Emollients: Uses, Benefits & Types

Summer has arrived! The sun's scorching heat, the fan's whooshing hum and the ACs are finally getting some action. Winter garments? Shelved away!  But, wait—if summer's heat makes everyone sweat, why does the skin still feel dry and rough? Sounds peculiar, isn’t it?

The problem is that sun exposure, temperature change, and excessive bathing dry out the skin's moisture despite sweating buckets. And that is where emollients come in. They not only add moisture; they help your skin hold onto it, keeping it healthy and soft.

But how do emollients function, and why should you include them in your skin care regimen? Let's discover!

What Are Emollients?

Emollients are ingredients that fill the spaces between skin cells and give them a soft texture. They create a protective layer on the skin’s surface, that prevents water loss and improves its texture.

Emollients are commonly found in lotions, creams, ointments, and gels, which make them a major component of many skincare products.

How Do They Work?

Unlike humectants (which pull water into the skin) or occlusives (which trap moisture by forming a thick barrier), emollients primarily improve skin texture and support the skin’s natural barrier.

Why Does Skin Need Emollients?

Your skin loses water daily because of exposure to the sun, pollution, air conditioning, and excessive washing, as mentioned earlier. All of these environmental factors dry out your skin, leading to barrier damage and redness. And it's not just that; they can also exacerbate existing conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis.

In addition to this, the hormonal changes during pregnancy can further dry up and sensitize the skin. Thus, in such scenarios, daily use of emollients keeps your skin healthy and hydrated.

Types of Emollients

Not all emollients work the same way. You should choose the right emollient based on your skin type, seasonal changes, and even pregnancy-related skin needs. Here's a brief guide to set you off on the right path:

1. Lotion Emollients

Lotions are lightweight and fast-absorbing due to their higher water content compared to oil. Hence this makes them suitable for everyday moisturising without a greasy feel. If you're pregnant, it is advisable to opt for fragrance-free lotions to minimise the risk of skin irritation.

2. Spray Emollients

If you want a no-fuss way to moisturise, spray-on lotions are a fast and easy solution. They absorb instantly without needing to be rubbed in, making them perfect for quick hydration anytime, anywhere. Also, if you're an expectant mum, go for a gentle, fragrance-free spray lotion to soothe itchy and stretched skin.

3. Cream Emollients

Creams are lightweight and moisturising, and thus are suitable for daytime use. They absorb more quickly than ointments and do not leave a greasy finish. Also, applying it is very easy as they don’t feel heavy on the skin.

Tip: Shea butter or oat-based creams help calm sensitive, pregnancy-prone skin.

4. Ointment Emollients

Ointments are richer, thicker, and deeply moisturising, and thus most suitable for very dry or thickened skin. They should be applied at night since they take a long time to absorb and provide long-lasting hydration. Since they usually don’t contain preservatives, they are extremely gentle on sensitive skin. However, they should never be applied to weeping eczema (infected eczema).

Who Should Use Emollients? 

Anyone can benefit from emollients, but they’re especially helpful if you have:

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) – A condition that causes dryness, irritation, and scaling of the skin. Applying emollients to eczema-affected skin soothes inflammation and alleviates itch.
• Psoriasis – A chronic skin condition which causes thick scaly patches on the skin. Emollients soften these patches and guard against excessive dryness.
• Contact Dermatitis – An allergic reaction that leads to redness, itch, and skin irritation. Emollients create a barrier to reduce flare-ups and skin sensitivity.

Even if you don’t have a skin condition, using emollients daily keeps your skin soft, healthy, and protected.

Natural Emollients You Can Use

If you prefer natural emollients, here are some that offer excellent hydration:

• Shea butter – Deeply nourishing and gentle on eczema prone skin.
• Jojoba oil – Closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it easily absorbed.
• Squalane – A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from olives.
• Coconut oil – Provides moisture and forms a light protective barrier.
• Olive oil – Contains beneficial fatty acids that restore dry skin.
• Cetearyl alcohol – Fatty alcohol that also acts as an emollient, helping to smoothen and soften the skin while preventing moisture loss.

How to Use Emollients for Best Results

For maximum effectiveness, follow these tips:

• Use any emollient directly after bathing. This will lock in moisture when your skin is still wet.
• Apply a good amount for better results.
• Pat gently onto your skin instead of rubbing it, otherwise, it can cause irritation.
• Reapply throughout the day (At least twice daily, or more if your skin feels dry)

When to See a Doctor

If you apply emollients regularly but continue to experience recurring dryness, redness, or inflammation,  then you most likely need to consult a dermatologist. Depending on your skin needs, a physician can prescribe more potent medications or skincare products.

Pregnancy & Skincare

Pregnancy can make your skin drier, itchier, or more sensitive due to hormonal changes. Many moms-to-be also deal with stretch marks, redness, or breakouts, so gentle skincare is important.

Since some ingredients like phthalates, and retinoids can be absorbed into the bloodstream, they can disrupt hormonal levels and harm yours and your growing baby’s health. So, always check labels and avoid them.

If you're looking for pregnancy-safe products, check out what we have in store for you! Designed to nurture and protect your skin and your baby, these products battle dryness and irritation. Here are a few essentials for your pregnancy skincare routine:

• Stretch Marks Cream - Shows visible results in 28 days and works on both old & new marks. 
• Natural Nipple Butter - Soothes sore and cracked skin 
• Moisturising Spray Lotion - Provides 72 hours hydration and relief to acne-prone skin. 

Not only this, all AreoVeda products are EWG Verified, Ecocert Certified, and cellularly proven on lab-grown human skin cells, making them completely safe for pregnant women!

Final Thoughts…

Emollients are simple, effective, and a must to keep your skin hydrated and soft. However, the key is to find one that will suit your skin needs. With regular application of emollients, you will likely be amazed at how rapidly your skin gets smoother and healthier.

Nonetheless, if you do have a skin condition, it’s best to see a dermatologist before introducing any new product to your skincare. And if you're pregnant, always consult your gynaecologist first before trying new skin products.

FAQs

Q1) Can I Use Emollients Alongside Prescription Creams?

Yes, emollients can be applied on top of prescription creams. It's generally best to apply the prescription treatment first, allow it to penetrate, and then use the emollient. This will keep the skin moist and enhance the effectiveness of the prescribed medicine. However, always confirm with a doctor before use.

Q2) How Is An Emollient Different From A Moisturiser?

An emollient is a moisturiser, but not every moisturiser is an emollient. Emollients make the skin smooth and soften it by filling the spaces between the skin cells, whereas moisturisers may also contain humectants (to attract water) and occlusives (to seal in moisture).