Benefits of Moisturizing Daily and Waxing

By Melody

Bismillah

Moisturising

“Allah has created every [living] creature from water.” (24,25) is what Allah subhaanahu wa ta'ala informs us in the Qur’an concerning the importance of water. Indeed, all life forms rely on water for survival and for the smooth functioning of the body, thus showing the importance that we are kept constantly hydrated. Just as our body needs to be hydrated internally through drinking water, so does it need hydration externally via moisturisers. Water is vital for the integrity and function of our skin and lack of it leads to impaired performance and the rough, scaled and flaky appearance that is apparent of dry skin. Moisturisers are used to relieve symptoms of dry skin in addition to stimulating the skin’s natural barrier function. They help keep up the skin’s constant demand for moisture through both the retention of water and prevention of its loss via the following three main components:

· Humectants – such as urea, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA) and glycerin work by attracting and holding water from the surrounding skin structure and environment and acts by hydrating the outermost layer of the skin.

· Occlusives – such as petroleum jelly, work by forming a barrier with the external environment and thus prevent water loss.

· Emollients – these are fats and lipids (such as lanolin and sunflower seed oil) that spread easily on the skin and make the skin look and feel smoother and softer. They also act as partial barriers to protect and hydrate the skin.

Benefits

Smooth, non-flaky texture

As mentioned above, Emollients are responsible for the smooth texture of skin following the application of moisturisers, and the combined components of moisturisers help to reduce dry skin and roughness.

Can prevent itching and acne

Moisturisers also contain small amounts of water to help temporarily hydrate the skin, however the water evaporates shortly after application[ii]. Evaporation can conversely help lower the body temperature which can reduce the itching sensationii, another benefit of moisturisers. Skin that is well hydrated also has better elasticity and protection in preventing cracking and dryness[iii][iv]. If not stopped, cracking and dryness can allow bacteria to penetrate and cause acne.

Protection from UV light

Moisturisers can also provide protection from harmful solar radiation. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage the skin by altering its structure and composition thus compromising its protective barrier and inducing the appearance of aging skin quicker[v]. UV protection moisturisers can help block the harmful effect of the sun’s radiation.

Delays aging effect

Overtime, the skin naturally loses its barrier integrity and ability to retain water resulting in rough, flaccid and wrinkled skin. Moisturisers help restore the natural barrier function of the skin thus preventing the aging of skin.

Application

The best time to use a moisturizer is after a shower as the skin is more likely to retain the moisture. It can be used after cleaning and washing the face and applied within a few minutes of gently patting the skin dry. Moisturizers are necessary for all skin types, even oily skin, and it is important to choose one that is suited to your skin type; i.e. oily, normal or dry. It is recommended to apply a moisturiser to the face twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening.

Waxing

There are several techniques available for hair removal from the body including shaving, plucking, waxing and threading. Here we will go through the benefits of waxing.

Application

For best results, waxing should be applied to hair with a length no less than 2-3mm. Wax can be applied cool or hot, and it depends on the type of wax that is purchased[vi]:

· Hot waxing

o This involves heating the wax until it is a thick consistency. Then apply a thin, even layer onto the skin.

o Place a fabric strip on top and gently pat it down.

o As soon as the wax hardens, it is peeled off against the direction of growth.

· Cold wax

o This does not require heating

o This type already comes with wax strips, and they are used by simply placing them on the desired area and peeling them off as described before.

Gentle exfoliation is recommended prior to waxing. And an application of a moisturiser after waxing will give the skin a smooth, silky and pleasant finish.

Benefits

The major advantage to waxing is that the hair is removed from the root so the results will last longer than shaving. Enjoy smooth silky hairless skin for up to 6 weeks! Waxing strips are widely available and can be carried out by both the individual and professionally. Furthermore, there is a theoretical possibility that using wax in the long term may reduce the regrowth of hair since repeated waxing may destroy the hair follicles[vii]. Waxing also removes the dead layer of skin on the surface thus acting indirectly as an exfoliator, which may reduce the incidence of ingrown hairs that is more common with the use of epilators.

References (mentioned as footnotes)

www.quran.com
Surat An-Nur, verse 45

Blichmann CW, Serup J, Winther A. Effects of single application of a moisturizer: evaporation of emulsion water, skin surface temperature, electrical conductance, electrical capacitance, and skin surface (emulsion) lipids. Acta Derm Venereol 1989; 69: 327–330.

Marie Lodén, The skin barrier and use of moisturizers in atopic dermatitis. Clinics in Dermatology 2003; 21(2) : 145-157.

Fischer, G.J., Wang, Z.Q., Data, S.C. et al. Pathophysiology of premature skin aging induced by ultraviolet light. N. Engl. J. Med 1997; 337: 1419–1428.

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/hair-removal/wax-your-legs2.htm

Richards RN, Uy M, Meharg G. Temporary hair removal in patient with hirsutism: a clinical study. Cutis 1990; 45: 199-202.  

 

I'd love to hear your views on the benefits of moisturizing and waxing.  Please post in the comments section below :)   

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