, September 2000, pages 165–169; and Acta Dermato-Venereologica, November 1999, pages 418–421). These properties will greatly enhance the overall performance of the skin and as a result a better moisture retention capability and skin barrier defense system. An AHA or BHA exfoliator helps in our skin cell turnover. Helping our skin do what it should be doing year-round is a great way to assist our skin in better moisture management. Cell turnover is a primary function of healthy skin, but due to sun damage (almost everyone has some amount of sun damage) skin needs help in doing this efficiently. A well-formulated exfoliator could assist beautifully. On top of these, be diligent to apply and reapply your moisturizer when necessary. Keep one handy so that you can have quick and easy access. Avoid soaps and use gentle cleansers instead. Avoid long shower and soaking in bathtub. Dab dry your skin with a towel after shower and not rub or be overly aggressive. Apply a moisturizer as soon as you can after your shower/bath to maximize surface moisture retention (even gentle cleansers could remove essential substances that keep skin soft and smooth). And do not forget your lips too! Ivan Lee 20090221 - Extract News, Information & Experience [ Back ]