Emollients; skin softeners
About emollients
Emollients are emollient and moisturizing creams or ointments that restore and protect the skin barrier. They are essential for dry or sensitive skin, acne, eczema or psoriasis, for all ages. In this article, you will find information for each age group.
Two facts about emollients
Did you know that regular use, for example, reduces the severity of eczema by 50-70%? And did you know that with these products, we reduce corticosteroid use by 30%?
Source: British Journal of Dermatology
Here's appropriate information by age group below
Skin care for babies and children under 10: what you need to know
As a young mother, you want nothing more than for your child to be comfortable in his or her own skin. Many babies and young children suffer from dry, sensitive skin or eczema. This can cause itching, crying and sleepless nights. Fortunately, there are creams, ointments and lotions that soothe and protect the skin.
Babies and children up to 10 years of age
Emollientia are skin care products specifically designed to keep skin supple and hydrated. They form a protective layer on the skin, improving moisture retention and reducing irritation. Recommended products for babies and children up to 10 years are: Balneum Plus Bath Oil and Cooling Ointment FNA . Cooling ointment with or without water FNA can be used on babies, but there are some concerns to keep in mind:
When can you use cooling ointment on babies?
- Mild skin irritation or redness: for example, in diaper rash or skin irritation due to rubbing.
- Dry or sensitive skin: especially the version without water is suitable for babies with very dry skin, as it is oilier and more protective.
- Cooling effect: the version with water can be used to soothe the skin in mild discomfort, such as slightly chapped skin.
What is important in babies?
- Hypoallergenic: Cooling Ointment contains no perfume or other irritants, making it safe for use on babies' sensitive skin.
- Use on intact skin: Cooling ointment should not be applied to open wounds or broken skin unless advised by a doctor.
- Apply thin: Apply the ointment thinly and massage gently. Excessive use may seal the skin.
When to be careful:
- In case of prolonged or severe skin irritation or itching: consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
- Avoid use around the eyes or on mucous membranes.
Conclusion: Cooling ointment with or without water FNA is generally safe for babies and may help with mild skin irritation or dry skin. When in doubt, especially for a specific skin condition, it is wise to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
In addition, there are also emollients for use in bath water, such as Balneum Plus Bath Oil. This product already moisturizes and protects the skin while bathing, which is ideal for babies and young children with very dry skin or eczema.
Why are emollients important for your child?
The skin of babies and young children is much thinner and more fragile than that of adults. As a result, the skin dries out more quickly and is more prone to irritations. Dry patches, redness and eczema are common and can cause your child a lot of discomfort. Emollients ensure that the skin remains protected and recovers faster.
By caring for the skin daily with an appropriate product, you not only prevent symptoms, but you also help to make the natural skin barrier stronger. This is especially important if you notice your child has sensitive skin or a predisposition to allergies.
How and when to use emollients on infants and young children; an overview
- Dry, itchy skin
Balneum Plus Bath Oil
Hydrates the skin by leaving a protective film; reduces itching due to its fat content.
Add 15-30 ml (1-2 capfuls) to a full bath of lukewarm water. Use up to once a day. - Eczema and atopic dermatitis
Balneum Plus Bath Oil
Soothes irritations and supports skin barrier repair; suitable for daily use.
Use 10-15 ml (1 capful) for a baby bath; do not bathe for more than 10 minutes to prevent drying. - Strongly dry skin
Vaseline Cetomacrogol Cream
Forms a protective layer on skin, prevents moisture loss and keeps skin supple.
Apply a thin layer to dry skin 2-3 times a day or more often if needed. Use after showering. - Skin irritation due to eczema or other conditions
Vaseline Cetomacrogol Cream
Helps reduce redness and scaling; suitable as a daily basic cream.
Apply a generous amount to affected areas, especially after contact with water or before sleeping. - Sensitive or irritated skin due to eczema
Cool ointment FNA
Cools the skin and reduces itching; contains no irritants, ideal for sensitive skin types.
