A moisturizer should be used to as a barrier to moisture to protect the skin. Index Maintaining the integrity of the skin is critical in skin care. Products, such as moisturizers, should be selected based on the ingredients they contain in order not to compromise the health of the skin. Index Moisturizers are most often applied to hydrate dry skin. They are available in such forms as creams, lotions, bath oils, ointment, and pastes.
Creams are preparations of oil in water.
The main component of a cream is water, making them effective for hydrating the skin. Lotions are comprised of powder crystals dissolved in water. They are held in suspension by surface active agents. Lotions produce a coolant effect on the skin, as they hydrate the skin. Bath oils are mixed with tap water, and their hydration properties are not much different than tap water itself.