natural moisturising factor (NMF)
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- Categories: Skin-Replenishing
Substances within skin’s uppermost layers that help keep it smooth, hydrated and healthy-looking. Topical application helps reinforce skin’s surface so skin takes on a younger, replenished appearance.
NMFs make up an expansive group of ingredients that include amino acids, lactic acid, sodium PCA, various sugars and minerals, and peptides. Together with the naturally-occurring lipids in skin (examples would be ceramides, cholesterol, and glycosaminoglycans), NMF’s work to keep skin’s surface intact and supple.
It is worth noting that routine exposure to sensitising ingredients like drying cleansing agents and denatured alcohol cause serious depletion of skin’s natural moisturising factors, leading to visibly dry, tight-feeling, flaky skin.
References for this information:
Acta-dermato Venerologica, November 2016, pages 880-884
Journal of Cosmetic Science, January-February 2010, pages 13-22
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, September–October 2004, pages 207–213
Progressive Lipid Research, January 2003, pages 1–36
Journal of Lipid Research, May 2002, pages 794–804
Clinical Geriatric Medicine, February 2002, pages 103–120
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, November 2002, pages 587–594
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, May 1996, pages 1096–1101
British Journal of Dermatology, November 1995, pages 679–685
About the Experts
Paula Begoun is the best-selling author of 20 books about skincare and makeup. She is known worldwide as The Cosmetics Cop and creator of Paula’s Choice Skincare. Paula’s expertise has led to hundreds of appearances on national and international radio, print, and television including:
The Paula's Choice Research Team is dedicated to busting beauty myths and providing expert advice that solves your skincare frustrations so you can have the best skin of your life!