There is nothing more nourishing for the skin than moisturizer. No matter where you are or what you have to do, make sure you always carry with you a small pot if moisturizer. Moisturizing is the key component to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Moisturizers not only increase the skin's water content, but they also protect the skin and encourage an orderly desquamation (shedding) process that makes the skin appear more smooth. In places with a tropical climate like India, heat, sun-rays and pollution tend to dry the skin.



Thus, use of a moisturiser becomes essential. Basic components of moisturisers are: Occlusive oils, Humectants, Hydrophilic matrices, Special additives such as Ceramides, Vitamins, EFA's, Aloevera, Urea, Lactic acid, Alfa-hydroxy acids, collagen, Elastin and Hyaluronic acid. A moisturiser should be used after a bath on a moist skin surface. One may even use a sun-screen during the day and a moisturiser at bed time. People with normal or dry skin can use both creams and lotions which have water in oil emulsion. Those with oily skin should avoid using creams. Lotions with oil in water formulations are best suited for oily skin.