from www.number1skincare.co.uk
Humectants
What they do. Humectants direct moisture from the air into your skin. But, in order for this to occur, the air’s humidity must be at least 70 percent – humectants can’t draw moisture from the air into your skin if the air doesn’t have enough moisture in it. They also help “attract moisture from the dermis into the epidermis,” according to Heather Brannon, M.D., About’s dermatology guide. Plus, humectants are helpful “for skin damaged by sun and dehydration,” explains dermatologist Charles Lynde, M.D., professor at the University of Toronto Canada. In addition, humectants soften thick, rough, scaly skin often found on feet, knees and elbows.
Examples. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, butylene glycol, propylene glycerol, sorbitol, sodium PCA, urea, panthenol and lactic acid.
In particular, hyaluronic acid is a fantastic humectant. It “holds up to 1,000 times its volume in moisture,” says Judith Newman in Allure. Plus, it prevents skin’s moisture from evaporating. This naturally-occurring substance found between skin cells traps in moisture for smooth, firm, plump-looking skin, and reduces the look of wrinkles. We have high levels of hyaluronic acid when we’re young – this is why babies’ skin is soft and moist, Eric Bernstein, M.D., dermatology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, tells Allure. However, hyaluronic acid levels drop with age.
Find them in:
Face. Kerstin Florian Hyaluronic Serum combines several potent humectants – like hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, sodium PCA and panthenol – to increase skin’s moisture. It’s even safe for red, irritated, sensitive skin, and is ideal following peels or microdermabrasion treatments.
Body. B. Kamins Maple Body Lotion is the perfect moisturizer after your bath or shower. It features a medley of moisturizing humectants, including hyaluronic acid, urea and butylene glycol.