Moisturizers and Lotions: Are They Necessary For Healthy Skin?

With an overabundance of lotions and moisturizers on the market, often with high price tags, it’s good to ask the questions: are they essential, and do they help your skin? Infomercials, celebrity endorsements, and a high advertising push to sell skincare products would make you believe they are, in fact, critical. But what do the medical professionals say? Is there evidence to prove these lotions and creams are helping your skin? Fun fact for you; the largest organ in the human body is the skin! The importance of caring for our skin goes further than most people realize. Let’s dive into the science behind moisturizers and lotions and what benefits they bring to our skin.

Purposes And Benefits Of Lotions And Moisturizers

An overwhelming market of products can be an overwhelming amount of facts, information, and misconceptions. To break it down and make it simpler and easier to understand, here are some of the important purposes and benefits of lotions and moisturizers:

• Know your skin type so you can use products geared specifically towards your needs. Skin types are usually classified as dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin 
• Lotions with SPF of 15 or higher help to protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun
• Lotions with vitamin E and C fight skin damage and help to protect new skin cells
• Non-comedogenic lotions (those that won’t clog your pores) and oil-free help those with complexion problems
• Using a moisturizer after baths, showers, exfoliating, and shaving help replace the moisture and oil the skin loses during these activities
• Our skin sheds cells, and moisture to the skin is necessary for the skin to repair itself. Lotions and moisturizers provide the moisture and vitamins our skin needs
• The massaging effect of applying lotion and moisturizers helps to stimulate circulation to the desired area, which promotes the generation of new cells
• Moisturizers made specifically for your face provide anti-aging benefits, along with SPF protection
• Look for moisturizers that contain humectants (alpha hydroxy acid, glycerin, and urea) and emollients (mineral oil, lanolin, and petrolatum). Humectants help your skin by absorbing water from the air. Emollients help fill in gaps and spaces between your skin cells to smooth over the appearance and surface of rough skin. You can also find deodorant, body wash, and soap containing these helpful ingredients
• Moisturizing can help calm the effects of sensitive skin by reducing redness and flaking
• Daily moisturizing help to prevent dryness
• Daily moisturizing helps your skin look healthy and glowing, which gives you a more youthful, younger appearance
• Applying moisturizer when your skin is still damp is what helps to lock in moisture in your skin’s pores

Different Types Of Moisturizers

Now you know a little more about why we should be moisturizing our skin. Now, which ones are right for you? Here’s a breakdown of the different types of moisturizers: 

• Lotions - A moisturizer that is lightweight with a very high water content
• Creams - A heavy, weighty moisturizer that provides excellent hydration and keeps your skin soft
• Ointments - Moisturizer that is the thickest, heaviest type with the highest oil content
• Gels - A lightweight moisturizer that is easily absorbed and provides a good amount of hydration to the skin

Still unsure what type of skin you have and what kind of moisturizer is best for your skin? The best place for advice is always your dermatologist. They are the most qualified about your skin and what products are best for your unique situation.

Healthy Skin Means A Healthier You!

Healthy skin wrap up list:

1. Moisturize your skin every day
2. Make sure your morning moisturizer has SPF 15 or higher
3. Moisturize immediately after a bath, shower, and shaving
4. Apply moisturizer when skin is still damp to lock in moisture
5. Ask your dermatologist which specific products are best for your skin

With fall paving the path for winter weather, cold temperatures are on the horizon, which means getting into the daily routine of moisturizing your skin is more important now than ever! Taking good care of your skin is an essential part of taking good care of all of you! A healthier you is a happier you!!

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Sources:

https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/the-importance-of-moisturizing/#:~:text=Daily%20moisturizing%20is%20vital%20for,%2C%20blemish%2Dfree%20and%20healthy.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/moisturizers-do-they-work

https://www.specialistsindermatology.com/blog/reasons-why-you-should-be-moisturizing-every-day

https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/moisturizing/basics/important-to-moisturize-regularly.htm

https://misumiskincare.com/blogs/news/9-amazing-benefits-of-moisturizing-your-face-daily