TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Moisturizing Agents A1 - Baumann, Leslie A2 - Baumann, Leslie A2 - Saghari, Sogol A2 - Weisberg, Edmund PY - 2009 T2 - Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice, 2e AB - Moisturization research was spearheaded in the 1950s when Blank demonstrated that low moisture content of the skin is a prime factor in dry skin conditions.1 In the last 50 years, many scientists have devoted their lives to researching moisturization and have begun to unravel the mysteries of skin hydration (see Chapter 11). It is now known that the symptoms of dry skin can be treated by increasing the hydration state of the stratum corneum (SC) with occlusive or humectant ingredients and by smoothing the rough surface with an emollient. Moisturizers represent a multibillion dollar market in the US. Commonly used moisturizers are oil-in-water emulsions, such as creams and lotions, and water-in-oil emulsions such as hand creams. There are two main types of ingredients: occlusives and humectants. A good moisturizer usually contains both components. This chapter will identify and discuss the mechanisms of action of the main components found in popular moisturizers. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/16 UR - dermatology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1172447844 ER -