How Does Moisturizer Work?

This week Reactions is taking a look at the science and chemistry of moisturizers and how they work. Don't let winter crack your skin!

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Words: Sam Lemonick
Producer: Elaine Seward
Lead Writer: Noel Waghorn
Scientific Consultant: John M Newsam, DPhil

[miker]

I bumped into Keanu reeves in 1999 in London I said what's your secret for staying young he said mouisturiser. I laughed I didn't believe him I thought it was a girl thing. Seen him on a talk show the other day. Sh1t I should have started 20 years ago lol.

[GBKDerm]

What a great and informative video! As dermatologists, we appreciate the science behind the products we recommend to our patients! 

[naturallymediterrane]

Our skin takes such a direct hit from the weather so we need to care for it thoroughly.

[Kingjames]

I've been wondering about this for awhile! My skin has been really out of control this winter! Thanks for the knowledge!!

[DutchCaribbeanDiving]

Wow, didn't see one person rehashing the "I hate the word moist" joke in some variation. I'm proud of you guys

[FromDaground]

Can you do a video about long term effects of using lotion? How does skin evolve into being wrinkled and damaged and how does lotion prevent this? Asking as a light-skinned, orange-haired, dying biological machine...

[petercarioscia]

During the winter my hands get so dry the skin CRACKS. I know I'm alone...I'm happy this video exists, thank you for satiating my curiosity. Subbed.

[hughjassole]

I’m a Mexican-white guy that never used to lotion until I came across a Bill Burr stand up where he talks about that subject

[njintau]

Wait if Corneocytes are dead cells, how are they able to thank me?

[azazelthefallenangel]

I clearly need some occlusives for my sense of humour

[hosseinebrahimi]

She speaks so fast, i could even pause the video fast enough to watch what's written on subtitles

[ict-gconstantinokarlheinzc]

Is it ok if you put moisturizer 2x a day???

[kazutomotakayoshtosh]

I have eczema, and I’m just wondering how a substance can just help fix it

[SICSIC]

Can you get 'addicted' to lip balm, and if so, how does it work?

[runingbell]

Is there a chemical reaction when making lotion

[BaoTran-lsoy]

Thanks for this great info and amazing inllustration.
If I'm playing sport or doring heavy exercise, should I apply moisturizer? I think no, since my sweat could wash off occlusives. For emollients and humectants, will it retains my sweat under the epidermis?

[Pinkrevenge]

The acid mantle layer over the epidermis needs to be maintained as well

[tapasmirc]

Natural ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, etc- what category would such moisturizers fall under? Any and all help is appreciated!

[bhupinderkaur]

It says that our skin will be hard like crocodile skin

[iwanttoridenamjoonsthighst]

im a girl and i never use lotion. my skin is not dry at all lmao.