What you need to know about emollients

We continue to talk about the ingredients in cosmetics, which is worth special attention. Today, we are talking about emollients - substances that soften the skin.

What you need to know about emollients

What are emollients?

Emollients - a class of substances that soften dry, rough and flaky skin. It is used in situations where the top layer of the skin is dehydrated, resulting in the fact that the skin begins to crack and flake off. Emollients fill the open spaces between the cells of specific lipids, which makes your skin soft and smooth. Furthermore, they cover the skin thin oily film which seals the water and allows it longer remain hydrated.

What is the difference between a moisturizer and emollient?

Emollients - some of the ingredients of moisturizer, while the remaining substances help fill the moisture deficit.

Typically, the emollients used natural and mineral oils - shea butter, cocoa butter, and squalane, beeswax, lanolin and silicones.

When you need to use emollients?

emollients typically used in situations where skin is irritated due to dry air or frequent handwashing with aggressive chemicals. They are also effective in the treatment of these diseases:

  • eczema
  • psoriasis
  • atopic dermatitis
  • hyperthyroidism
  • diabetes

In addition, the emollients can treat any skin irritations, including burns from radiation therapy and diaper rash.

What you need to know about emollients

Here are a few situations in which you definitely need to find the means with emollients:

  • are using very hot water when taking shower
  • for a long time lying in the bath
  • for a long time holding hands in the water when you wash the dishes
  • for a long time you are near a heater
  • are using abrasive detergents
  • over in the sun

It is necessary to take into account the fact that without the use of these means you risk getting an infection due to cracked skin.

What else should be used in combination with emollients?

Most of beauty means with emollients already contain additional ingredients, e.g., keratin, retaining the top layer of skin cells, and AHA-acid and allantoin. It helps exfoliate dead skin cells, which stimulates the production of new cells and helps the skin to become smooth.

What is the best tool to use?

Type means that you need depends on the symptoms and severity of skin problems, as well as personal preferences. Classifying means for fat levels - number of oils determines how emollients are well close film cells.


Typically, pharmaceutical ointments are very greasy and oily, so that they fully prevent the loss of water on your skin and do not require repeated application. They are sticky and difficult to apply, and they have long absorbed into the skin.

Ointments are ideal for very dry skin, and apply their worth in the evening. Most of these funds do not contain preservatives, so that the probability of allergy is minimal. Creams

What you need to know about emollients

The creams are usually balanced by the number of oil and water - it allows them to put a little easier, but the moisture from them may be insufficient, too. Their use is in the daytime, and applied more often than ointments.


Mostly lotions - water with a little oil. Of the three types, they moisturize the least, but they are easier to apply on the scalp and other parts of the body with hair.

This type of fabric softener is good for daily use because it is easy to apply, but this should be done several times a day. Most lotions contain preservatives, so before using it - test on a small area of ​​skin.

How to apply emollients?

With great care spray on damaged skin, and in an ideal - even discussed with a dermatologist. Avoid sensitive areas: around the eyes, inside the nose and in the area of ​​the vagina.

Carefully read the description on the label as it is necessary to apply the remedy. Remember that most of the products should be shaken before use. If you have very dry skin, it makes sense even a little wet with clean water before you apply an emollient.

Do you always read the composition of its product's Skin?