How to Recognize an Outstanding Moisturizing Product (Part 3)
In the previous article we discussed the ongoing need of our skin for important humectants to prevent premature aging and to maintain a healthy, youthful skin appearance. As also mentioned previously we said that …
Moisturization of the skin means: 1) increasing water holding capacity, 2) increasing lipids in the outer skin layers, 3) aiding intra-cellular hydration for living skin cells, and, 4) prevention of loss of water to the external environment. Each of these plays a part in maintaining the proper water and lipid balance for healthy skin. The very best moisturizing products, using all-natural ingredients, will implement all four of these techniques, and thus, address your total moisturization needs for an outstanding skin appearance.
In segment II we addressed point #1 which discussed the need for proper hydration of the skin and the use of the best humectants (water-retainers) in a moisturizing product to help hold water in the skin and keep it from being lost to the atmosphere. In this article let’s address point #2 and discuss how emollients provide needed lipids for the outer skin layers and contribute to skin moisturization in their special way.
As living epidermal skin cells, produced in the bottom layer, progress upward through the layers of the epidermis, lipids are released into the spaces between cells. These lipids are very useful for healthy skin in several ways … they help create a barrier to water loss and help retain the Natural Moisturizing Factors discussed in the previous article, they also provide a natural lubrication to the upper layers of the skin helping to keep it elastic and preventing flaky appearance. As we age, and our epidermal cell production drops, we also produce less natural lipids in our skin. Loss of this lipid matrix can leave our skin feeling dry, flaky and less elastic. A good moisturizer will provide the needed lipids and thus help repair the lipid barrier and restore hydration.
There are many different sources of emollient esters and oils used in cosmetic moisturizers. In the very first article of this series we discussed heavy, occlusive, greasy and/or waxy petroleum-based emollients and why they were not the best choice. Your skin is made to absorb and utilize the oils made by plants. There is a biological connection not found in synthetic silicones and petro-chemicals. The very best sources of lipids for the skin, which are found in premium, luxury moisturizers, are from cold pressed natural plant oils. Many of these plant oils are light and non-greasy and, besides being an excellent source of lipids for the skin, they provide an excellent array of health-giving antioxidants, Omega 3,6,9 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, plant proteins, and minerals such as silica, zinc, and iron. These natural botanical oils are best preserved when cold press extraction is used. Chemical or heat extraction can destroy the health-giving benefits. Stemology Moisture Complete and HydroPlus Night Renewal Cream are rich in cold pressed natural botanical oils from a number of sources … Grapeseed, Argan, Shea, Kokum, Meadowfoam seed, Olive, Hazelnut … and more. These natural oils are light and penetrate well, adding many healthy components, and providing a more youthful skin appearance. The new Stemology Facial Oil product contains many exotic, luxury, botanical oils designed to promote skin health and a more youthful appearance. It is a great addition to a regimen when one needs more lipid supplementation. Remember lipids keep our skin soft, elastic, and smooth with less lines and wrinkles, and are a key component of skin moisturization.
Dr. Hal Simeroth
Chief Science Officer
Stemology Skin Care