Apply a thin layer of cooling ointment to irritated areas, up to 3 times a day. - Slight to moderate skin irritation
Cooling Ointment FNA
Soothes and moisturizes the skin; suitable for topical application to dry or irritated areas.
Lubricate lightly on affected skin after washing; repeat as needed, but no more than 3 times a day.
General tips for use
- Balneum Plus Bath Oil: Be sure to rinse the bath well after use, as the oil can leave a slippery film.
- Vaseline Cetomacrogol Cream: Always apply to clean, dry skin to achieve maximum hydration.
- Cooling Ointment FNA: Avoid use on open wounds or infected skin.
Side effects are rare, but sometimes products can cause mild prickling or redness, especially on very sensitive skin. Always test a new product on a small patch of skin first.
Important resources
Questions?
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Why your skin care is important when you are between 11 and 20 years old
When you are between 11 and 20 years old, your body changes rapidly. As a result, your skin may become more sensitive, feel drier or produce more sebum. Maybe you suffer from dry skin, eczema, or acne. Therefore, it is good to know what you can do to keep your skin healthy. An important tool for this are emollients. But what exactly is this and how can you use it?
Children ages 11-20
Emollients are skin care products that help moisturize and soften your skin. They form a protective layer on the skin, making moisture less likely to evaporate and your skin less likely to dry out. Think creams, ointments, and lotions made specifically to keep your skin supple. These products are often prescribed by your doctor or pharmacy, but you can also buy them yourself.
Two examples of emollients are:
- Lanette cream
- Cooling ointment FNA
Why are emollients important to you?
During your teenage years, your skin plays a big role in how you feel and how you come across. Healthy skin helps you feel confident. In addition, emollients can help with common skin problems, such as:
- Dry skin: often caused by showering, cold air or exercising a lot.
- Eczema: In this, your skin may itch, flake or turn red.
- Acne: While emollients don't cure this, they can help keep the skin from further irritating. Moisturizing the skin is crucial to both maintaining overall skin health and controlling acne. Choosing the right moisturizers can help balance sebum production and prevent clogged pores. By taking good care of your skin, you can prevent these symptoms from getting worse.
How and when to use emollients if you are between the ages of 11 to 20; an overview
- Dry, sensitive skin
Lanette cream
Hydrates the skin and helps restore its natural barrier.
Apply a thin layer to dry skin 2-3 times a day. Suitable as a daily basic cream. - Skin irritation due to eczema or contact allergy
Lanette Cream
Soothes the skin and reduces redness and scaling.
Use after cleansing the skin. In severe dryness, it may be applied more frequently. - Irritated skin due to itching or mild eczema
Cooling Ointment FNA
Cools and soothes the skin; reduces itching and irritation without irritant additives.
Apply a thin layer to irritated areas 2-3 times daily. Not suitable for open wounds. - Itching and redness due to eczema or allergies
Cooling Ointment FNA
Soothes the skin and provides relief from itching and redness.
Use locally on affected areas, up to 3 times a day. - Care after irritation caused by acne treatment
Lanette Cream
Helps moisturize dry skin caused by acne treatments such as retinoids.
Apply a thin layer after washing the face, especially before sleeping. - Dry or irritated skin caused by acne
Lanette Cream
Hydrates without clogging pores; suitable for use with acne. Use after cleansing with a mild cleanser. Apply a thin layer to affected areas 1-2 times daily. - Post-acne irritation or itching
Cool ointment FNA
Cools and soothes areas irritated after acne treatment.
Apply locally to irritated areas, especially after acne breakouts. Use up to 2-3 times a day.
Acne-specific tips
- Lanette cream:
- Make sure to use a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser before applying the cream.
- Avoid excessive amounts; a thin layer is sufficient to keep the skin hydrated without clogging it.
- Cool ointment FNA:
- Use on irritated or itchy areas caused by acne breakouts or treatments.
- Do not use long-term on acne to prevent excess fat from clogging pores.
