Explained: 3 Types of Moisturizers
You probably realize by now that moisture comes in various forms - and functions. From serums that hydrate to finishing serums and oils that seal, there are steps in a perfectly hydrated visage.
The reason that moisture creeps into various stages of your skincare ritual is because it comes in 3 distinct categories.
Moisturizing ingredients - humectants, emollients, and occlusives - should all be present throughout your routine to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and plump. Knowing which is best for your skin changes with your environment, diet, and skin instant. But understanding how moisture works with our skin allows us to create a more balanced and effective skincare practice.
OCCLUSIVES
often balm or heavy cream formulations
slow absorbing
dense consistency
good for mature, dehydrated, dry skin types
how they work
Occlusives seal in moisture and stop water from evaporating. These moisturizers create a protective layer on top of the skin that prevents water transference. They seal in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.
examples
petroleum jelly
shea butter
silicons
lanolin
beeswax
olive oil
HUMECTANTS
often gel or serum formulations
absorbs very quickly
lightweight consistency
wonderful for oily skin types
how they work
Humectants attract water to themselves and slow down water evaporation from your skin.
They draw moisture from the air into the skin. They can also pull water from the dermis up to the epidermis.
examples
glycerin
hyaluronic acid
lactic acid
urea
honey
aloe vera
EMOLLIENTS
often light cream or light lotion formulas
creamier textures
great for normal, dry, and combination skin types
**most skincare falls into this category
how they work
Emollients soften the skin and leave everything lovely and smooth. Emollients work to fill gaps between skin cells & replace missing lipids. If applied heavily, these ingredients may act as an occlusive.
