EMOLLIENTS: HOW THEY WORK

摘要

The skin is a barrier that protects us from all sorts of infections and irritations, consisting of different layers of cells, water, fats and oils. The fats and oils help us to retain water, but if we don't produce enough of them, we are less able to hold on to water. At this point, the barrier begins to malfunction. As the level of moisture falls, the skin loses some of its structure and gaps begin to appear, making it easier for bacteria and other irritants to penetrate the barrier. The strong detergents in soap, washing-up liquid and bubble bath will remove even more oil and moisture.