Winter Skin Moisturizing and Natural Moisturizers

What is “moisturizing” and what is the best one to use in the dry, winter months?  Moisturizing can be a complex mixture of chemical agents specially designed to make the skin softer by increasing the skins water content. This may be done with artificial or natural oils, humectants, emollients or lubricants. It may be part of the composition of commercial skin moisturizers or made from natural ingredients.

Although one can prepare a simple moisturizer using one or two common pharmacy ingredients creating your own homemade recipe, most prefer to have their moisturizers ready-made without all the time and hassle of making it themselves.

Reducing Tight, Dry Skin

A basic skin care tip to reduce dry skin is to moisturize after washing. Try to open up your pores letting in as much water as you can. Then seal in with your skin moisturizer.

Approximately 30% of the water in your outer layer of skin will be affected by external conditions.The other two thirds are affected by hormonal levels, toxins and disease (such as hyperkeratosis or acne) etc.

Moisturizes are among the most used and prescribed products for the skin. Unfortunately, the cosmetics industry claims for “miracle” treatments or reduced aging can be unsubstantiated when advertised in the extreme. No moisturizer can remove 20 years from your face or change broken capillaries. But it CAN reduce the appearance of wrinkles, remove fine, dry lines and give your face an overall more plump and thus, youthful appearance. When you combine your moisturizer with sunscreen, it can also reduce the future UV damage you may get from the sun and reduce skin aging even further.

Physicians, cosmeticians and consumers alike should be aware of the real science behind skin moisturization, and know what is possible to achieve and what is not. The addition of vitamins (A,B,C,D and E), nutritive agents and protein agents have been common in the industry recently, supposedly to add the capability to treat several skin conditions such ascellulitis, age and photo damage, loss of collagen, wrinkles, etc., sometimes with little or no scientific evidence for such. Of course, this has the effect of increasing the price tag of the product, although the basic and real effective components are very inexpensive. The bottom line is to be  smart consumer. Do your homework and know exactly what you are buying.

Adverse Affects

Despite claims to the contrary by the cosmetics industry, complex moisturizers may cause a number of adverse effects, including allergic reactions to some of its components, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, burning, and stinging sensations, or may actually increase dehydration. When used near sensitive spots, allergic reactions may be enhanced in some people. Use of plant extracts, some alcohols and proteins may increase the danger of adverse effects. Cosmetic and therapeutic moisturizers should be accompanied by the printed formula in order to inform consumers adequately, as well as physicians, in order to easily and quickly identify the offending component.

How Moisturizers Work:

The most external of the skin layers, the “corneal stratum” is largely formed by squamous cells. Natural skin care moisturizers work in these outer layers which are constantly being shed and replaced by the growth of new cells coming from the deeper layers of the skin. Most, if not all, agents present in moisturizers are unable to penetrate these deeper layers of skin. The water content in this outer layer of skin is proportional to the external relative humidity, and the thickness and flexibility of this outer layer of skin increase with added water content. Evaporative loss of water from the skin increase in certain circumstances, especially if relative air humidity is decreased (the winter months) thus producing dry, tight skin.

Keeping the skin moisturized is proven to be the best way to sustain that youthful and healthy glow. It is also your preventive measure to delay the effects of natural skin aging such as the formation of wrinkles and other fine lines. Going for natural products guarantees efficient and safe use, over the application of synthetic ones. But with the numerous options available, what are the top ingredients that should make up an effective moisturizer?

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular component of many moisturizing agents with its natural hydrating features, affordability and availability. This oil is extracted from the meat or core of the coconut fruit which has been dried out. It has several applications, mostly to hydrate not only the skin but also the hair. Its richness results in a soft and silky lather that is safe to use everyday.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is effective as an intense penetrating agent with rich moisturizing features. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, specifically A, D and E. Avocado oil is rich with proteins that augment the skin’s collagen supply when applied topically on the skin. It is a rich source of vitamin E that naturally reverses the signs of skin aging. Avocado oil can be mixed with other whitening ingredients and fruit acids, and applied to fine to deep lines on the forehead.

Macadamia Extracts

Macadamia nuts, like other nuts such as almond and shea, are natural anti-oxidants that effectively combat free radicals that damage the skin. Macadamia, however, yields the most concentrated extract that contains about forty percent palmitoleic acid. Macadamia is the best choice to hydrate severely dried skin. It is a common ingredient among anti-aging products. Macadamia extracts quickly seep through the skin to moisturize irritated skin.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa is a time tested ingredient among natural and home made moisturizers. For centuries, cocoa has been used in bathing, exfoliating and moisturizing. Its rich oil is effective in smoothing the damaging effects of the sun other external factors. Cocoa butter is safe for the use even of pregnant women to moisturize irritated skin.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of nature’s valued moisturizers. Derived from the transparent fluid that is produced by a bee from its hexagonal booths, pure beeswax is safe and compatible to the human skin. It adds to the skin’s moisture by boosting the natural oil supply.

So follow the tips above through these dry, cold, winter months to nourish and truly moisturize your skin. Remember to replace your skin’s natural sebum each time you turn up the heat or lounge in a long hot bath to avoid drying, cracking flaking and redness.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Marketing and Communications

End of Summer Skincare for Acne and Dryness

By Van Le | Labor Day can be bittersweet since it offers an always-welcomed three-day weekend, but it also marks the unofficial end of summer. In other words, after one last frolic at the beach, it’s time to put away the swimming suits and flip-flops, and wake the winter coats and boots from their hiatus. The seasonal closet makeover is a no-brainer, but there’s another place that needs attention: your makeup and skincare cabinet. Towards the end of the year, your skin needs protection from cold weather and reduced humidity. Switching to winter-friendly products can keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful.

Hot, humid weather during the summer can cause pores to expand because sebum is more fluid in this environment. As a result, deep cleansers and foamy cleansing products are appropriate, since they are able to reach deep into the pores, eliminating dirt and oil buildups. During the winter, however, cold temperatures can lead to dry and cracked skin. Switch to a mild soap, and your skin will feel smooth and soft as opposed to dry and tight after washing. Products that contain natural moisture such as Aloe vera are also excellent, since they are not harsh on dry, winter skin.

Winter air literally sucks moisture from your skin, so moisturizing is a crucial step in winter skin care. Even more important to moisturizing is choosing the right product. Products containing mineral oil, almond oil, or avocado oil work especially well since they keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Flaxseed oil is another beneficial ingredient, since it is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acid, but also has the ability to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Moisturizing right after a warm shower will help seal in the water and prevent dry skin. Also consider using a humidifier in your room or office, since it returns the moisture into the air and help the skin stay hydrated.

Just because it is cold outside does not mean you should toss your sunscreen tube. Even when you can’t feel the heat, the sun is still emitting harmful UVA and UVB rays, so it still important to protect your skin. Apply a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15, or use products containing zinc oxide, which acts as a natural barrier between your skin and the sun. Surprisingly, the sun’s reflective power on snow can be as high as 80%, so it is possible to be sunburned after spending a day on the ski slopes without sun protection. Moreover, don’t forget to help your lips battle harsh winter conditions with plenty of lip balm. Packaging is also important when deciding on a lip balm. Little tins and jars can spread germs since you are using your fingers to apply. Tubes can be a healthier and more convenient option. Remember to keep your skincare products readily available in your purse, car or desk so you can reapply throughout the day.

Winter skin care may differ from summer skin care in the type of products used, but the regimen for healthy skin is the same year round: cleanse, moisturize and protect.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU paper the Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare link to http://organicskincareinfo.net