Emollients 

Emollients are topical treatments (treatments that are applied directly to the skin). They reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin (epidermis) by covering it with a protective film. Emollients are also sometimes known as moisturisers.

Emollients come in several different forms, including:

• soap substitutes
• bath oils
• moisturising creams and ointments

See Emollients - types for more details.

How do emollients work?

The skin is made up of layers that perform several functions, including storing water. Emollients keep the water in the skin where it is needed and allow damaged skin cells on the skin’s surface 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

Emollients can be applied as often as recommended by the manufacturer to keep the skin well moisturised and in good condition. 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:

• washing your hands
• having a bath
• taking a shower

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.

Medicated emollients

Some emollients contain specially medicated formulas that can be used to treat skin conditions such as:

• eczema: a long-term (chronic) skin condition that causes the skin to become reddened, dry, itchy and cracked
• psoriasis: a chronic non-infectious skin condition that causes red, flaky patches of skin