Tips for using emollients
- Choose the right product:Ask our advice if you are not sure which cream or lotion you need.
- Spread a thin layer on your skin.
- Watch out for misuse: Do not use oily creams on acne-prone skin, this can clog pores.
- Side effects: Some products may sting a little or feel greasy at first. This is normal, but stop if your skin becomes red or sore.
- Extra tips: Use your emollients after showering and dry your skin gently (dab rather than rub).
Sources
- www.apotheek.nl
- www.huidfonds.nl
- www.thuisarts.nl
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Why care is important for your skin if you are between 21 and 40
Do you ever suffer from dry, itchy or sensitive skin? Then it is good to know that emollients can provide a solution. If you are between the ages of 21 and 40, your skin is an important calling card. That's why you want to take good care of your skin, and emollientia play a big role in that. But what exactly are emollients and how do you use them? Read on in this article!
Young adults between the ages of 21 and 40
Emollients are skin care products that moisturize and protect the skin. They contain substances such as fats and oils that help retain moisture and restore the skin's natural barrier. You can find them in creams, ointments and lotions. Examples of emollients include products with ingredients such as urea, lanolin or kerosene.
They are often prescribed or recommended by us for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis or extremely dry skin. But emollients can be useful even without a skin condition, especially if you have tight, dry skin due to cold weather, heating or showering, for example.
Why is this important for your age group?
If you are between the ages of 21 and 40, you are often in the middle of a busy phase of life with work, social activities and perhaps young children. As a result, your skincare can sometimes fall by the wayside. In addition, during this phase your skin has to deal with stress, fatigue and external influences such as pollution and sunlight. Healthy skin is not only beautiful, it also protects you from harmful influences.
Emollients help keep your skin healthy. They prevent dehydration and keep your skin supple and radiant, even when you are busy. Daily use of an appropriate emollient product can reduce irritation and give your skin a boost.
How and when to use emollients if you are between 21 years to and 40 years old; an overview
- Dry skin
Cetomacrogol cream
Hydrates and restores the skin barrier; prevents moisture loss and keeps the skin supple.
Apply a thin layer to dry skin 2-3 times a day, especially after showering or bathing. - Irritated skin
Cetomacrogol cream
Soothes and soothes skin; suitable for long-term use on sensitive skin.
Apply a thin layer to affected skin, especially after contact with irritants. - Skin irritation due to allergy or eczema
Cooling Ointment FNA
Cools the skin and reduces itching and irritation; ideal for acute complaints.
Apply locally to affected areas, up to 3 times a day. - Itching and redness
Cooling ointment FNA
Soothes and cools skin in cases of itching or irritation; soothes sensitive areas.
Use 2-3 times a day on irritated areas; not suitable for long-term use on oily skin. - Dry skin caused by acne treatments
Cetomacrogol Cream
Helps keep skin hydrated without clogging it; soothes after drying treatments.
Apply a thin layer after cleansing skin; use 1-2 times daily. - Light sunburn or irritated skin
Cooling Ointment FNA
Cools and moisturizes skin; provides relief from light sunburn or irritation.
Apply a thin layer to burnt skin; use up to 3 times daily.
Explanation
- Cetomacrogol Cream
A non-comedogenic cream suitable for daily use on normal to dry skin.
Can be used as a base cream or in combination with prescription medicated creams.
Avoid use on oily or acne-prone skin without the advice of a physician.
- Cetomacrogol Ointment FNA
Ideal for acute skin problems such as itching, irritation or mild sunburn.
Avoid prolonged use on very oily skin because it has occlusive properties.
General tips
- Cetomacrogol cream: Use after mild cleansing to prevent skin from drying out, especially after showering or swimming.
- Cooling Ointment FNA: Store in a cool place for an extra cooling effect. Do not apply to open wounds or infected skin.
How to use emollients?
- Choose the right product: Cetomacrogol cream or cooling ointment FNA.
- Apply: Use emollients immediately after showering, when your skin is still moist. This helps retain moisture in the skin.
