How can we even think about replacing moisturisers? After all the cosmetic counters in most department stores are full of such creams promising to plump and hydrate your skin. These creams have been sold for decades.
However, moisturisers are composed of the very ingredients contained in the outer layer of your skin (epidermis). These are water lipids and proteins. Moisturisers contain these in varying proportions to create products which appeal to an array of consumers. In the skin water, lipids and proteins are made from elements delivered to the skin from the body. Topical or external application of products containing the same components the body supplies to the skin, will, in time, shut down their internal delivery. This leads to the skin’s dependence on external application and truely drier, weaker more sensitive skin. Excessive moisturisation of the skin can lead to:
Water loss and dryness caused by damage to skin:
Mositurisers cause dry irritation and increased sensitivity to skin as they compete with the body to supply skin hydration eventually thickening the external skin layers creating rough, dull, old looking skin.
If moisturizers cause dry, weak skin what should we use instead? Dr Obagi uses the concept of skin health restoration in his ZO skin health and ZO medical products. The intentions is to rehydrate the skin from within, suppress inflammation, resulting in skin that is less irritable (the calming effect). Real and permanent skin hydration is achieved by the process of internal hydration and calming. Results encourage patients to continue their treatment.
Mosituriser resistance is often caused by blind purchase of skin products without taking skin type and needs into account. These products can aggravate existing medical conditions and lead to a delay in consulting with a physician for an effective treatment plan. Patients who have used inappropriate moisturisers and developed skin sensitivity often have a more difficult transition onto the correct treatment plans. Their skin must transform through a repair phase which can increase the redness, dryness and irritation they are trying to correct. This can lead to a high drop out rate as they are less compliant. By informing clients about the process of skin health restoration they will understand how to get through the most difficult transformation phase.
