Moisturizers therefore combine both water and oil. This not only replaces some of the water lost from the skin, but more importantly prevents its loss to the surroundings. There are several moisturizing products available in the market. They all fall, basically, in to 2 main types: oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions. The oil-in-water moisturizers sometimes also contain substances called humectants which attract water from the surroundings, but this may have its own disadvantage because humectants may sometimes absorb too much water from the skin itself, thereby increasing its dryness.

Commonly used humectants are glycerin. Newer ingredients have been added to increase the efficacy of this group of moisturizers. Urea (which is an excellent fertilizer for soil) improves the efficiency of glycerin as a moisturizer. A good household moisturizer can be prepared by dissolving 2 level teaspoons full of urea (can be procured from a garden shop) in 10 teaspoons of tap water and adding 10 teaspoons of glycerin. The second category of moisturizers comprises the newer water-in-oil emulsions. They are marketed generally as creams or lotions. Being oil-based products, these trap moisture in the skin by forming an occlusive film on the skin surface; this forms a barrier retarding water loss. Many of these products are also called anti-dehydrating creams.

Choosing the moisturizer to best suit your skin type is very important. The proportion of oil varies according to the type of skin for which the product is formulated. The label on the product generally states this – so do read the instructions carefully. Generally speaking, products meant for well balanced normal skins are water based, containing a little oil. Those designed for dry skins make up for the lack of oil in the skin, by adding oil to the skin. Humectants like glycerin and lactic acid are also added to retain moisture; sensitive skins also need moisturizers having high oil content.

Yes! Regular use of suitable moisturizers does benefit your skin, by guarding against the excessive loss of water; these agents protect the skin against the drying influences of the environment – the effects of sun, cold and heat. A moisturizer is particularly helpful for naturally dry skins, but whatever be your skin type, a moisturizer is particularly helpful for naturally dry skins, but whatever be your skin type, a moisturizer does compensate for the deficiencies in the natural oil-film and keeps the skin lubricated making it soft, smooth and looking more youthful.

Further, moisturizers give a smooth finish to make up. Putting on a light moisturizers effectively combat skin dryness and make the skin soft and supple. But eh role of special ingredients, like vitamins, proteins, collagen, and hormones, in many of the expensive creams is quite doubtful. In fact, it is only the simple lubricating action of the ingredients in the creams that do any good. So using exotic oils instead of ordinary oils will not make the moisturizer any more effective, though it will add enormously to the cost. However, certain natural and synthetic substances, humectants like urea, lactic acid and phospholipids, might improve the efficacy of moisturizers as they increase the hydration of the skin.

Moisturizers are generally no to be used on oily skins, because they can cause spots. But today safe synthetic chemicals are available these oil free moisturizers do not contain any mineral oils, vegetable oils or animal fat, bur contain either modified or other synthetic ingredients. So now you can enjoy luxury of using such products, even if you have an oily skin. Use them on patches of dryness caused by excessive use of anti – pimple remedies. Don’t use them too often or too liberally.

Identify your skin type before you apply the mask. It is the best to try out a few of the masks suited to your skin type and discover for yourself, which of them is the most beneficial to you.

For Oily Skin:

Mix 2 teaspoons of fuller’s earth with 2 teaspoons of chilled rose water to make a thick paste. Apply on your face with a brush, avoiding the delicate areas around the eyes. Leave it on for about 20 minutes or till completely dry. Rinse with warm water. The result is a clear pinkish youthful skin –all the excess grease and dead cells have been cleared away. The treatment should be used for oily skins once a week but if your skin is really very oily then you can apply it even twice a week.

For Sallow Looking Oily Complexions With Blemishes:

Mix 3 teaspoons of kaolin with half a teaspoon each of rose water, glycerin and tincture of benzoin; both kaolin and tincture of benzion can easily be procured from the chemist. Apply the mask with a brush, leave it on for 30 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Your skin will appear soft and smooth with a glowing color.

Tonic for Oily Skin:

Whisk one egg white until it thickens, then whisk in 1 teaspoon of honey. Finally add 1 teaspoon of honey. Finally add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply to your face and neck avoiding the delicate eye and lip areas. Leave it on for 10 minutes and wash with warm water.

Facial Scrub for Oily Skin:

This is an invigorating way of cleansing the face, as the coarse texture of the scrub helps get rid of the dirt and the superficial dead skin. It should not be used more than once a week and never on a dry skin. You should mix 1 teaspoon of fine bran with a quarter teaspoon of dried yeast and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice along with a table spoon of water. Gently massage the thick paste so formed into the skin. Particularly on and around the nose and the chin areas, using a soft brush avoid applying around the eyes. Wash off after 1-2 minutes using warm water.