- Warning: Do not use too much product, as it can close off the skin and make it feel suffocating.
- Side effects: Although rare, you may sometimes experience mild prickling or an allergic reaction. If symptoms occur, stop and consult with your pharmacy.
Relevant Sources
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Why skin care is important if you are between 41 and 64 years old
Emollients are skin care products that help repair and hydrate the skin. They form a protective layer that prevents moisture from evaporating, while making skin softer and more supple. Consider creams, ointments and lotions designed specifically to soothe dry, sensitive or irritated skin.
Examples of common emollients include products with ingredients such as urea, lanolin and kerosene. Well-known brands such as La Roche-Posay and Eucerin offer several options.
Adults aged 41 to 64
In the ages 41 to 64, your skin often has less elasticity and its natural moisture balance decreases. As a result, you are more likely to suffer from dry or sensitive skin. This can be harmless, but can also lead to discomfort such as itching or tightness. For people with conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, emollients are often an essential part of treatment.
By using emollients regularly, you can reduce these symptoms and protect your skin from further damage. It also helps delay the visible signs of skin aging.
How and when to use emollients if you are between 41 years to 64 years of age; an overview
- Dry, flaky skin
Cetomacrogol cream
Hydrates deeply and restores the skin barrier; prevents further drying.
Apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily, especially after showering or bathing. - Sensitive skin with redness or irritation
Cetomacrogol Cream
Soothes skin and reduces redness; ideal for daily care of sensitive skin.
Spread thinly on affected areas after cleansing. Repeat as needed. - Itch caused by dry skin
Cooling Ointment FNA
Cools and soothes itch immediately; soothes irritated skin.
Apply a thin layer locally to itchy areas, up to 3 times daily. - Slight skin irritations such as eczema
Cooling Ointment FNA
Soothes and moisturizes skin; provides relief from acute irritation or itching.
Use locally on affected areas, no longer than 1-2 weeks at a time. - Chronically dry skin, eczema or atopy
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
Specially formulated for very dry or atopic skin; strengthens the skin barrier and reduces itching.
Apply 1-2 times daily to clean skin, especially after showering. - Very dry skin due to age
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
Intensive hydration and long-lasting relief of dryness and itching.
Use daily as a maintenance care for the whole skin. - Light sunburn or irritated skin
Cool ointment FNA
Cools and soothes the skin immediately; helps with light skin burns.
Apply to burnt areas, up to 3 times a day. - Dry skin due to fluctuating hormonal factors
La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
Soothes hormonal fluctuations in the skin; supports hydration.
Use daily on dry or tight skin, especially after bathing.
Explanation
- Cetomacrogol cream
A basic cream for daily moisturization of dry to sensitive skin.
Suitable for use on larger areas of skin and under medicated creams.
- Cooling ointment FNA
Specially suitable for acute skin complaints such as itching and mild irritation.
Not recommended for prolonged use due to occlusive properties.
- La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+
Specially developed for atopic or very dry skin.
Free of perfume and parabens, making it suitable for sensitive and aging skin.
General Tips
- Cetomacrogol Cream: Use after contact with water to prevent moisture loss.
- Cooling Ointment FNA: Avoid use on open wounds; suitable as short-term, intensive care.
- La Roche Posay Lipikar Balm AP+: Use in the evening for recovery during the night; ideal for skin with a tendency to eczema.
Tips for use
- Choose the right product: Cetomacrogol cream, cooling ointment FNA and La Roche Posay Lipikar Balsam AP+
- Apply at the right time: Use emollients immediately after showering, when your skin is still moist. This helps retain moisture better.
- Watch out for misuse: Apply a thin layer and avoid using on infected skin unless recommended by a doctor.
- Know the side effects: In rare cases, emollients can irritate your skin or leave a greasy feeling. Test a new product on a small patch of skin first.
Relevant sources
- Huidfund.nl
- Thuisarts.nl
- Consumentenbond.nl
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.
