How Moisturisers Work

Moisturisers, lotions, and even lip balms keep your skin smooth as the weather gets dry because they prevent water from migrating and evaporating out of your skin. This video from the American Chemical Society shows you exactly how they work.

There are three major types of moisturising ingredients:

• Occlusives, like Vaseline, sit on top of the skin and prevent water from leaving.
• Emollients, found in lotions that include oils and fatty acids, fill in the tiny cracks that can develop between skin cells.
• Humectants, another common lotion ingredient, attract moisture. They reduce flaking, and encourage your body to produce more of its own waxy substances that prevent further water loss.

All moisturisers do at least one of these jobs, and many do all three. Check out the video for more on how these friendly chemicals help your skin.

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