3 types of moisture:
What does your skin need??
Our skin is not just a surface to be rubbed and cared for – it is actually the body’s largest organ and has a very complex need for moisture. To stay healthy, strong, and youthful, it needs more than just one type of moisturizer.
With these 3 moisturizing ingredients, you get skin that looks and feels radiantly healthy.
Type 1: Humectants – the natural moisture magnet
Humectants act like tiny magnets that attract moisture from the air and bind it to the skin, down to the deeper layers. This helps keep the skin plump, smooth, and less prone to fine lines.
Examples: hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Found in: Serums
Skin condition: Tight, dehydrated skin, visible lines
Type 2: Emollients for silky soft moisture
When the skin feels rough, cracked, or irritated, it’s often because the fats between the skin cells are missing. Emollients fill in the “cracks” in the skin barrier and provide a silky soft feel. These moisturizing agents work on the top layer of the skin, creating a smooth surface.
Examples: Squalane, ceramides, and triglycerides
Found in: Creams, lotions
Skin condition: Dry, flaky, rough skin
Type 3: Occlusive moisture protects and locks in
Occlusive moisturizers form a protective film over the skin. This “lock” ensures that the moisture you’ve applied doesn’t evaporate but stays in the skin. Occlusive moisturizers usually have a slightly heavier texture and are especially suitable if you have very dry or damaged skin. They provide an immediate glow to the skin.
Examples: Oils, shea butter
Found in: Oils and creams
Skin condition: Dry and dull skin
Når huden føles ru, sprukken eller irritert, er det ofte fordi fettstoffene mellom hudcellene mangler. Emollienter fyller inn “sprekker” i hudbarrieren og gir en silkemyk følelse. Mykgjørende fuktighetsmidler jobber med den øverste delen av huden, og gir en silkemyk overflate. Eksempler: Squalane, ceramider og triglyserider
Finnes i: Kremer, lotion
Hudtistand: Tørr, flassende, ru hud
Okklusive fuktighetsmidler legger seg som en beskyttende film over huden. Denne “låsen” sørger for at fuktigheten du har tilført, ikke fordamper ut, men holder seg i huden. Okklusive fuktighetsmidler har gjerne en litt tyngre konsistens, og passer særlig god dersom du har en svært tørr eller skadet hud. Gir umiddelbar glød til huden. Eksempler: Oljer, Sheasmør
Finnes i: Oljer og kremer
Hudtilstand: Tørr og matt hud
Remember:
Balanced skin needs a small cocktail of moisturizing ingredients. Clinical studies show that humectants, emollients, and occlusives can all significantly improve skin hydration and elasticity!
Sources:
1. https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(15)00424-7/abstract?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123825
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005?utm_source=chatgpt.com