QUESTION: My skin is so dry; what should I look for when choosing a moisturizer? Aren't they all the same?
ANSWER: The wide selection of moisturizers on the shelves today does make choosing one difficult.
They can all work to some extent to provide a barrier preventing moisture loss from the skin or deliver a humidifying effect, but some may be nicer to use than others. Formulations all contain water and oil in various percentages, and range from tried-and-true petroleum jelly (which is 95 percent oil and the most effective at reducing water loss through the skin) -- to milk (historically associated with Cleopatra and her personal bathing habits), which is mostly water, although it can help humidify and soften the skin because of the lactic acid content. The downside of these two extremes is the sticky, greasy feel of petrolatum and the odor or a possible allergic reaction to milk.
Fortunately, modern technology has recently enabled chemists to create advanced, more effective formulations resulting in emulsions of oil, water and other ingredients that resemble the natural structure of the skin. These are called "new generation" moisturizers.
Healthy skin has a protective outer layer that keeps moisture in and harmful elements, such as dirt and bacteria, out. It is made up of stacked proteins surrounded by naturally occurring oils, called lipids. When this outer layer is damaged, the lipids are lost and moisture escapes, resulting in dry, irritated skin. How can you regenerate this protective layer? Regular use of a new generation moisturizer, such as Impruv Cream, which contains lipids similar to those found in the skin, can help restructure your skin's protective outer layer and prevent further moisture loss.
What to look for in a moisturizer >
