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Review
. 2016 May-Jun;61(3):279-87.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.182427.

Moisturizers: The Slippery Road

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Free PMC article
Review

Moisturizers: The Slippery Road

Anisha Sethi et al. Indian J Dermatol. 2016 May-Jun.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Moisturizers are an important part of a dermatologist's armamentarium although little is written and well, a less is truly known about them. There is a cornucopia of projected skin products in the market whose real scientific role is not proven. These products although at times are regarded as mere cosmetics but have a well-known role in many skin disorders. Adequate knowledge about their mechanism of action, dosage, usage, and adverse effects is must for a dermatologist in this era. This article aims to bring forth the ever hidden facts of the much-hyped moisturizers. It is probably the first of its kind covering all aspects of moisturizers ranging from basic science to clinical usage, a subject that receives a short shrift in the current dermatological text.

Keywords: Emollients; humectants; moisturizers role in dermatology.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The mechanism of action of glycerol
Figure 2
Figure 2
Various characteristics of dry skin

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