- Skin Moisturizers A preparation, as a cream or lotion, used to restore moisture to the skin, especially the face and neck, usually to counter dry skin. There are three types of moisturizers:
- Humectants Natural moisturizers that draw moisture from the air to the skin. Humectants are usually proteins with alcohol content. They can also be naturally occurring, usually associated with hyaluronic acid found deep in the skin layers.
- Having a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin. Emollients essentially fill in dry skin, smoothing the surface texture.
- Occlusive Form a protective layer over dry skin.
- Botanicals pertaining to plants, made of or containing plants or plant parts.
- Surfactants “Surface active agents” that reduce surface tension, increasing wetting and spreading properties. Surfactants help in skin penetration of other ingredients.
- Essential Oils concentrated plant extracts that retain the natural smell or flavour the “essence” of their source. Essential Oils are usually made by distillation or cold pressing. They affect the limbic system. Examples are: Peppermint – boosts energy; Lavender – relieves stress; Sandalwood – calms nerves; Tee Tree – fights infection; Lemon/Orange – digestion, mood, headaches.
- Emulsifiers bind oil and water-based components together. The molecules in the emulsifier will “stick” between the oil and water molecule with each end specific to its ingredient. The fluid remains evenly distributed with both oil and water-based molecules. Emulsifiers also act as a preservative. Some examples are castor oil, polysorbate 20 and 80, and alcohol.
- Vitamins Organic substances, essential in minute quantities to nourish most animals and some plants, acting as coenzymes, precursors of coenzymes and regulators of metabolic processes, not providing energy or serving as building units, present in natural foods or produced within the body. Stay tuned – more useful skincare information coming!
Healthy Skin is Beautiful Skin!
Dr. Dave
EVERY DAY! WITHOUT FAIL!
Spirit * Soul * Mind * Body
