Dry skin is something that so many of us deal with on a daily basis that it can feel like an unavoidable part of life. Yet there are simple and effective moisturizers which have been specifically designed to handle even the driest, most damaged skin. The key is to understand how moisturizers work and which moisturizer is best for your individual skin type.
With this in mind, today we will review how exactly moisturizers work, what can be classified as “very dry skin”, and how daily use of specifically formulated hand, elbow, and foot cream can make all the difference for your comfort.
What can be Classified as Very Dry Skin?
Almost everybody develops dry skin from time to time. Whether you spent a few too many hours in the sun this weekend or had to catch up with a 30 minute dish washing sessions, dry skin is extremely common. Reasons for dry skin can range from low humidity to overusing certain soaps, to leading an active lifestyle. Most cases of dry skin are no big deal, but when should you start to take dry skin management seriously?
- Your dry skin is starting to crack. The most common sign of seriously dry skin is when cracks start to form. This means that the dryness has permeated deep enough to separate an entire layer of skin beyond the top layer.
- Your skin is scaly and rough. Again, most of us have felt this from time to time. But if your skin is constantly like an alligator’s back, it may be time to consider moisturizing.
- Cracked skin has started to bleed. This may sound obvious, but no, your skin should not sporadically bleed due to being dried out.
- Your skin is itchy, red, irritated, or overly sensitive. Basically, if your skin isn’t feeling normal due to dryness, beginning a daily moisturizer might be a good move.
Occlusives Create a Protective Barrier for Skin
So how exactly do moisturizers work? There are three basic ways in which moisturizers can restore, renew, and repair damaged skin. The first is by acting as an occlusive. Occlusive ingredients essentially create a water-tight barrier on your skin. This is intended to keep your natural moisture in and to keep external irritants out.
A typical example of an occlusive might be Vaseline, or petroleum jelly. Vaseline is one of the most effective occlusives in the world because it has a naturally thick texture that produces a highly effective water barrier. Remember, most skin dryness is caused by moisture leaving your body, not by a lack of moisture to begin with.
Emollients Moisturize Very Dry Skin by Filling Gaps
The second way in which effective moisturizers fight against very dry skin is through emollients. Dry skin often leaves skin cracked, damaged, and uneven. Powerful moisturizers work to not only hydrate your skin, but also to fill in these gaps. This is where emollients come into play.
Emollients penetrate into the skin in order to smooth, repair, and reverse skin damage. Emollients do not technically add moisture or hydrate your skin, but they are a powerful way to fight back against extremely dry skin.
Emollients are also extremely versatile, repairing damaged skin from any number of root causes such as dry skin, psoriasis, diabetes, hot showers, sun damage, and much more.
Humectants Hydrate by Drawing Water to the Skin’s Surface
Last but most certainly not least, humectants moisturize the skin by attracting water to the skin’s surface. In fact, many humectants occur naturally and can be used for a number of different applications. Humectants essentially draw water from other areas and hold moisture in place.
In terms of skin care, natural humectants are able to work like a magnet, bringing in moisture from your body and drawing it towards the skin. Common examples of humectants include glycerin, alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, and more.
Without effective humectants, moisturizers may not hold in moisture for longer periods of time, leaving your skin exposed to dryness more quickly. By combining the moisturizing power of occlusives, emollients, and humectants, your skin will start to look and feel more hydrated for the long haul!
HEFF Moisturizing Cream for Very Dry Hands, Elbows, and Feet
HEFF moisturizing cream for men was scientifically formulated by a team of doctors, chemists, and researchers with a singular goal in mind: create a product that can repair, restore, and renew very dry and/or damaged skin. The final result is a daily use moisturizing cream for hands, elbows, and feet. HEFF utilizes all three of the moisturizing pillars to offer deep relief for even the most cracked, chapped, and beat up skin.
Every purchase of HEFF supports military and first responder personnel through Operation Gratitude. We are proud to donate a tube of HEFF for every tube purchased. To give HEFF a try today, find us at any one of the following national retailers, shop on Amazon, or feel free to contact us directly.