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Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture from the environment and hold it to the skin’s surface. They play an essential part in hydrating the skin. Popular humectants include Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerine, Urea, and Propylene Glycol.
Occlusives are moisturising ingredients that create a physical barrier on the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss and lock in hydration. Petroleum, Lanolin, Waxes, Plant and Mineral oils, and Dimethicone are some of the most commonly used occlusive agents.
Lower temperatures can cause the skin to be sensitive and easily irritated. It’s best to skip products that contain ingredients like alcohol, SLS, or astringent as they rip your skin off its natural hydration. In addition, avoid heavily fragranced products that might increase the skin’s sensitivity issues.
Even during the colder months, harmful UV rays compromise your skin barrier and cause a host of problems. These problems include dehydrated skin and various signs of photoaging like dark spots, blotches, wrinkles, roughness, and discolouration. The skin problems also extend to more painful health concerns like sunburns and polymorphic light eruption (PMLE).
The skin gets stripped of its natural oils every time you wash your face, hands, or body. It’s vital for us to restore that disturbed oil balance to prevent the skin from getting dry. This is why you must use a moisturiser immediately after washing your face or taking a shower.
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