How Exactly Do Moisturizing Creams Work?

Moisturize To Restore And Repair The Dermal Layers

The skin is the largest organ in the body and is composed of three layers - epidermis, dermis and a subcutaneous tissue layer called the hypodermis (made up of fat and connective tissue). Moisturizing creams work to replenish moisture (water) back to the skin to ensure that it remains hydrated because when skin becomes dry, surface cells flake and fall off leaving skin looking puckered and wrinkled. Using a quality moisturizer promotes healthy water content in the skin ensuring that it remains supple, moist, and feeling smooth to the touch.

Epidermis

The epidermis is the top layer of the skin which is composed of dead skin cells connected by a protein matrix. It is broken into several layers which include (bottom to top) stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, and the stratum corneum. A fifth layer, the stratum lucidum, is evident in areas such as the bottom of your feet where the skin is thicker. While these cells don't get a blood supply, they are essential in creating a protective barrier for the skin.

The top layer of the epidermis helps contain moisture within the skin, and is normally made up of about 15% water. When the moisture content drops, the skin starts to look dry and flaky until it eventually starts cracking. Anti-aging moisturizers work by rehydrating this layer of the skin and stimulating damaged cells to repair themselves.

Dermis

The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and offers structural support for the skin, as well as, connecting the epidermis to the blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves. The dermis is thinner (like the skin on your neck) and therefore more prone to wrinkling due to dryness. The primary function of a moisturizer is to delay the loss of moisture and a good cream will work to retain the moisture already present within the dermis. Moisturizers work to trap in moisture in the dermis before it has a chance to escape. Moisturizing the skin is a crucial component of every skincare regimen, which allows the skin to trap the water in the dermis and the viable layers of the epidermis to maintain healthy, supple and youthful skin.

Hypodermis

The hypodermis is the deepest layer that anchors the skin to muscles and naturally contains fat. It is where skin cells are formed. The natural cycle of the skin means that as new cells are created, dead cells on the epidermis will be worn away, a process that takes around a month. During this time, new skin cells, produced in the hypodermis, rise to the epidermis and flake off.

The point is that no cream will be able to revive these cells, however, if these are removed (preferably via exfoliation) younger, newer, viable cells will dominate and help the skin look more radiant. The hypodermis benefits greatly from a balanced diet and perhaps even a nutritional supplement such as phytoceramides to help maintain the health of the skin cell renewal hub.

Most products are formulated using one or more of the three main types of substances which include: humectants, emollients and occlusive compounds. Each of these components has a unique mechanism of action and the majority of skincare manufacturers will use a combination of these ingredients to create a synergistic effect for the most positive results.

What Should You Look For In A Moisturizing Cream?

We have all been let down by products that promise to help you look younger, only to find a month later that nothing has changed. However, anti-aging moisturizers really do work – if you find a legitimate, quality product.

Whenever a skincare or beauty trend hits the market, dozens of cosmetic companies spring up overnight to try and cash in. As a result, you’ll find lots of watered-down anti-aging formulas that promise results that they simply can’t deliver.

A good product will use the highest quality patented active ingredients, and contain a minimum of 2% (the higher the better). You should also look for reputable companies that sell a range of products.

When you see a company that’s only selling one item and uses some hot marketing slogans in the name, you’re going to want to steer clear.

If you want to try out any of these promising anti-aging moisturizers, check out our review of moisturizers, where we analyzed the ingredients, company's reputation, customer reviews, and more to help you find the products that get you the results that you are looking for. Now, you don’t have to scratch your head when you Google ‘Best Moisturizer’ and end up with hundreds of results. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation!

What Makes A Moisturizer More Effective Than Others?

The secret lies in the moisturizing formula offered by the manufacturer. Products that use active ingredients that are backed by clinical research are what's going to make the difference. Look for ingredients that are patented which means that they have been scientifically tested and approved. Moreover, the formula should contain a high percentage of active ingredients designed to hydrate the skin and replenish missing essential nutrients, as well as, provide a defensive layer to protect against environmental toxins that damage and age the skin prematurely. Moisturizing creams that offer protection and support for each layer of the skin are vital in the battle to fight the visible signs of aging and sustain youthful looks for longer.

Read the labels and educate yourself on ingredients. Use the best kept secrets from the laboratory to enjoy youthful, beautiful skin that defies the signs of aging.