What are moisturizers?
They are oils, creams, lotions or jelly that hydrates the skin making it moist, soft and supple. They work by reducing transepidermal water loss, retaining water molecules or by softening the stratum coeneum, the outermost layer of the skin.
Who should use
All of us should use moisturizers to maintain the barrier function of the skin. Those with dry skin should use it daily and after bath, if you have normal skin. In many skin diseases, it is necessary to apply them on the skin rashes.
When to use
Moisturizers should be applied on moist skin, after washing or taking bath. They should be regularly used as the hydration from them is temporary.
What to use
Petrolatum is a cheap, easily available and effective moisturizer. The jelly formulation is best for face (bed time application), hands and feet, whereas lotion is better for large areas such as the trunk and limbs. Petroleum jelly mixed with glycerine forms a potent moisturizer which can be used in dry, cracked and red skin. Coconut oil is also a handy moisturizer mainly for the trunk and limbs. For morning application and mainly on the face, cream formulation is better as it gives a better look and better feel. There are other formulations which contain various mixtures of petrolatum, glycerin, paraffin, lanolin, propylene glycol, urea etc.
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