SkinCeuticals Emollience

Product Information

It's especially important to regularly apply an emollient to your hands and face, as they're exposed to the elements more than any other part of your body. Emollients are often used to help manage dry, itchy or scaly skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. Everyday soaps, shampoos and shower gels usually dry out the skin and can make skin conditions like eczema worse. They help prevent patches of inflammation and flare-ups of these conditions. Types of emollients Lotions Roure R. (2012). Methods to assess theprotective efficacy of emollients against climatic and chemical aggressors.DOI:

You may need to experiment with different emollients or try a combination. For example, you may decide to use a cream during the day and an ointment at night. How to wash with emollients Most people get dry, irritated skin from time to time, especially during the winter when the air is cold and dry. You can also get dry skin from washing your hands often, or from working with harsh chemicals. Emollients are effective for soothing and healing dry skin due to almost any cause, including: Emollients can treat these conditions as well as other skin irritations such as burns from radiation treatments and diaper rash. Emollients are best applied after washing your hands, taking a bath or showering because this is when the skin most needs moisture. Mix a small amount (around teaspoonful) of leave-on emollient or soap substitute in the palm of your hand with a little warm water and spread it over damp or dry skin.According to the National Eczema Association, you should apply an emollient, or any moisturizer, within three minutes of washing your hands or getting out of the shower or bathtub while your skin is still moist. Gently pat yourself dry, then apply the emollient before the water can evaporate. It may help to apply an emollient before and after swimming. Leave enough time for it to be absorbed into your skin before you swim. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin to soothe and hydrate it. They cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture. You can buy emollients from a pharmacy without a prescription. If the skin condition is severe, talk to a GP, nurse or health visitor, as you may need a stronger treatment. Lotions are good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (such as weeping eczema – where pus is seeping out of damaged areas of skin). This is because lotions are thin and spread easily, but they're not very moisturising. Sprays If your skin stings after using an emollient wash product and does not settle after rinsing, ask a pharmacist to recommend a different product. Using emollients with other skin treatments Emollients can be applied as often as you like to keep the skin well moisturised and in good condition. Ideally, this should be done at least 3 or 4 times a day.Certain activities, such as gardening, can irritate the skin. It may help to apply an emollient before doing these. Your doctor or pharmacist will talk to you about which type of emollient will work best for your skin condition.