Do Moisturizers Work?



Do moisturizers works? An aide applying moisturizer to a senior lady's skin.

The short answer is yes. However, many moisturizers come with dubious claims and mysterious ingredients. Because of how saturated the market is, it’s important to go over the basics of how moisturizers work. This can enable one to become a smarter consumer.

The main way moisturizers work is by trapping water in the skin. Barring severe cases, dry skin is not a big medical worry, but it can be discomforting. Moisturizers can help soothe dry, chapped skin.

Moisturizers help by applying a little bit of water to the skin and then holding it in with a greasy substance. This is a moisturizer down to its most basic level. There are other ingredients in most moisturizers that serve other purposes besides delivering moisture to the skin. These often include vitamins and emollients.

When it comes to moisturizers, remember, the market isn’t really regulated. There aren’t any government standards for making certain claims such as being hypoallergenic. Keep a close eye out for pseudoscientific language and go with what feels best on your skin.

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