Moisturizing Hydra/Touch procedure

The main role in this procedure is played by the moisturizing face mask used during the third step, followed by the intensely moisturizing face cream.

In the productsHyaluronic aciddue to its high biocompatibility with human skin, it helps reduce wrinkles caused by premature aging, reduces skin irritations, promotes wound healing and moisturizes it [1];

Squalaneis an occlusive molecule that strengthens the skin's barrier function and helps the skin maintain its own moisture level (hydration) by regulating sebum secretion, and human sebum contains as much as 13% squalene [7].

In vitro experimental studies show thatsqualaneis a very effective reactive oxygen species neutralizing agent. After oxidative stress, such as exposure to sunlight, squalane acts as an effective "trap" of such oxygen and prevents lipid peroxidation on the surface of human skin [8]. Because of this, squalane iseffective in reducing skin irritations, caused by lipid peroxidation.

In an ex vivo study, squalane has been found to increase the permeation of polyphenolic compounds, which are also potent antioxidants, through the skin [9].

Panthenolis an active ingredient that promotes epidermal regeneration and moisturizes the skin, promotes wound healing and is effective in contact and atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or other skin irritations [4].Panthenolit is well absorbed into the skin and turns into pantothenic acid through oxidation. Pantothenic acid is converted into acetyl coenzyme-A (Acetyl CoA) in epidermal cells, which is involved in many skin biochemical mechanisms and supports the cell cycle [10].

Shea butterorbutter treeits use in cosmetic products began to grow strongly from 2011 and was widely used as an active ingredient in products intended for mature skin. Due to its high content of antioxidants, polyphenols and others, butter tree has UVB absorbing properties. Also, shea butterstimulates collagen production, while inhibiting protease enzymes such as metalloprotease or serine protease [5, 6].

Hydroxyethylureais a derivative of urea that moisturizes the skin without leaving a sticky feeling and increases the penetration of other active substances into the deeper layers of the skin [4].

Allantoinsoothes skin irritations and has skin moisturizing properties, so this ingredient is often used in products for sensitive or damaged skin. In addition, allantoin helps to moderate the skin's reaction to stronger active ingredients necessary to address specific skin problems, making it an effective ingredient in skin care after various chemical peels (peelings) [14, 15].

Aquaxyl™ compleximproves the surface of the skin and enhances the synthesis of essential lipids and proteins involved in the formation of the stratum corneum [16]. This complex not only helps to attract moisture to the deeper layers of the skin, but also helps to retain it by reducing transepidermal water loss.

Rose hip seed oilmoisturizes the skin and contains beneficial fatty acids that help restore the hydrolipidic barrier and even out skin tone [17]. In addition, this oil helps reduce erythema [18].

Betaineis an excellent moisturizer and an ingredient widely used in anti-aging cosmetic products. Betaine helps transport water into the deeper layers of the skin, reduces the depth of wrinkles and helps protect the skin from free radical damage [19].

Oat extracthelps to care for dry, irritated skin. This extract is rich in omega-3 linoleic and omega-6 linolenic acids and fatty acids, which are essential for skin barrier function [20-24]. As a result, this ingredient helps reduce irritated and dry skin.

Rice proteinare classified as enzyme inhibitors that block the activity of metalloproteases (MMPs) and are therefore considered to be an effective antiaging ingredient with antioxidant effects [25]. Metalloproteases are enzymes that can damage collagen fibers and this is one of the essential mechanisms of aging.

Hyaluronic acid (INCI: SODIUM HYALURONATE)

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body and is an important component of various tissues such as skin and connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid ensures soft and smooth skin because it can bind water well. However, with age, the body produces significantly less hyaluronic acid. For this reason, the skin loses elasticity and wrinkles form in old age. To prevent this process, hyaluronic acid is often used as an antiaging active ingredient in products such as eye creams, skin and face creams, as well as face masks. In these products, the job of hyaluronic acid is to retain moisture in the skin by binding water in the top layer of cells. In this way, the visible signs of skin aging can be mitigated [13].

Squalane (INCI: SQUALANE)

The branched, clear, colorless and odorless oil is used as a component of emulsions, pastes and other preparations. It can be derived from olive oil or it can be synthetically produced. It has a skin smoothing effect and is used as a solvent for fat-soluble active substances [11].

