Continuing on skincare facts: Moisturizers are skin care products that break the dry skin cycle and help maintain skin smoothness. In some cases, dryness may be linked to an impaired barrier function. Once applied to the skin, the ingredients can stay on the surface and be absorbed into the skin. These can be metabolized or disappear from the surface by evaporation. Moisturizers can be sloughed off in contact with other materials. (Loden, M. 2003)
Moisturizers make the skin smooth by helping retain water in the outer skin and maintaining normal skin pH. They are a cosmetic product class that bridges the gap between medicine and consumer products. Moisturizers render the skin beautiful and healthy. They are used on normal and dry skin and are effective in skin that appears tight, stinging, itchy, and tingling.
I did find references to the use of moisturizing lotion in the Bible. Proverbs 27:9-19 says, “Just as lotions and fragrances give sensual delight, a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” Based on the review of the verses of the Bible, we learn that several ingredients were used to moisturize and treat skin conditions.
Frankincense is a popular fragrant gum derived from several species of the Boswellia genus. It is used on both young and mature skin. Frankincense balances oil and dry skin and improves skin tone and condition.
Myrrh is another popular aromatic gum made from trees belonging to the Commiphora genus. These trees were extensively available throughout the Middle East, from Africa to Oman and even as far east as India. Myrrh moisturizes and helps tone, heal, and rejuvenate the skin. Queen Esther received cosmetic treatment with myrrh before marrying King Xerxes.
“Before a young woman’s turn came to go into King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics” Esther 2:12
Almond oil is another popular moisturizer whose history dates to the Bible. Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, which is good for dry skin and keeps it nourished and wrinkle-free. Cypress, cedar, and sycamore trees are extensively found in Southern Europe and the Middle East.
Multiple verses from the Bible refer to the use of these trees in medicine and skin care. Oil was extracted from the bark and needles of these trees. The oils have antimicrobial and medicinal properties. Today, oil from these plants is popular in skin moisturizing products.
Moisturizers have three core classes of ingredients – humectants, emollients, and occlusives.
Humectants are substances that bind and hold water in the upper skin layer. They are good for oily skin and skin prone to acne and other conditions. This class of moisturizing ingredients does not leave a film on the skin that can clog the pores. Humectants attract and hold water and keep the skin moist. Some humectants are naturally found in the body, including hyaluronic acid and sodium PCA.
Emollients are unperfumed substances that soften and soothe the skin and treat dry, flaky skin. Cosmetic products like lotions, lipsticks, and other products contain emollients. Emollients prevent skin splits and chipping off. These compounds occupy the spaces in the skin with greasy substances, making the skin smoother and gentler.
Occlusives create a physical barrier on the skin, keeping it hydrated and moist. They help when the skin is dry, flaky, and itchy. Petroleum jelly is an example of an occlusive. Beeswax is another example. It thickens oil into balm and soothes skin cracks and fissures. Other common occlusives are shea butter, cocoa butter, ceramides, squalane, argan, olive, and jojoba oils.
You can dive deep into the world of cosmetics and learn more in my book – Holy Beauty