Beauty
Everything to know about the all-important beauty ingredients.
Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist atHudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery.
Shampoos and conditioners also contain humectants to help maintain moisture levels in your hair, notes Mian.
What Are Humectants?
Courtney Rubin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder ofFig.1.
They help maintain theintegrity of the skin barrier, Mian says.
Are Humectants Safe To Use?
Humectants are safe to use for all skin types.
That said, its always a good idea to patch-test new skin care products and ingredients.
One thing to note?
How To Use Humectants
1.
Try Multiple Products
Its OK to use multiple products that contain humectants.
My routine includes humectants in my cleanser, toner, serums, and moisturizers they show up a lot!
to moisturize and support my skin barrier, Rubin says.
Glycerin a powerful humectant chips in to deliver even more hydration.
For Lightweight Moisture
Mian recommends using a moisturizer that contains glycerin, like this one from Kiehls.
It uses hyaluronic acid to restore suppleness and prevent moisture loss so that your lips are smooth and flake-free.
Its a fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula that can be layered underneath moisturizers and makeup.
Whats more, thevitamin B5 (another humectant)in the elixir helps promote long-term hydration.
For Your Body
Ensure your limbs are properly hydrated with this lightweight body lotion.
Its super gentle, fragrance-free, and uses hyaluronic acid for the moisturizing job.
For Clean Skin
Use this nourishing facial cleanser in both your a.m. and p.m. skin care routine.
Studies referenced:
Crowther, JM.
(2021).Understanding humectant behaviour through their water-holding properties.
Int J Cosmet Sci.
(2022)Moisturizers.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/.
(2020).Maintaining skin integrity in the aged: A systematic review.
Int J Nurs Stud.
Am J Clin Dermatol.
2003;4(11):771-88. doi: 10.2165/00128071-200304110-00005.
Rodan, K. (2016).Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare.
Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open.
(2016).Moisturizers: The Slippery Road.
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
