Using an effective moisturizer is the key to trouble-free, healthy skin. But do you know which ingredients in a moisturizer formula are responsible for keeping your skin soft and hydrated? These key ingredients are called ‘Humectants’, (ie; the hydrating agents that form the base formula of moisturizers, hydrators, serums and lotions).
Read on to the different the types of natural humectants, and how do they benefit our skin:
What Are Humectants?
Humectants are proteins that bind to water molecules in the air and draw them deep into the skin layers. They tend to form hydrogen bonds with water, which in turn keeps skin moisturized and soft. These can be both man-made/synthetic or naturally derived, and each works differently at different concentrations.
Humectants are different from Emollients and Occlusives. Humectants draw water from the environment into the skin, Emollients fill in and help smooth skin, while Occlusives form a protective layer to help reduce moisture escape. All three are important for healthy skin.
Why Your Skin Needs Humectants?
Our top layer of skin is made up of dry and dead cells and inadequate nourishment can make it appear rough, flaky and dull. The skin naturally has humectants (in the form of hyaluronic acid). However, as we age, the concentration of HA decreases, and we need external sources to replenish this loss. A lack of humectants is the key reason behind dry, lackluster skin.
Humectants address these dry skin concerns, and eventually deep moisturize the top layer of the skin. They are used in different strengths to benefit the skin by providing adequate hydration. Humectants also help exfoliate the skin and improve the performance of other ingredients.
Humectants from Nature
While there are many chemically synthesized/synthetic form of humectants used in your favorite drugstore moisturizer/serums/creams (such as urea, propylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, etc.), we instead suggest using ‘clean skin care’. Chemical-free products not only provides long-lasting, effective results, but also accelerates healing of the skin, delaying signs of aging and preventing acne, blemishes and other skin troubles without side effects.
Some of the best natural humectants we use in our organic skin care products are – Aloe Vera Gel, Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Honey, Lactic acid, Calendula, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, etc.
These natural humectants are best used in combination to occlusives like Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and others for complete, long-lasting moisturization.
Products with Natural Humectants
You can introduce humectants into your skin care in three stages – Toner/Hydrator, BioScience Peptide Complex, followed by Choice of Serum, based on your skin type.
Daily/ Pore Perfect/ SBR Toner or Hydrator – These toners or hydrators for different doshas drench your skin in refreshing moisture. The humectants and healing ingredients in the formula penetrate quickly into the skin and hydrates it.
BioScience Peptide Complex – The ultimate anti-aging serum that battles dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and provides results in sixty days or less. With Argireline and Matrixyl Peptides in the most effective 10:15 concentration, the formula is a clinically proven ‘topical Botox’ that improves skin’s clarity, texture, brightness and elasticity.
Collagen Boost/ Rejuv/ SBR Serum – These lightweight facial moisturizers not only provide deep down hydration, but also accelerate cell rejuvenation, restore balance to tissues to delay signs of aging, and promote a more youthful look.
