DEFINITION

Applying a Skin Moisturiser helps to replace some of the natural fluids lost from the skin during cleansing and daily activities. Skin Moisturising provides a nourishing, protective layer of fluid to the skin to help maintain skin elasticity and integrity.

DESCRIPTION

It is recommended that all people, regardless of skin-type, should use a moisturiser to replace the skin's natural oils which are removed with cleansing. Moisturisers are formulated to suit most skin types including teenagers experiencing a problem with clogged pores and blackheads to mature men and women wishing to maintain a smooth, healthy looking complexion. Cleansing the skin removes the surface oil and moisture, therefore a moisturiser should be applied after every cleansing routine for the following reasons: - To rehydrate or replace fluids lost from the skin. - To protect the skin from harmful environmental pollutants, the suns UV rays and the drying effects of air conditioning. - To help prevent premature ageing of the skin by providing nourishment and moisture. - To act as a base for applying make-up.

Moisturisers are classified as day or night creams. A cream with a lighter, thinner texture is recommended for day use under make-up. A richer, more nourishing cream is suggested for night use. DAY CREAMS often contain a sun protection factor (SPF) to help protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV rays. These moisturisers often contain an ingredient known as a 'humectant' which helps to keep moisture in the skin rather than allowing it to escape. NIGHT CREAMS may contain collagen and elastin to help firm the skin. These ingredients are more beneficial for the more mature skin type. Night creams will also often contain some of the fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins E and A which provide the cream with a rich, nourishing consistency. These antioxidant vitamins are associated with preventing premature ageing and promote the healing of scar tissue. EYE CREAMS or gels are designed for use on the delicate skin surrounding the eye. The best type of eye cream or gel is one with a fine texture blended to nourish and protect the tissue around the eye without being overly rich or thick. An eye cream or gel is specially formulated to help minimise the development of fine lines and helps to prevent loss of elasticity in the skin.

APPLYING A MOISTURISER Day moisturisers are massaged into the skin with firm, gentle upward strokes, after cleansing and before applying make-up. Day creams are applied to the face and neck in the morning only. Night moisturisers are applied in the same way after cleansing the skin at night. Only a small amount of eye cream or gel is needed and should be applied carefully with the 'ring' fingers using a gentle, pressing movement around the entire eye, including the eyelid. The skin around the eye is very delicate and easily damaged by rubbing and stretching of the skin. CHOOSING A MOISTURISER It is a good idea to change moisturisers from summer to winter according to the weather changes. During the cool winter months when the air is cooler and dryer and when the skin releases less perspiration and oils, a richer more nourishing moisturiser may be suitable rather than the light, fluid-like moisturiser used in summer. - OILY SKIN is often shiny with visibly open pores, blackheads and blemishes. This type of skin requires a light, non-greasy moisturiser which will not cause further clogging of the pores of the skin and helps to reduce oil production. It is best to apply this moisturiser sparingly onto slightly moist skin. - DRY SKIN can feel taut and dry with invisible pores. People with dry skin appear to have a fine, papery complexion and may have fine lines and wrinkles forming, especially around the eyes. Dry skin needs special attention and the use of rich, hydrating (fluid adding) moisturisers morning and night is recommended to prevent dryness and further lines from forming. - COMBINATION SKIN is the description given to skin which has an oily 'T zone' on the face (the area of skin around the forehead, nose, mouth and chin). The skin in this area appears to have large, open pores with blackheads and the cheeks are usually normal to dry. A light moisturiser should be applied over the 'T-zone' and a different moisturiser may used on the cheeks to suit the normal skin in this area. - NORMAL SKIN appears to be free of blemishes, has a fine texture which is smooth to the touch and an even colour. This type of skin needs a moisturiser to help maintain its good condition and prevent the signs of premature ageing. A slightly richer cream is recommended than for a combination skin. - SENSITIVE SKIN reddens easily from either harsh weather or over-stimulation e.g., rubbing or allergic reactions. A fine network of broken capillaries may be noticeable on the nose and cheek area. This type of skin usually reacts to certain cosmetics and perfumed soaps etc., and can be dry and itchy. Sensitive skin requires a hypo-allergenic moisturiser which may contain ingredients which strengthen the skin and protect against further capillary damage.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

1) Ask your Pharmacist or pharmacy beauty consultant for advice about the most suitable moisturiser for your skin type. 2) Moisturisers, if not squeezed from a bottle, should be removed from the container with a small spatula to avoid contaminating the cream with bacteria from your fingers. 3) Follow the instructions under 'Applying a moisturiser'. The skin should be slightly moist to allow the moisturiser to spread easily and evenly over the skin and improve the absorption of fluid. 4) Ask your Pharmacist or Pharmacy Beauty Consultant for advice about selecting a day and night cream. 5) Moisturisers are available for sensitive skins. Look for a hypo-allergenic cream if your skin reacts to other cosmetic products.