Moisturizer

Moisturizers are a complex mixture of chemical agents specially designed to make the external layers of the skin (epidermis) softer and more pliable, by increasing its hydration (water content). Naturally occurring skin lipids and sterols as well as artificial or natural oils, humectants, emollients, lubricants, etc. may be part of the composition of commercial skin moisturizers. They usually are available as commercial products for cosmetic and therapeutic uses, but can also be prepared at home using common pharmacy ingredients.

Related Topics:
Skin - Epidermis - Hydration - Water - Lipids - Sterol - Oils - Humectant - Emollient - Lubricant - Cosmetic - Pharmacy

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Besides imparting or restoring normal levels of hydration to the skin, moisturizers can have several additional intended and unintended effects on its users, including building a barrier against the loss of water through the epidermis, repairing scaly, damaged or dry skin resulting from external environmental aggressions or internal changes (such as in acne or naturally dry skin), repairing or postponing age effects on the skin, etc.

Related Topics:
Acne - Age effects

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