Introduction
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) are multiple natural substances found in the outermost layer of skin that keep the skin hydrated and help prevent water loss. This blog we will explain all the substances NMFs have.
Ceramides
Ceramides are a type of lipids that are found in the stratum corneum. These lipids help to maintain the skin's barrier function and keep it moisturized.
The ceramide content of your moisturizer will vary depending on what ingredients it contains, but you'll want to look for products containing at least 10% ceramides (or higher).
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the body. It's found in your skin, as well as your outermost layer of the epidermis and dermis. This natural moisturizer helps maintain elasticity and helps protect against premature aging of the skin.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are a type of lipid (fat) that are found in the stratum corneum and epidermis. They also occur naturally in human skin, where they help to maintain its elasticity, hydration and strength. Fatty acids form bonds with other molecules such as proteins and carbohydrates to create an oil-like substance called sebum. Sebum lubricates your skin so it can move freely without friction or uncomfortable rubbing against itself; it helps protect against environmental damage like windburns or sunburns; it moisturizes your skin by keeping it hydrated at all times; and lastly, it helps keep bacteria from growing on the surface layers of your epidermis
Glycerol
Glycerol is a humectant, which means it helps retain moisture. It can also be absorbed into the skin and help heal dryness. The glycerin in moisturizers is derived from plants or animals, so it's natural and safe for you to use on your face.
Glycerin occurs naturally in the human body, but we must first break down fats before they become usable by our cells; this process is called metabolism. When we eat foods high in fat like meat or dairy products (which contain large amounts of cholesterol), our bodies produce an enzyme called lipase that breaks down the fat molecules into smaller pieces called fatty acids or triglycerides—and these smaller lipid chains go through several rounds of oxidation before being used up by other parts of our bodies like cell membranes or nerve endings!
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that has been found to help the skin retain moisture. It’s also known as hyaluronan and can be found in the skin cells, where it helps keep them hydrated by holding water between the cells. The substance is produced naturally by all mammals, including humans.
Hyaluronic acid works to keep your face looking healthy and youthful by keeping it hydrated throughout each day—and even when you've been outside for hours! That's because as we age, our skin loses its flexibility; this makes us look older than we really are because wrinkles appear more easily on mature faces than young ones do. Hyaluronan helps maintain this elasticity so that wrinkles are less noticeable by keeping your face plumped up with moisture while also making lines disappear faster when they appear on other parts of your body such as lips or hands.
Lactate
Lactate is a natural moisturizer that is found in the outermost skin layer. It's a byproduct of the breakdown of amino acids, which occurs when you sweat or exercise. Lactate helps keep your skin hydrated and smooth by attracting water from wetness on your body's surface to its interior, where it can then be used for lubrication and protection against friction damage.
PCA
PCA is a humectant that's naturally found in the skin. It's also a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which means it helps retain moisture in the skin and keep it healthy.
it has been shown to improve elasticity, increase hydration levels and boost collagen production. The molecules help bind moisture molecules together so that they can work more effectively.
Conclusion
As we can see, there are many different kinds of NMFs. They all serve their own unique purpose and have a different effect on the skin. When choosing an NMF moisturizer, you should consider which one is best for your needs and skin type. NMFs are made up of ceramides, fatty acids, glycerol, hyaluronic acid, lactate and PCA. They work together with moisture in your skin to keep it healthy. This layer is called the stratum corneum or just "skin."