Facial Skin Care Infos

An excellent consumer report about how to choose a moisturizer. The article gives some background on how moisturizers are formulated, how they work, and the operation of common active ingredients. A table at the end of this document compares about 75 available moisturizers, classifying them under Face, Hands and Feet. Highly valuable for anyone searching for a moisturizer as part of their daily routine.

Skin Therapy Letter, Volume 10, Number 5, June 2005, Moisturizers: What They Are and a Practical Approach to Product Selection, J. N. Kraft, BSc (Hons) and C. W. Lynde, MD, FRCPC

Abstract: Moisturizers are widely used products that are important in many dermatologic and cosmetic skin therapies. They contain varying combinations of emollients, occlusives, and humectants to achieve their beneficial effects, and there is an overwhelming number of formulations available. To develop a rational approach for prescribing moisturizers, commercially available products can be categorized on the basis of application site.

There is a vast array of moisturizers available on the market today and consumer demand for these products is growing. These products range from value brands that provide basic moisturization to luxury therapeutics with claims of anti-aging benefits. A recent US study found that moisturizers are the third most commonly recommended OTC topical skin product (13.4%) behind hydrocortisone (27.6%) and anti-infectives (23.4%)

* What Are Moisturizers?
* How Do Moisturizers Work?
* Emollients
* Occlusives
* Humectants
* Where Are They Used?
* What is the Ideal Moisturizer?
* Formulation Characteristics

A summary of some Canadian-marketed moisturizing products/active ingredients by sites of use (many of these products are available in the US as well). This list does not profess to be all-inclusive but includes many of the popular brands used by dermatologists in their practices.