Every day, after washing my face or taking a shower, I apply some form of a moisturizer. The other day while applying my cream I began to think "what is the exact reason we use moisturizer at all?" It has just become a routine for me over the years as well as just something I watched my mother and sister do. I was never fully explained to why applying moisturizer was important; it just made my skin feel good. So I decided to read up on some basic knowledge involving our skin and why we use what we use. I found some really good information that helped answer my question and more.

It is stated that our skin is just about 80% water. Interestingly enough, that is not entirely true. From what I have learned, a larger majority of our skin is 80% water but the top layer of our skin (where all the dead skin cells are) contains far less. I think it was between 10-30%. This is why some of us have dry skin that peels off; these are the dead skin cell being pushed out making way for newer cells. The only problem with this is that, in the process, the water or moisture being pushed forward from new cells will evaporate leaving you with the same problem as before; dry skin. So the reason moisturizers are used is to reduce this evaporation and keep as much moisture in the skin as possible. These is why it makes you feel so smooth and nice, your skin is replenished.

So now I knew why moisturizer was a helpful tool to use on your body, but I took it one step further. What were some of the safest additives used in moisturizers? The reason I went this route was because all of the stories I have heard of chemicals in skin care being toxic and cancerous, also I wanted to check all of the products I use to make sure I was not falling victim to one of these dangerous ingredients. Don't worry about me, all my products turned out to be safe but I did find something else. What I found out was that there are quite a few ingredients out there calling themselves all natural and safe but only a few had the back up to prove this statement. For example the ingredient used in a couple of different moisturizers, from full body to just face, is an additive called Sesaflash. Not only is Sesaflash a moisturizer but it was a tightening agent, which means it could reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles as well, which I thought was pretty neat. There were many others that did moisturized OR tightened and were legit, but this was my favorite out of all the ingredients that did both.

So now when I grab that jar or tube and start applying the creams to my face and body, I know why it is important. Also, it helps me to remember to keep up with this routine. Your body can only do so much for you without any help, the rest is up to you to do. Help your body help you.