A fast debrief: There are three essential sorts of moisturizers. The primary is humectants, which embrace hyaluronic acid and glycerin, for instance. These moisturizers pull water into the floor of the pores and skin (therefore, why you must apply your physique lotion to damp pores and skin, so the humectants have a neater time drawing in hydration). Then you could have emollients that assist soften the pores and skin and make it really feel extra comfy by filling in cracks. Just a few examples embrace ceramides, shea butter, and sure oils.
The final one, nonetheless, is what we’re specializing in at present—occlusives. These seal in moisture and act as a water retention barrier (aka, they assist forestall TEWL). Conventional occlusives embrace thick ointments (like petrolatum-based topicals), however botanical oils serve an identical perform.
