Skin Care Products – Moisturizer and Toner

Keeping skin hydrated with moisturizer can help protect it as well as improve the skin's look and texture. Moisturizers use humectants, which are water-binding compounds that hydrate the skin and help prevent water loss, and emollients, which are compounds that smooth and soften the skin.

The degree to which moisturizing products smooth, soften, and hydrate skin depends on the type.

• Gels disperse a moisturizer's ingredients either by a water, alcohol, or liquid fat base. They feel cool on the skin because of rapid evaporation of the base shortly after application. They are typically the lightest and least greasy-feeling moisturizers.
• Lotions consist of dry, powdered ingredients dissolved in water. Lotions are relatively light moisturizers that absorb quickly into the skin and usually do not feel greasy.
• Creams are heavier than lotions and are generally more effective at moisturizing and protecting the skin. They consist of a water and oil emulsion. Creams are stickier and feel greasier than lotions.
• Ointments are thick preparations and have the highest oil concentration of all moisturizers. They are the heaviest and stickiest as well.

Remember that the heavier a moisturizer is, the better it will be at preventing water loss. However, heavy moisturizers also can clog pores, trapping dirt, oil, and bacteria, which may provoke breakouts.

Toners
After cleansing, toners can help remove traces of dirt, oil, makeup, and excess cleanser from skin. Toners are formulated to help restore the pH balance of skin that is often disrupted by cleansing. They also contain ingredients that help rehydrate the skin.