If this myth comes as a shock to you, allow me to explain…

Moisturizers help the skin to retain moisture as well as to prevent moisture loss. They are essential to every skin care regimen. Let's take a look at how this works. There are four types of moisturizers: humectants, emollients, occlusives and ceramides.

Humectants

The role of humectants is to help hydrate the skin by attracting and binding water into the skin—they are like the liaison between your skin and moisture in the air. Examples of humectants are Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid and Honey. Humectants are not heavy oils, therefore they are ideal for all skin types—including oily and acne prone skin. Try the Hyaluronic Day Cream.

Emollients

The role of emollients is to help the skin hold water and to prevent transepidermal water loss. Moreover, emollients fill in the spaces between skin cells and lubricate the skin. Examples are Mineral Oil, Lanolin and Aloe Vera. Check out Buttermilk Moisturizer.

Occlusives

Occlusives are responsible for sealing moisture into the skin—almost like a barrier on the skin. They tend to be the heaviest type of moisturizer and are ideal for very dry skin types. Rose hip, Beeswax and Mineral Oil are examples of occlusives. Bee Pollen Night Cream makes use of occlusives. Ceramides Ceramides are naturally found in the skin; when those ceramides are damaged, a dry epidermis is the result. Dry, depleted skin can benefit from moisturizers that contain ceramides to help restore what was lost. A.H.A. & Ceramide Moisturizer is a good example.