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Cosmetic components: Protectants
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
In order for the skin to look better, it is not necessary to actively interfere with its internal life - sometimes it is enough to protect it from external factors that can interfere with this life. Such factors are: dirt, UV rays, ionizing radiation, frost and wind, microorganisms, harmful chemicals. They cause both direct damage to the skin (for example, solid particles of sand scratch the skin, create conditions for infection, surfactants destroy the lipids of the epidermis, frost and wind dry the skin, etc.), and indirect (for example, they activate processes in it involving free radicals or cause an immune reaction).
To protect the skin from harmful factors, use:
- Film-forming substances - chitosan, hyaluronic acid, aloe gel, collagen, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers, which, when on the skin surface, form a thin transparent coating on it. Such a film prevents the skin from breathing and getting rid of toxins, but protects it from minor damage, dirt and microorganisms. All film-forming substances retain moisture well, so they moisturize the skin and protect it from dehydration.
- Antioxidants - protect the skin from free radicals.
- Antimicrobial agents - contain bactericidal substances that are non-toxic to skin cells. Substances such as triclosan are used in cases where the microbial load on the skin increases (when working in the garden, going out into nature, in hospitals, etc.). In other cases, aseptic plant extracts are used. Animal and bird fats are a folk method of protecting the skin from severe frost. Animal fats are included in special winter creams.
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