What does moisturizing do?Moisturizing improves skin hydration and barrier function. Moisturizers are more effective when applied to skin that has been soaked in water.
There are three basic classes of moisturizers:
Ointments are semi-solid greases that help to hydrate the skin by preventing water loss. Petroleum jelly has no additional ingredients, whereas other ointments contain a small proportion of water or other ingredients to make the ointment more spreadable. Ointments are very good at helping the skin retain moisture but they are often disliked because of their greasiness.
Creams are thick mixtures of greases in water or another liquid. They contain a lower proportion of grease than ointments, making them less greasy.
Lotions are mixtures of oil and water, with water being the main ingredient. Most lotions do not function well as moisturizers for people with dry skin conditions because the water in the lotion evaporates quickly.
Apply moisturizer to your skin immediately after your bath or shower and throughout the day whenever your skin feels dry or itchy. Some people prefer to use creams and lotions during the day and ointments at night.
Techniques Just as it is important to use proper bathing techniques, it is important to properly apply moisturizers to your skin within three minutes of showering or bathing.
- Apply prescription medicine while your skin is still wet and then apply a moisturizer to the rest of your unaffected skin. A thick bland product is best
- Dispense the moisturizer from large jars with a clean spoon, butter knife, or pump to avoid contamination
- Take a dollop of moisturizer from the jar, soften it by rubbing it between your hands, and apply it using the palm of your hand stroking in a downward direction
- Do NOT rub by stroking up and down or around in circles
- Leave a tacky film of moisturizer on your skin; it will be absorbed in a few minutes
Everyone has different preferences concerning how moisturizing products feel on their skin, so try different products until you find one that feels comfortable. Continue use of the moisturizer(s) even after the affected area heals to prevent recurrence.
