An emollient is a non-cosmetic moisturizer in the form of a cream, ointment, lotion or gel. Emollients are applied directly to clean skin to prevent moisture loss and create a protective film.
Most often, these agents are used to treat dryness or peeling of the skin with eczema or psoriasis.
Types
There are several groups of drugs, which include the most popular emollients. The list includes:
- moisturizing creams, ointments, lotions and sprays;
- bath oils, a variety of shower products;
- soap substitutes.
These non-cosmetic products are sold in tubes, jars and large dispenser bottles. They can be purchased both in the pharmacy in the order of over-the-counter leave, and according to the prescription prescribed by the therapist.
If you or your child need regular use of the emollient, it is better to store it in small containers with lids in each room of the house and additionally in a school backpack or workplace.
Varieties
Emollient is a substance used to treat various skin diseases and pathological conditions. In accordance with the purpose of moisturizers can be classified differently:
- occlusive ointments and creams - create a film on the surface of the skin and thereby prevent the evaporation of moisture;
- emollients containing moisture-retaining components - contain such ingredients as glycerin, propylene glycol and lactic acid (these substances contribute to the accumulation and retention of moisture in the upper layers of the skin);
- anti-itching and irritating agents;
- antiseptic emollients - prevent infection of the skin.
The best emollient is a cream or lotion that suits your skin type. It may be necessary to try several brands to determine the most suitable composition.
Soap substitutes
Daily use of various personal hygiene products (soap, shampoos, shower gels) leads to the gradual destruction of the natural layer of natural fats secreted by the skin. As a result, the integument becomes dry, irritation appears. After some time, in the absence of adequate treatment, a pathological process develops, for example, eczema.
Soap substitutes are emollients intended for washing hands and taking a bath or shower. Although they do not have the property of foaming, like ordinary soap, these compounds excellently cleanse the skin without causing dryness and irritation.
In general, emollient is a fairly versatile substance. Even those products that do not need to be washed off (creams, ointments, lotions) can be used as substitutes for soap.
the effect
The emollient acts as follows:
- helps to retain moisture in the skin;
- moisturizes and eliminates dryness;
- eliminates itching and irritation;
- reduces peeling;
- softens cracks;
- protects the skin;
- promotes deeper absorption of other creams and ointments.
The use of soap substitutes
Mix in your palm a small amount of emollient (just one teaspoon) with warm water and apply the product on dry or wet skin. Wash and dry your skin with light pats of a towel, but never rub.
If you are using a soap substitute at the same time as other medicines, use emollient first. Wait 30 minutes, and then any other preparations can be applied to the skin.
Soap substitute can be used as a shower gel, rubbing it into the skin and rinsing in the bath.
Although doctors often prescribe water-based emollients, think twice before choosing this remedy. There are more effective analogues that do not cause allergic reactions and individual intolerance. In addition, water-based emollients contain a lot of useless moisture that does not contribute to skin treatment.
If you experience itching or tingling sensations after using a soap substitute, consult your doctor: you may need to purchase an alternative drug.
Bath Additives
There are many forms in which emollients are produced. The list also includes cosmetic products such as bath additives. These substances are mixed with lukewarm water to prevent skin from losing moisture after bathing. Such additives can make the surface slippery, so you should pre-lay an anti-slip rug in front of the bathtub and be careful when leaving the bathtub or removing a child from it.
Some bath oils contain an antiseptic that prevents skin infections. However, such drugs can not be used every time, but only from time to time, if the infection as such is not observed. Regular use is indicated with a high degree of spread of infection and with its frequent relapses.
Never use bath additives in quantities exceeding the amount indicated in the instructions for use. With an increase in the concentration of emollient of this type (especially with antiseptic properties), irritation may occur.
Creams and ointments
Emollient cream has a lower fat content than a moisturizing composition in the form of an ointment. In addition, the cream is characterized by ease of application and high absorption rate, therefore it is ideal for daytime use. It can be used for wet eczema.
Ointments are best suited for very dry, thick skin, they are contraindicated in wet eczema. You may need to devote some time and energy to finding the most effective remedy for you or your child.
In some cases, emollients (preparations in the form of creams) cause a tingling sensation when first applied to very dry skin. Usually this unpleasant feeling disappears after several days of regular use of the product.
If the discomfort does not go away, it is possible that they are caused by an individual reaction to the preservative in the composition of the emollient. In this case, you should consult your doctor and find out if there is an analog drug, for example, a moisturizer in the form of an ointment.
Emollients for children are used to replenish moisture every time the skin looks dry or tight. They are absolutely safe. You do not have to worry about overdose, as creams and ointments are absorbed only by the skin and do not penetrate into deeper tissues or, especially, into internal organs.
It is very convenient to use several types of the drug during the day. So, if the doctor prescribed emollients for children (the list of children's preparations is almost the same as for adults), you can apply a light and quickly absorbing cream during the day, and apply a more oily ointment to the skin of the child at night.
Application features
Moisturizers can be used often enough - follow the manufacturer's instructions in the instructions for use of the drug. Regular use of emollients promotes deep hydration and an overall improvement in skin condition.
It is especially important to often apply the product on the face and hands - it is they who are most susceptible to the negative effects of the environment.
Certain activities, such as swimming or gardening, can cause skin irritation, which is why emollients are applied well in advance.
Baby skin is moisturized as needed. It is good to rub the emollient into the handles and cheeks of the child before each meal, so that there is no irritation due to contamination with food and drinks.
It is best to use the product after washing your hands, taking a bath or shower. After everyday water procedures, the skin remains a little moist and absorbs emollients faster. Ideally, the drug is used three to four times a day.
Effective emollients for children: a list
The skin of the child is so tender that even the most seemingly insignificant adverse factor can cause the appearance of irritation, redness and rashes. Particular care must be taken when choosing baby care products, as children's skin quickly and easily absorbs any substances applied to it, which means that it remains unprotected against all kinds of harmful chemical additives that invariably appear in baby creams and bath foam. Another thing is emollients. The names of products that are absolutely safe for the baby and help moisturize delicate skin are listed below. It:
- "Emolium."
- Lokobeys.
- Topikrem.
- "Mustela Stelatopia."
- Oilatum.
These funds are also suitable for gentle care for the integument of adults. Even if your skin is not prone to irritation, emollients can be used to prevent dryness and peeling. Moisturizers for bath and shower are best suited for preventive measures.