Humectants and emollients – how do these ingredients work?

In the field of skin and hair care, we often come across a variety of terms that may sound a bit foreign, but in fact play an extremely important role in making our skin healthy and looking beautiful. Two of them are humectants and emollients. Although both substances are designed to improve the condition of our skin, their effects are quite different.

Let's take a closer look at them!

Emollients – the basis of care for dry, sensitive and problematic skin

What are emollients?

Emollients are cosmetic ingredients that primarily have a lubricating effect. They are designed to retain moisture in the skin, smooth it and strengthen the protective barrier. Emollients are the basis of care for dry, sensitive skin, as well as skin with problems such as atopic dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. Their task is to maintain an adequate level of hydration, as well as to provide such a protective barrier that the skin does not lose valuable nutrients.

How emollients work?

Emollients work by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin that prevents water loss. This makes the skin more elastic, smooth and pleasant to the touch. Regular use of emollients helps reduce the feeling of roughness and dryness, so the skin regains softness and comfort. In addition, emollients accelerate the regeneration of the skin's lipid barrier, which makes the skin more resistant to damage and irritation.

The effect of using emollients

Thanks to emollients, the skin gains not only the right level of hydration, but also greater elasticity and softness. Regular use of cosmetics with this ingredient makes the skin more resistant to adverse external factors, such as wind, frost and the sun. Over time, its overall appearance also improves - it becomes smoother, softer and more pleasant to the touch.

For whom are emollients?

Emollients are especially recommended for people with skin problems such as:

• Dry and dehydrated skin – emollients help rebuild the skin's lipid barrier, resulting in better hydration and regeneration.
• Sensitive skin – soothe irritation and help maintain proper moisture levels, which reduces the feeling of burning or redness.
• Atopic skin – reduce the sensation of itching and relieve symptoms of inflammation.

Where to find emollients?

Emollients are found in many cosmetic products that are worth introducing into your skin care routine. You can find them in:

• Moisturizing creams and lotions for daily use, especially after bathing.
• Face and body oils – emollients moisturize perfectly.
• Hair masks and conditioners – help regenerate dry and damaged hair.
• Protective cosmetics – they also work in cosmetics that provide protection against external influences.

Why use emollients?

Using emollients in your daily skin care is an investment in your skin's health and appearance. They promote the regeneration of the skin's lipid barrier, which is key to its healthy appearance. They make the skin soft, moisturized and supple, as well as more resistant to damage and irritation. Emollients are a must-have in the care of dry, sensitive and irritable skin.

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Cosmetologist

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Humectants – hydration comes first

What are humectants?

Humectants are ingredients that are designed to attract water from the environment and bind it in the skin. They work on the principle of hygroscopicity, which means that they attract moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin into the stratum corneum. This makes humectants an invaluable part of skin care, especially for dry and dehydrated skin. They help maintain the right level of hydration in the skin, which is crucial in maintaining its healthy appearance.

Effects of humectants

The use of humectants gives spectacular results in the form of deep hydration of the skin. The skin becomes more elastic, smoother and firmer. With proper hydration, the skin looks healthier and more radiant, and fine lines become less visible.

How humectants work?

Humectants work by attracting water – both from the environment and from deeper layers of the skin. This process makes the skin more moisturized and less prone to dryness. In practice, this means that the skin not only responds better to external factors, but also maintains a younger, more radiant appearance.

For whom are humectants?

Humectants are especially recommended for people with:

• Dry and dehydrated skin – helps to moisturize the skin and restore its moisture content.
• Oily and combination skin – humectants can be used as light moisturizers that do not weigh down or clog the skin.
• Mature skin – humectants help hydrate and improve skin elasticity, which is important in caring for skin with signs of aging.

The most popular humectants

The most commonly used humectants include:

• Glycerin – one of the oldest and most effective moisturizers.
• Sodium hyaluronate – has the ability to bind large amounts of water, which makes the skin moisturized and smooth.
• Trehalose – has a moisturizing effect, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and adverse environmental effects.
• Panthenol – moisturizes and soothes skin irritation for a healthy appearance.
• Lactic acid – gently exfoliates dead skin while moisturizing the skin.

In which cosmetics you will find humectants?

Humectants are found in many cosmetics to help maintain proper levels of hydration. They can be found in:

• Moisturizing creams – ideal for daily care.
• Face serums – concentrated formulas that effectively moisturize the skin.
• Mists and toners – to refresh and hydrate the skin throughout the day.
• Moisturizing masks – used once a week to deeply hydrate the skin.
• Hair products such as conditioners and masks – humectants effectively moisturize hair, improving its condition.

Why they are important?

Humectants are extremely important in skin care because they provide long-lasting hydration. They make the skin more elastic, smoother and more resistant to harmful external factors. Regular use of cosmetics with humectants improves the texture of the skin and promotes its regeneration, which translates into a healthy appearance and radiance.

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Make an appointment for a free cosmetology consultation

Are you looking for a product that would be the base of your daily care? Need professional support in selecting the right product? Take advantage of free consultation with our experts. During the meeting, our cosmetologists will analyze your current care, answer your questions and, most importantly, prepare a personalized care plan with your skin's needs in mind. We encourage you to sign up for individual consultations with our cosmetologists, who will help select the right products for your needs and help you create an effective skin care routine. Take care of your skin with the best ingredients!