Panthenol (INCI: PANTHENOL)

Panthenol is a precursor of vitamin B, also called provitamin B5. It is a viscous, colorless, slightly sticky substance with a subtle characteristic odor. Panthenol is easily soluble in water and alcohol. Provitamin is very well tolerated by the skin, it has moisture-retaining, skin-evening and regenerating properties. In addition, the material supports the protective barrier function of the skin and improves its elasticity. Panthenol is commonly used in cosmetic care products such as creams, lotions, lip care products, sunscreens, and hair care products. In hair care products, panthenol supports renewal of moisture balance and strengthening of hair. Panthenol is also perfect for sensitive skin products. Because panthenol supports the formation of new skin cells after injuries, it is also used in medicated creams, such as in the treatment of sunburns and minor injuries, which relieves skin redness and reduces itching [12].

Shea butter (INCI: BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER)

Shea butter is obtained from the fruit of the shea tree, and the fat extracted from the shea nut can be used in many ways in cosmetics due to its valuable ingredients for the skin. In addition to unsaturated fatty acids, shea butter contains antioxidant vitamin E and allantoin. This active ingredient is a high-quality skin care and moisturizing agent, so it is especially suitable for the care of dry and very dry skin, it penetrates well into the skin and increases the penetration of other substances. Due to ingredients such as allantoin, shea butter can also be used on irritated skin, it accelerates the processes of cell structure restoration, as well as new cell formation and cell regeneration in the skin [13].

Hydroxyethylurea (INCI: HYDROXYETHYL UREA)

Hydroxyethylurea is a derivative of urea and a good humectant that helps restore the skin's proper moisture level and elasticity. This ingredient improves the sensory feel of the skin compared to glycerol or other humectants and can be used in skin care products without adding tackiness to the formula [4].

Allantoin (INCI: ALLANTOIN)

Allantoin is a product of protein metabolism that occurs in the urine of mammals and in many plants (bark of horse chestnuts, roots of comfrey and scorzonera (black salsify), maple, wheat germ, etc.). The white, odorless substance is soluble in water and fat. Allantoin has a soothing and protective effect on the skin. In addition, it accelerates cell formation or cell regeneration. Many cleaning products containing allantoin have an additional protective effect. It helps preserve natural moisture, for example in the sensitive eye area. Stressed skin care creams or emulsions are particularly rich in structure-enhancing ingredients such as allantoin, which makes the skin smoother and softer. Allantoin, present in hand care products, makes the skin soft and smooth again, if the skin of the hands is rough, cracked [14, 15].

Rosehip seed oil (INCI: ROSA CANINA SEED OIL)

It is an excellent skin-softening and moisturizing vegetable oil rich in fatty acids (linoleic acid 51%, linolenic acid 19% and oleic acid 20%). Suitable for all skin types, even acne-prone skin [17, 18].

AQUAXYL™ (INCI: XYLITYLGLUCOSIDE, ANHYDROXYLITOL, XYLITOL)

The action of AQUAXYL™ is based on maintaining moisture circulation in all skin layers and increasing the synthesis of hyaluronic acid. This blend of active ingredients strengthens the skin's protective barrier within 24 hours and stops water loss through the skin. The results are softer, smoother skin in 28 days. AQUAXYL™ enhances the synthesis of essential lipids and proteins involved in the formation of the stratum corneum of the skin. The ingredient has COSMOS, ECOCERT and Natrue certificates [16].

Betaine (INCI: BETAINE)

Betaine is a humectant ingredient that can be plant-based or synthetic. It is also found naturally in our skin. This ingredient is commonly known as an osmolyte: a substance that helps the skin adjust to the loss and gain of moisture, or a substance that balances the skin's hydration. Betaine is often added to cleansers because it has soothing properties that help offset the potential irritants of surfactants. It is also used as a hair conditioning ingredient. More recent studies show that betaine acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor and can be used as an ingredient to help even out uneven skin tone [19].

[1] GOUSSARD, Valentin et al. Bio-based alternatives to volatile silicones: Relationships between chemical structure, physicochemical properties and functional performances.Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2022, 102679.

[2] ZHU, Jieyu, et al. Applications and delivery mechanisms of hyaluronic acid used for topical/transdermal delivery–a review.International journal of pharmaceuticals, 2020, 578: 119127.

[3] PAVLAČKOVÁ, Jana, et al. In vivo efficacy and properties of semisolid formulations containing panthenol.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019, 18.1: 346-354.

