Demystifying Skin Products

By Gigi on Tuesday, 5 April 2011

The quest for younger looking skin has plagued women the World over for centuries. Many cultures have developed their own skin care products using materials available to them. The Himba of Namibia use red clay to keep their skin moisturized and their skin glows with health and beauty.

Himba Woman

In the 20th Century (and now the 21st) the beauty industry has exploited this search by creating an endless line of products that line both sides of an aisle in pharmacies and other superstores like Walmart.

Cosmetic Aisle in a superstore.

I know I've struggled to understand what products are best and which to use where and just how much and how often. Many times I have ended up looking like a teenager in the throes of puberty because I used something I shouldn't have.

After some research, it was interesting to discover some of the things I had probably taken for granted.

Skin products typically use 3 different substances. Humectants, Occlusive Agents and Emollients. To understand how these substances work on our skin, refer to the cross section of the skin below.

Cross section of human skin

Humectants are hydroscopic substances, which means it attracts water. If you use a humectant on your skin it will attract water either from the atmosphere or from the DERMIS of your skin.

Occlusive agents are hydrophobic substances, which means they don't allow water to pass through them. If you use an occlusive agent on your skin, it will stop water from coming into your skin from the airand will stop your skin from losing water to the air.

Emollients improve the appearance of the skin by flattening raised skin cells (which give that ashy look).

To find out what purpose the different substances in your skin care products perform, click here.

It is important to remember that healthy skin starts with a healthy diet. Skin care products should be used only to enhance the regimen you already have. Help your skin maintain its moisture by drinking lots of water, eating tons of vegetables and lots of fruits.