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Moisturising which nourishes, firms and minimises dull looking skin and lines - takes on a new importance once the skin's functions are understood.

Many of us tend to let skin be until dryness, oiliness, a rash, or a wrinkle, draws their attention.  As our body's largest organ, skin plays an important role and is often taken for granted. Our skin regulates temperature by producing sweat to cool us down, while blood vessels also open up to diffuse heat when we are overheated.

Skin is the protective shield between us and the outside world. It serves as a water repellent and protects us from the environment, particularly the sun.  The skin has tactile sensations - it is sensitive to touch, pressure, vibration and tickling - and thermal sensation - responding to heat and coolness.

Skin also excretes salt and water, absorbs substances (such as nutrients) and produces Vitamin D from sunlight.   Epidermis, the topmost layer of the skin, itself contains many layers. The surface layer is made up of dead skin cells (keratinocytes - cells that make the protein keratin). Between these cells are lipids that create a water-repellent barrier. These form the protective crust of the skin.

Oil glands are attached to the skin's hair follicles, and secrete sebum, which lubricates and waterproofs the skin and hair. A natural moisturiser, sebum also prevents excessive evaporation of water from the skin. If too little sebum is produced, this can lead to excessive dryness and wrinkling, while conversely, over-production of sebum can lead to acne.

A moisturiser should not interrupt with the normal processes of the skin, but rather complement them. This is why moisturisers made of natural ingredients are better as they act in harmony with the dynamic nature of the skin, rather than drenching it in chemicals.