Therapeutic moisturizers.

Moisturizers have been adapted to perform many important roles on the skin surface. Simple moisturizers combine occlusives and humectants to enhance the water-holding capacity of the skin. The addition of carefully selected emollients can influence the esthetic properties of the moisturizer and the stability of the active ingredients. The addition of sunscreens to moisturizers has created a new product category with an added skin function. Further diversity in moisturizer formulation is created through the addition of specialty ingredients, designed to enhance the functioning of the skin. Moisturizers are an important part of the dermatologist's armamentarium.