Why skin care is important when you're 65 or older
As you get a little older, your skin changes. You may notice that your skin feels drier, gets irritated faster or that you suffer from itching. These are common complaints among people over 65. Emollients can help. These products keep your skin supple and protect it from drying out. In this article we explain what emollients are, how they work and how you can use them to keep your skin healthy.
Seniors 65 and older
Emollients are skin care products that moisturize and protect your skin. They contain ingredients such as fats and oils that form a layer on your skin. This helps moisture stay in your skin better and makes it less dry. Consider creams, ointments and lotions. Well-known examples are Cetomacrogol cream and Lanette cream.
You can use emollients for dry skin, eczema or psoriasis. They help to restore the skin barrier and reduce itching and irritation. Some products also contain substances that soften the skin, such as urea or glycerin.
Why especially important for people over 65?
As you age, your skin produces less sebum. As a result, you lose moisture faster and your skin dries out. This can lead to flaking, chapping or even infections. Emollients can prevent this and make your skin supple again.
For those over 65 with conditions such as diabetes or reduced circulation, emollients are especially important. Dry skin can tear more quickly and this increases the risk of wounds and infections. Regular use of emollients helps to reduce this risk.
How and when to use emollients when you are 65+; an overview
- Very dry skin due to age
Vaseline lanolin cream
Hydrates intensively and forms a protective layer to prevent moisture loss.
Apply 2-3 times a day to dry skin, especially after showering or bathing. - Sensitive, irritated skin
Eucerin pH5 Lotion
Strengthens the natural skin barrier and protects against further irritation.
Use daily on clean skin, especially after contact with water. - Squamous skin or psoriasis
Vaseline salicylic acid FNA (2%)
Removes flakes and moisturizes; suitable for milder scaling.
Apply thinly to affected areas 1-2 times daily until improvement occurs. - Er severe scaling or callus formation
Vaseline salicylic acid FNA (5-10%)
Effectively loosens thick scales or calluses; restores skin texture.
Apply thinly to scaly skin or calluses, 1-2 times daily. Do not use long-term without advice. - Dry skin with a tendency to eczema
Eucerin pH5 Lotion
Soothes the skin and reduces irritation by long-term moisturization.
Use daily all over the body, especially after showering. - Very dry, rough patches
Vaseline Lanette Cream
Soothes rough patches and prevents further drying.
Apply directly to dry or rough patches, several times a day as needed. - Hard calluses
Vaseline Salicylic Acid FNA (10%)
Soothes and reduces hard calluses.
Use once a day on calluses; after 1-2 weeks gently remove calluses with a pumice stone.
Explanation
- Vaseline lanolin cream
An emollient and protective cream for daily use.
Very suitable for aging skin that is often dry and fragile.
- Eucerin pH5 Lotion
Supports the natural repair of the skin barrier and protects against environmental factors.
Ideal for sensitive skin with a tendency to irritation or eczema.
- Vaseline salicylic acid FNA
Available in different strengths:
- 2%: Suitable for mild flaking or dry patches.
- 5-10%: More effective for stubborn flaking, calluses or psoriasis.
Long-term use only under the supervision of a physician.
General tips
- Hydration after showering: Use Eucerin pH5 Lotion or Vaseline lanolin cream immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
- Scaly skin: Start with a lower strength Vaseline salicylic acid FNA (2%) to prevent irritation.
- Callus care: For stubborn calluses, use a higher strength (5-10%), but avoid use on open wounds or infected skin.
Tips for using emollients
- Choose the right product
For very dry skin, it is better to use an oily ointment, such as vaseline-lanette cream, Eucerin pH5 Lotion - Apply properly
Gently apply the emollient to the skin, preferably after showering when your skin is still moist. - Beware of misuse
Do not use emollientia on damaged or infected skin without consulting your pharmacy or doctor. Take extra care with diabetes. - Watch for side effects
Although rare, you may experience an allergic reaction, such as redness or itching. If so, stop using the product and consult with your pharmacy.
Sources
Questions?
Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.