Types of Moisturizers and How to Choose For Your Skyn Type

Nov 6

Not all moisturizers are created the same and choosing the proper one starts with understanding the type of moisturizer, how it functions, and it interacts with your skyn. All moisturizers fall into one of these three categories: emollients, humectants or occlusives. Each of them have a different function and serve a different purpose.

Choosing one isn’t end all be all either, as you may use a humectant in the summer and occlusive in the winter. The key is understanding the when and how to make use of them.

Emollients

Emollients typically come in gel, lotions, and ointment form. Their main purpose is to rebuild lost lipids in the skin to help hydrate, protect, and make dry + flaky skin smooth. Lipids are fatty substances that help to repair and protect the barrier function of the skin.

When the top layer of skin (epidermis) doesn’t contain enough water it dries out, leaving cracks in the skin and open spaces between the cells. Emollients help to fill these spaces with lipids, and the lipids help to smooth and soften the skin. Common types of Emollients are shea butter, squalene, and ceramides.

Skyn tip: Emollients function to soften and smooth the skin, apply within 2-3 minutes of applying humectants and seal with an occlusive.

Humectants

Humectants are water soluble ingredients that help to reduce the appearance of dry skyn. These ingredients help to extract moisture from the air or from deeper in the skin. The humectant then binds to the water, and helps to deliver it to the epidermis, reducing the appearance of dry skyn.

Common types of humectants are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and urea.

Skyn tip: Increasing your water intake and hydration levels of the body can help your humectants function better as they have water to actually bind to.

Occlusives

Occlusives are usually in a wax, silicone or oil based form. Their main purpose is to keep water in the skin intact. Whether it’s added moisture or what’s already there. Occlusives act as a physical barrier for the skyn and help to prevent water loss, making them a key step during the colder seasons to ensure the skyn stays hydrated.

Common types of humectants are dimethicone, beeswax, and petroleum jelly.

Skyn tip: During the colder seasons your routine should have all 3 types of moisturizers. You would apply them in the following order: humectant + emollient + occlusive