Let’s talk moisturizers

Moisturizers refer to compounds that moisten (as the name implies) and hydrate the skin thereby protecting it from dryness and helping to maintain the integrity of the skin. They are useful in both normal skin and in skin diseases (e.g atopic dermatitis).
They are mainly in three classes
1. Emollients – mostly made up of lipids which fill up gaps that may be in the skin to ensure skin smoothness, hydration and integrity. Examples include these components – Fatty acids, fatty alcohols, cholesterol, squalene, ceramides

2. Occlusives are mostly oil based and serve the function of maintaining skin water content by creating a hydrophobic barrier over the skin and blocking trans-epidermal water loss (the skin gets hydrated normally from the dermis which is the second layer of the skin).

Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, beeswax, silicones. This last type of moisturizers work even better when the skin is damp.

3. Humectants consist of hygroscopic substances which help the stratum corneum to absorb water by attracting water from dermis (where the skin gets hydrated from normally) and a humid environment into the epidermis (which is the topmost layer of the skin). Examples include -Examples are Urea, sorbitol, panthenol, glycerol, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid.

Some moisturizers contain other ingredients apart from the active components (jara) like antioxidants e.g vitamin C and preservatives (most contain preservatives).
The moisturizers may come in lotion, creams or ointments form. Lotions spread rapiy and are less greasy. Good for face and areas with hair. Creams are okay for the skin especially when they are areas without hair. Ointment composition are good when you require a lot of occlusion and the skin is really dry. Gels are good for areas with folds because it dries rapidly.

Most moisturizers contain a combination of the different types of moisturizer. Ultimately, the type of moisturizer depends on what is acceptable to the patient. I use petrolatum on damp skin and it is good for me. As long as it doesn’t contain harmful products like mercury or hydroquinone.

As for sunscreens, between SPF 30 to 50 which may be a chemical or physical blocker. Chemical blockers include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate. Physical blockers is usually zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Physical blockers have the advantage of needing less reapplication. Just get a sunscreen that blends in with your black skin easily. Not so particular about any brand. I use Eucerin or La Roche Posay.

Skin cleansers are useful for cleaning the skin especially the face because their pH is compatible with the acidic pH of the skin which is between 4.5 to 5.5 most times. Most soaps are usually alkaline which may alter the acidic pH of the skin. I use Dove moisturising soap and vaseline blue seal to moisturize my skin Just stay away from harmful chemicals on the skin. You also do not need medicated soaps or antiseptics. They take away your normal bacterial flora (which is good for your skin) and may encourage the growth of pathogenic (bad) bacteria.

Generally, just know that it doesn’t need to be expensive to be beneficial. Don’t break the bank especially if you don’t really have much.

This is not a paid advert. All pictures from Google images.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/

Here’s the link that was the reference for this blogpost.