HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury

Moisturisers (emollients)

Moisturisers are creams, ointments and lotions that add moisture to your skin and soften it. Moisturisers are sometimes called emollients. But strictly speaking, an emollient is the ingredient in a moisturiser that helps soften and smooth your skin.

Moisturisers are mainly used to treat dry skin, and dermatitis (eczema). When being used to treat a skin condition, some moisturisers are available on prescription.

Types of moisturisers

• Ointments – form a covering layer that stops water evaporating from the skin. They are best for dry, thick, scaly areas. They have a long-lasting protective effect due to their higher oil content. This also means they can look and feel greasy.
• Creams – are lighter than ointments therefore absorbed more quickly. But they also need to be put on more often. Some creams have additives such as glycerol and urea that attract and hold water.
• Lotions – have a higher water content so do not last as long. They are often used for hairy areas such as the scalp and for mild dryness elsewhere.
• Soap substitutes – are used instead of regular soap that can be irritating to dry, inflamed or sensitive skin. Any moisturiser can be used but two common soap substitutes are aqueous cream and emulsifying ointment.

There is no best moisturiser. The best one for you to use will depend on the dryness of your skin, the area of skin involved and what is comfortable and acceptable to you.

Try different products until you find one you like and will use throughout the day.

You may need different moisturisers for different body areas. Some areas of skin may need different moisturisers during flare-ups.

If a moisturiser irritates your skin, try a different product. You may be sensitive to the preservative in the moisturiser used to make it last longer.

How to use moisturisers

• Apply at least twice a day and more often if possible. 3 or 4 times a day is helpful, especially when your skin is very dry and cracking.
• Use after having a shower or bath as this helps them work better.
• Use all over your body, including your face.
• Apply by dotting the product onto your skin then spreading it using a downward stroking motion.
• If your cream is in a pot, use a spatula or spoon to get it out (this keeps the cream clean).
• Use plenty. To treat your whole body, you will need to use 500 grams per week for an adult and 250 to 500 grams per week for a child.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• DermNet NZ – Emollients and moisturisers

  Detailed information about emollients and moisturisers.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created April 2024.

Sources

Page reference: 1351290

Review key: HIMEM-1351290