There are 4 important components that make up a good moisturiser, plus one bonus factor.
1) Hydration
Hydration basically refers to water, which is of course essential for the health of our skin. It is what maintains our skin’s elasticity, and therefore hydrated skin is less likely to show signs of scarring, wrinkles and fine lines.
2) Humectant
A humectant is a substance that attracts water, which helps keep the skin hydrated. One of the best and most common humectants in skincare is glycerine. Glycerine makes a wonderful humectant due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, while also being very safe with a long history of use in skin care. Glycerine can also help reduce the appearance of scars over time.
Other excellent humectants include aloe vera, seaweed and sugar alcohols.
Despite its popularity, hyaluronic acid is actually not a particularly great humectant. There will be an upcoming article for that, so stay tuned.
3) Emollient
Emollients fill in the gaps between skin cells of the outer layer of your skin which makes your skin soft and smooth. Health benefits of emollients include soothing the skin, reduce inflammation, help the skin heal, prevent skin dryness, calming burns and rashes, as well as providing some sun protection.
4) Occlusive
An occlusive is basically a substance that sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into it, which helps prevent water in the skin from evaporating, while simultaneously protecting it from drying weather conditions, and therefore seals in the moisture. A good occlusive allows the skin to continue its normal functions, and does not clog your pores.
Bonus factor: Nourishment
Nourishment is the component of a good moisturiser that provides added benefits to the skin. This can include beneficial fatty acids, vitamins and anti-oxidants that protect the skin from free radicals.
Esoterance’s approach:
Esoterance believes that it is important that a moisturiser should contain all of these components, including the bonus factor of nourishment. Some moisturisers on the market leave out certain components due to being easier or cheaper to formulate. However, an emulsion based moisturiser that balances all of these components is superior, and you will definitely notice a difference in your skin.
Our Osěr Moisturiser contains all the components to create a wonderfully balanced moisturiser that provides the hydration, humectant, emollient, occlusive and nourishment properties, while still being light and non-greasy.
