face moisturizer

Face Moisturizers work two ways: they either trap moisture in your skin, creating a temporary seal, or they restore lost moisture in the outer layer of your skin. There are 4 classes of ingredients in moisturizers: Occlusives, like petrolatum, form a protective seal; Humectants, like hyaluronic acid and bionic acid, pull in water from deeper skin layers and the atmosphere; Emollients, like glycerin, fill in cracks and roughness, helping to smooth the skin; and Barrier-repair ingredients, like ceramides and the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) gluconolactone, replace natural fats and skin conditioners, helping the skin barrier to function optimally. Most products are formulated with a combination of ingredients—so it’s best to choose a moisturizer based on your skin type and/or skin concern.