You're applying a rich cream, yet your skin still feels dry. Should you switch to an even heavier one?
Before you do, there's something you should know. The "sealing" function of cream alone cannot provide true hydration.
Why Cream Is Only a "Seal"
The primary ingredients in most creams are oils (petrolatum, mineral oil, plant oils). These create an oil film on the skin's surface that physically blocks moisture from evaporating. However, they have no ability to supply moisture itself.
Think of it as putting a lid on a cracked bucket. If there are holes (gaps in the barrier), water will slowly leak out no matter how well you cover the top.
The Three Mechanisms of Moisturization
1. Emollient (seal) -- Covers the surface with oil to prevent evaporation. This is a cream's primary role.
2. Humectant (attract) -- Draws in and retains moisture. Examples: hyaluronic acid, glycerin.
3. Barrier repair (restore) -- Repairs the structure of the stratum corneum, fundamentally improving its ability to retain moisture. Examples: ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids.
Cream alone covers only "1. Emollient." Only when all three work together can you achieve true hydration.
What You Can Do Today
1. Use a ceramide serum before your cream -- Repair the wall before sealing.
2. Check for humectants -- A cream that also contains hyaluronic acid or glycerin will be more effective.
3. Choose by ingredients, not by "richness" -- A product's heavy texture does not correlate with its moisturizing power. Lightweight yet highly effective formulations do exist.