[4] DRAELOS, Zoe D. The science behind skin care: moisturizers.Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2018, 17.2: 138-144.

[5] ISRAEL, Malachi Oluwaseyi, et al. Effects of topical and dietary use of shea butter on animals.Am J Life Sci, 2014, 2.5: 303-307.

[6] MARANZ, Steven; WIESMANN, Zeev; GARTY, Nissim. Phenolic constituents of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) kernels.Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 2003, 51.21: 6268-6273.

[7] GOUSSARD, Valentin et al. Bio-based alternatives to volatile silicones: Relationships between chemical structure, physicochemical properties and functional performances.Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 2022, 102679.

[8] KIM, Se-Kwon; KARADENIZ, Fatih. Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane.Advances in food and nutrition research, 2012, 65: 223-233.

[9] OLIVEIRA, Ana LS, et al. Effect of squalane-based emulsion on polyphenols skin penetration: Ex vivo skin study.Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 2022, 218: 112779.

[10] CAMARGO JR, Flávio B., et al. Skin moisturizing effects of panthenol-based formulations.Journal of cosmetic science, 2011, 62.4: 361.

[11] Online access:https://cosmileeurope.eu/lt/inci/sudedamoji-dalis/15418/squalane/ 

[12] Online access:https://cosmileeurope.eu/lt/inci/sudedamoji-dalis/10243/panthenol/  

[13] Online access:https://cosmileeurope.eu/lt/inci/sudedamoji-dalis/18767/butyrospermum-parkii-butter/ 

[14] BAKIBAEV, AA, et al. Allantoin: synthesis and chemical properties.Herald of Karaganda University. Series: Chemistry, 2020, 1: 7-21.

[15] CROCCO, Elisete Isabel, et al. Topical use of a blend of bleaches associated with moisturizers in immediate post-peeling care for melasma treatment.Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020, 12.4: 359-365.

[16] Online access:https://www.seppic.com/en/wesource/aquaxyl.

[17] ILYASOĞLU, Huri. Characterization of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seed and seed oil.International Journal of Food Properties, 2014, 17.7: 1591-1598.

[18] VALERÓN-ALMAZÁN, Pedro, et al. Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil.Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2015, 5.02: 161.

[19] Online access:https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/betaine.

[20] MICHELLE GARAY, M., et al. Antiinflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in the treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.J Drugs Dermatol, 2015, 14.1: 43-48.

[21] ROBARDS K, et al. Oat Oil. In: Moreau RA, Kamal-Eldin A, eds. Gourmet and Health-promoting Specialty Oils. Urbana: AOCS Press. 2009:433-454.

[22] MAN MM, FEINGOLD KR, et al. Optimization of physiological lipid mixtures for barrier repair.J Invest Dermatol. 1996;106:1096-1101.

[23] RHODES LE, STOREYA. Essential fatty acids: Biological functions and potential applications in the skin. In: Loden M, Maibach HI, eds. From Dry Skin and

Moisturizers (2nd Edition). 2006:319-340.

[24] LAJOINIE A, GELAS P, HAFTEK M et al. Epidermal barrier function and Omega-3

fatty acid supplementation. In: Khan W, ed. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. 2014:87-102.

[25] MICHELLE GARAY, M Antiinflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in the treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin.J Drugs Dermatol, 2015, 14.1: 43-48.

What is special about the Hydra/Touch procedure?

This treatment helps to restore the moisture level of the skin and restore the comfort of the skin in just a few simple steps. It's like a beautician's touch in your home: the Hydra/Touch procedure is based on proper skin cleansing, toning, introduction of active substances and proper completion of the procedure. Only 4 steps, the results of which you will enjoy for a long time.

What is a cream mask?

Cream face masks usually have not only moisturizing but also nourishing properties. The creamy texture formula is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients, oils and more, making it a great choice for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin.

Does the cream mask need to be washed off?

Yes, the creamy texture mask should be washed off with cool water. Afterwards, we recommend using your regular face cream or an intensive moisturizing face cream.

Can the cream moisturizing mask be used daily?

Moon/Cosmetics skin care specialists recommend using the moisturizing mask 3-4 times a week.

When is it better to use a moisturizing mask, morning or evening?

Since the skin tends to absorb all the active ingredients more strongly at night, we recommend using the moisturizing mask in the evening. However, if there is a need, this product can be used during the day.