Moisturizers prevent and treat dry skin, but that's not all they do. They can protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture, and mask imperfections. In fact, you can probably find a moisturizer that claims to address whatever concerns you, from dull skin to clogged pores. On the most basic level, moisturizers hold water in the outermost layer of skin and act as a temporary protective barrier. Many moisturizers contain some combination of humectants and emollients, as well as other ingredients.

Humectants
Humectants such as urea, glycerin and alpha hydroxy acids, are substances that absorb and hold liquid moisture in the skin. Humectants increase the pliability and flexibility of the skin, preventing it from cracking.

Emollients
Emollients like lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum, replace lipids in the skin smoothing and lubricating rough skin. Emollients provide a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to slow water loss and increase the moisture.

Fragrances
Most moisturizers include fragrances, which give the product a fresh, pleasing odor and cover up the smell of other ingredients. Fragrances in skin-care products are the most likely cause of skin irritations or allergies.

Preservatives
Any product that includes water and oil must contain one or more preservatives to help prevent bacterial contamination after the product is opened. These ingredients can sometimes cause skin allergies or reactions.

Natural or at home remedies for moisturizing the skin are also available. At home ingredients and natural skin care lines include moisturizing with a combination of oils, butters and sometimes beeswax. Dry skin is best treated with rich oils such as sesame or olive oil. Normal to oily skin should be treated with light oils such as jojoba, grape seed, or avocado. Cocoa butter and Shea butter are also popular choices to reduce age spots and wrinkles.

Sesame Oil
Sesame Oil is extremely beneficial to skin health since sesame oil contains high substance of minerals and healthy fatty acids, making Sesame Oil an excellent emollient. It is rich in Vitamin B Complex and E, which greatly benefit skin health.

Olive Oil
Olive Oil fights free radicals and is high in Vitamin E. Like all oils Olive Oil has a substantial amount of fatty acids or lipids making a great moisturizer for the skin, providing barrier protection and important nutrients.

Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is actually a wax that is liquid at room temperature. The oil has similar chemical makeup to the sebum oil that our skin produces naturally. The oil is wonderful for people who suffer from sensitive skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema. It helps soften skin and reduce wrinkles and other lines associated with aging. In addition, it helps promote the growth of new skin cells, and has anti-bacterial qualities.

Grape Seed Oil
Grape Seed Oil is very rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and protein. Grape Seed can help slow the process of aging, as well as having anti inflammatory and anti oxidant properties, which makes it great for helping clear up acne. Grape seed also contains a high amount of fatty acid essential for the health of the skin and cell membranes, and is the reason it makes such a wonderful moisturizer.

Avocado Oil
Avocados yield an extremely deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin (fatty Acids), proteins and potassium. Avocado Oils essential nutrients provide treatment for age and discoloration spots and maintaining the moisture level of the skin due to its high content in unsaturated fatty acids. This oil is the ideal oil to use if skin is aging, sun damaged or dehydrated.

Whether you choose organic, at home or mainstream moisturizing ingredients, retaining and resupplying the skin with moisture is essential to overall skin health. There are several options to moisturizing and a myriad of ingredients or products to suit every type of person and every skin type.