The Role of Moisturizers Moisturizers are important in skin care
for several reasons - moisturized skin appears smoother and
younger by plumping up cells and reducing the appearance of fine
lines and wrinkles. Proper hydration is also important for the
health of the skin. Studies show that properly hydrated skin is
irritated less easily and recovers more quickly from
environmental insults. Healthy, well moisturized skin requires
an intact epidermal barrier, which is responsible for the
regulation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). An increase in
TEWL results in xerotic skin changes - dryness, scaling,
roughness, and fine fissuring. The epidermal barrier is composed
of 2 functioning components 1) an intertwined and layered grid
of keratinocytes ("bricks") with a top layer of thin stratum
corneum cells (known as corneocytes) and 2) an intercellular
lipid matrix ("mortar"). Proper function and maintenance of both
components assures skin integrity, water balance, hydration, and
orderly skin cell exfoliation. A