Signs of over-moisturizing the skin // Can you MOISTURIZE TOO MUCH? @DrDrayzday

Summary

This video explores the possibility of overdoing it with moisturizer and whether it can be detrimental. It explains the role of moisturizers in maintaining skin's natural barrier by reducing water loss and keeping irritants out. The script delves into the skin's stratum corneum, its composition, and the importance of water content for skin health. It addresses common misconceptions, such as causing oiliness or acne, and conditions like diaper rash and maskne, which are not caused by moisturizer overuse. The video concludes that while overuse is possible, it's unlikely with typical moisturizer application, and they are generally beneficial for skin health.

Takeaways

• 💧 Moisturizers are essential for maintaining skin health by reducing water loss and keeping irritants out.
• 🧱 The skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, functions as a barrier with 'bricks and mortar' made of corneocytes and lipids.
• 🌊 Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) within the skin help bind water and maintain hydration.
• 🛡️ Environmental factors like detergents and pollutants can damage the skin's protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
• 💦 Humectants in moisturizers mimic the skin's NMFs by attracting and binding water to the skin's surface.
• 🔒 Occlusives in moisturizers form a barrier on the skin's surface, trapping water in and preventing transepidermal water loss.
• 🚫 Over-moisturizing is unlikely with typical use, but conditions like diaper rash and 'maskne' can occur from excessive hydration.
• 🏊‍♂️ Swimmers may experience acne due to hyper-hydration from prolonged water exposure, not from moisturizer use.
• 👐 Frequent hand washing can disrupt the skin's lipid barrier, making regular hand moisturization important.
• ☀️ Sunscreen is considered a type of moisturizer as it contains humectants and is occlusive, helping to reduce water loss and protect from UV damage.

Q & A

Is it possible to overdo it with moisturizer?

Yes, it is possible to overdo it with moisturizer, but it's not likely to cause issues like diaper rash or trench foot, which are due to prolonged contact with water, not moisturizer use.

What is the primary function of moisturizers?

Moisturizers primarily help the skin by reducing water loss and helping to keep irritants out.

How does the skin naturally protect itself from water loss and irritants?

The skin naturally protects itself through the stratum corneum, which is composed of dead cells called corneocytes enmeshed in a lipid protein matrix, acting like bricks and mortar.

What are the two strategies moisturizers employ to help the skin?

Moisturizers employ two strategies: increasing water content in the stratum corneum with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, and depositing a water-insoluble oily substance on the skin surface to mimic the skin's lipids and trap water in.

Why is petrolatum a favorite occlusive in moisturizers?

Petrolatum is a favorite occlusive in moisturizers because it can reduce water loss out of the skin by 99% and does a good job mimicking the skin's lipids.

Can moisturizers cause acne or oiliness?

Moisturizers do not cause acne or oiliness. Oil production is governed by hormones and is not influenced by moisturizer application.

What is 'maskne' and how is it related to moisturizers?

'Maskne' refers to acne caused by wearing masks, which can trap sweat and moisture against the skin. While moisturizers are not the direct cause, using an occlusive moisturizer can help prevent further irritation and promote skin healing.

How often should one apply moisturizer?

The frequency of applying moisturizer depends on individual skin needs and conditions. Generally, after cleansing, and more often if hands are washed frequently or if one has dry skin conditions like eczema.

What is the role of sunscreen as a moisturizer?

Sunscreen acts like a moisturizer by containing humectants and being occlusive, helping to reduce water loss from the skin and prevent dryness caused by UV exposure.

Can using too much moisturizer cause contact dermatitis?

Using too much moisturizer can potentially cause contact dermatitis if one is allergic or sensitive to an ingredient in the moisturizer, but this is not due to the hydration itself.

What is the recommended approach to moisturizing for swimmers?

For swimmers, it is recommended to use an occlusive moisturizer before entering the pool to prevent the skin from absorbing too much irritating pool water, and to rinse the skin after swimming to remove chlorine.