Winter is already here and so is the formation of dry-flaky skin! It's the usual stories we get to hear where people share their winter woes of their skin getting more dry and itchy due to loss of moisture.
And how can we forget the most common scene of people drawing tic-tac-toe on their dry skin! Well, it might seem fun to you or others for a short amount of time, but the truth is it is something for you to worry about.
Lack of moisture in your skin not only causes dry skin but also weakens your skin barrier which is responsible for protecting your skin against bacterial, fungal attack and environmental triggers such as harsh weather, temperature fluctuation, UV exposure, pollution and severe skin conditions!
So, what is the remedy to stop your skin from losing moisture and protecting it from the cold winters? You might be surprised to know that just an easy act of moisturizing your skin will help keep your skin healthy!
Before we tell you the benefits of incorporating a moisturizer in your skincare routine, let us understand why does our skin dry resulting in flaky, itchy and scaly skin.
The untold horror of dry skin
Even though dry skin isn’t as much of a worry as other skin conditions are, unless of course, you have dry skin to an extreme degree it sure is uncomfortable and unpleasant to have it. Dry skin can be sensitive to touch, scaly, flaky, and even sore in some cases.
But what makes our skin act like that?
Well, our skin as we all know is made of layers. The outermost layer is called the
stratum corneum. It consists of corneocyte cells and various lipids in its layers. Now, these corneocyte cells are practically dead however they contain elements that help retain water.
It is a common misconception that our skin gets dry because of lack of “oil” and hence moisturizers fix the problem by supplying oils to the skin but it is actually the lack of water that makes the skin go dry!
For our skin to be smooth and moisturized naturally, the stratum corneum has to be at least 10% water. The stratum is said to absorb at least five to six times its own weight when soaked in water. This absorption of water is required as it is only with the help of water that the skin is able to shed the dead corneocytes cells. This happens because the cells absorb the water and hence their density increases which result in shedding. The process is known as desquamation, in dermatological terms. Desquamation results in smooth and healthy skin. In case the process is not carried with efficiency the cells tend to accumulate in one place resulting in flaky and dry skin.
How does Moisturizer comes to the rescue?
Now generally most moisturizers are water in oil emulsions. On the application of lotion, the water supplied by the moisturizer is partly evaporated and partly trapped in the stratum corneum. However, the stratum isn’t able to retain the water for a long time. This is where Occlusives enter and play a significant role in your moisturizer!
Occlusives are generally oily substances or petroleum-like products that help retain water supplied by the moisturizer into the skin by binding it like a plastic-wrap.
Most moisturizers also contain Humectants. They help in pulling water both from the air and the inner layers of the skin. They act like a succulent coming to aid especially in low humidity weather.
Some common Humectants are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sorbitol, etc. Of course, there are many other ingredients in moisturizers such as vitamins, lactic acid (for cracks on heels) but the basic operations are performed by the above two mentioned elements. But is this all a moisturizer is capable of? To heal dry skin?
Well, the answer is No. The benefits of moisturizers are multi-fold and here is how!
Benefits of applying a Moisturizer
Extremely dry skin is a hotbed of skin problems. Lack of moisturization results in acne as dry skin cells start demanding oil secretion as some form of nourishment and if there is excess of sebum secretion it results in clogging of pores. Hence a well-moisturized skin not only eliminates dryness but also helps prevent acne.
It is well known that hydrated and moisturized skin has its own beautiful glow, this glow can help cancel out your existing blemishes and to some extent lighten them. Hence a moisturizer also helps you in achieving even-toned skin.
Moisturizing your skin helps in combating the premature signs of ageing. Moisturization provides a certain firmness or tightness to our skin. Hydrated skin is a sign of a healthy skin which results in boosting the skin’s ability to repair itself by producing collagen, which in turn, helps in reducing wrinkles. Also, a well-moisturized skin also ages at just a fraction of the rate as compared to dry skin.
A well-moisturized skin is an open farewell to dullness and flaky skin. Our skin sheds a lot of skin on a daily basis from our face, neck, and hands and adequate moisturization helps in repairing it and keeping it healthy. Also moisturization results in greater blood circulation hence giving a glow!
A great moisturizer aims at repairing and protecting the lipid barrier in the stratum corneum. This barrier helps in protecting our skin from the harmful pollutants and toxins present in the environment. Moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin (which is also present in our HYDRATING MOISTURIZER) are great at forming healthy lipid barriers.
Moisturizers are great at soothing sensitive skin and reducing inflammation. When sensitive skin becomes dry it might result in eczema in extreme cases. Hence moisturizers like of Qurez with elements like aloe vera and tea tree oil helps in soothing sensitive skin and skin inflammations.
Moisturizers also help reduce inflammation. Inflammation occurs when our immune system tries to defend against the attacks (bacterial, fungal, allergic) on our skin. Studies have shown that regular application of moisturizers results in a reduction of pro-inflammatory cells on the skin.
Regular moisturization results in faster cell turnover or regeneration. As we grow older the skin regeneration cycle slows down resulting in lesser removal of dead cells. However, with regular moisturization, the cell regeneration process picks up speed and helps in removing our older skin cells. Moisturizers with vitamins in them facilitate the same.
Now it is generally advised that you moisturize your skin twice a day for efficiency, however, there are also other ways in which you can redeem a moisturizer’s maximum benefits.
How to get the best out of your moisturizer
Choose a hydrating moisturizer with Humectants, Occlusives and Emollients in them!
It is essential for you to start your moisturization journey with an effective moisturizer. Using a moisturizer with a good amount of Humectants, Occlusives, and Emollients (something which is present in our Hydrating Moisturizer with Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid) will make sure that your skin cells are hydrated, the moisture is locked and your skin is smooth and supple!
Moisturize after exfoliating
It is highly important and efficient for you to moisturize your skin after exfoliating. Exfoliation sheds the dead skin cells and makes it easier for the absorption of the moisturizer in your skin cells!
Layer strategically
If your skincare routine consists of multiple serums and lotions do take care of the order of your application. The standard procedure is to use the ones with the thinnest consistency (like serums) first and then move on to the medium or heavier ones (like creams and moisturizers) and end with SPF at last.
Moisturize after skin or body cleansing
Moisturizing after your skin or body cleansing routine is the most perfect way to moisturize. Applying the lotion on freshly moist skin helps retain and capture maximum moisture and helps soothe the skin in case of a hot shower.
Don’t neglect your neck
Usually while moisturizing the main focus is either our face or hands however the skin also sheds itself from our neck frequently too! The signs of ageing will be the same on your face and neck, hence it is important to provide equivalent care to your neck as well.
Upward strokes only
Gentle circulation in the upward direction helps in fighting against sagging skin. People with sensitive skin are supposed to be more careful by not massaging their skin too harshly as it might result in irritation. Hence gentle strokes are the way to go.
Moisturization is not an aesthetic, it is essential. It is an essential part of your skincare routine and it is essential for healing your dry skin. It makes no sense using multiple serums and lotions for healthier skin and missing out on the queen of the game.
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