Emollient Creams

To explain it in a single sentence, “emollient is an externally applied soothing herb or thickening agent”.

It smoothes and softens the skin by increasing hydration, or water content, of the outer layer of skin, repairing skin’s natural lipid balance whilst reducing inflammation.

As a thickening agent, it also helps to form a protective shield, increasing the hydration of dry areas, thereby minimizing moisture evaporation. This naturally has the effects of replenishing the skin’s natural supply of oils.

Basic Action

Emollient have two basic actions. One, they act as occlusives (ie. protective shield that keeps it from the air), providing a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to prevent water loss. Secondly, they act as humectants. Humectants are substances introduced into the stratum corneum to increase its water retaining capacity.

You can find emollient preparations in a variety of forms. Creams, generally well absorbed into the skin, less greasy than ointments, and easier to apply, are popular for treating minor dry skin conditions.

Application To Use

Emollient in cream form, breathes new life into dry, dehydrated skin and protects with pure extracts, leaving skin looking and feeling soothed, moist and fresh. You may need to apply an emollient 2 or 3 times a day (or more); it’s not unusual to go through 500g of emollient within a week’s time.

Ingredients Found

Petrolatum is an ingredient commonly found in emollient cream. It is observed that usage of this ingredient has a positive effect in the therapy of hand dermatitis.

Look for products with Coenzyme Q10 to help maintain firmness and elasticity. Use a cream that contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids. These acids gently exfoliate the dry, dead, outermost layers of skin, while moisturizing the regeneration of new layers.

Basically, emollient are often the first line treatment for dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, and dry skin symptoms associated with psoriasis.

When used correctly, mild to moderate symptoms can often be managed effectively, without the need for stronger dry skin treatments.Effective emollient therapy usually involves the daily use of bath oil and soap substitute and of course, emollient creams.

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