How do emollients work?
Your skin is made up of layers that have several functions, including storing water. Emollients keep the water in the skin where it is needed and allow damaged skin cells on the surface of your skin to repair themselves. As well as helping the skin to retain water, emollients: • moisturise dry skin • ease itching • reduce scaling • soften cracks • allow other topical treatments to enter the skin When to apply emollients You can apply an emollient as often as recommended by the manufacturer to keep your skin in good condition and well moisturised. In particular, it is a good idea to regularly apply an emollient to your hands because they are exposed to the elements more than any other part of your body. You may also want to use emollients after: • hand washing • bathing • showering Emollients are best applied when the skin is moist and should ideally be applied to the skin at least three or four times a day.
