Feed the Skin You're in

Moisturizer—not just the giver of smooth skin, but the easy answer to many of its complications. 

- Anuradha Withanachchi

WHY DO WE NEED TO MOISTURIZE?

Skin is the largest, most porous organ of the body, which has many vital duties, among them, providing the first line of defense against bacteria and harmful agents, regulating body temperature, and guarding against excessive water loss. The skin’s moisture levels are controlled by the second layer of skin – the dermis – through blood vessels. From there, it is diffused into the outermost layer, from which it eventually evaporates into the outside environment. This is scientifically termed ‘trans-epidermal water loss’ or TEWL, more commonly known as dry skin.

The transfer of moisture from the body into the outside environs takes place constantly throughout the course of the day; and the drier the surrounding air, the more moisture is extracted from the body, thus making our skin more dehydrated and flaky. This is where the daily application of moisturizing lotions and creams come into play.

HOW DOES A MOISTURIZER WORK?

A moisturizer does what the word suggests—it provides moisture to the skin. This is done either by trapping the moisture in the skin and preventing it from escaping or by reinstating moisture that’s already been lost. There are three primary categories of moisturizers: occlusives, emollients and humectants.