Secret to a supple skin

Dr Vikas Sharma

During this season the one thing that our skin requires the most is a perfect moisturiser. Moisturisers prevent and treat dry skin, but that’s not all they do. Moisturisers protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture and mask imperfections. There are plenty of different moisturisers available in the market.

Like searching for a good cleanser, it can be difficult finding the perfect moisturiser for the skin. Even if a particular moisturiser doesn’t break you out, some moisturisers feel too greasy and heavy or are simply not moisturising enough.

Which moisturiser is best for you?

On the most basic level, moisturisers hold water in the outermost layer of skin. They also act as a temporary barrier against allergens and harmful environmental agents. Many moisturisers contain some combination of humectants and emollients, as well as other ingredients.

The moisturiser that’s best for you depends on many factors, including the skin type, the age and whether you have specific conditions, such as acne.

Normal skin: Normal skin is neither too dry nor too oily. To maintain this natural moisture balance, one should use a water-based moisturiser that has a light, non-greasy feel. These moisturisers often contain lightweight oils, such as cetyl alcohol, or silicone-derived ingredients, such as cyclomethicone.

Dry skin: To restore moisture to dry skin, need is of a heavier, oil-based moisturiser that contains ingredients such as antioxidants, grape seed oil or dimethicone, which helps keep skin hydrated 24 hours. For very dry, cracked skin, petrolatum-based products are preferable. They have more staying power than creams and are more effective at preventing water from evaporating from our skin.

Oily skin: Oily skin is prone to acne and breakouts. Though oily, such skin still needs moisture, especially after using skin care products that remove oils and dry out the skin. A light moisturiser can also help protect the skin after washing. Choose a water-based product that’s labelled “non-comedogenic,” which means it won’t clog pores.

Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin is susceptible to skin irritations, redness, itching or rashes. Look for a moisturiser that contains soothing ingredients such as chamomile or aloe and doesn’t contain potential allergens, such as fragrances or dyes. Also, avoid products containing acids such as lactic or glycolic acids, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Mature skin: As you age, the skin tends to become drier because the oil-producing glands become less active. To keep the skin soft and well hydrated, choose an oil-based moisturiser that contains petrolatum as the base, along with antioxidants or alpha hydroxy acids to combat wrinkles. These ingredients help hold in moisture and prevent flaky and scaly skin.

Such moisturisers keep the skin hydrated and supple. They lock in the skin’s natural moisture, as well as help attract moisture to the surface of the skin to prevent it from drying out. They also improve the skin barrier function.

Most moisturisers include fragrance to make the product smell more appealing. Those with sensitive skin should use moisturisers with no fragrance and minimal ingredients. Those with sensitive skin should also avoid the parfum ingredient as well.

The other thing to consider when choosing a good moisturiser is the texture and feel of the moisturiser itself. One should select and pick one that hydrates but won’t feel heavy and greasy. The ideal moisturiser is smooth and easy to apply and sinks into the skin instead of sitting on the surface. Fluid moisturisers (like lotions and serums) tend to sink right in. A good moisturiser should also not break you out, burn upon touching the skin, or cause any other kind of irritation. Most important it’s better to have a moisturiser which has PH equivalent to that of skin that is 5.8.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)