What is a Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)?
Our skin is our largest organ and undoubtedly the hardest working one. Not only does it have to fight off everyday environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays and bacteria, it can also be affected by hormonal imbalances and show signs of this when we’re stressed, tired or unwell. All while protecting ourselves and our vital organs. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.
But what does this have to do with Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs)? What do they do for the skin? Let’s find out more!
What is a Natural Moisturizer?
Natural moisturizers are a system of skin that forms in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) that helps produce enough water to moisturize the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis). It may sound simple, but NMFs play an important role in the overall health and well-being of the skin and protect it in a number of ways:
Supporting the Skin’s Protective Barrier
The skin needs a protective barrier to fight off everyday aggressors like free radicals. When this barrier is damaged or not working properly, it can lead to a host of issues with the skin. Signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable, and the complexion appears dull, with uneven texture and pigmentation. When NMF keeps the barrier hydrated and working, your skin is protected from all of the above and all the cells underneath are protected from possible infection, damage, and dryness.
Helps Maintain Skin Elasticity
As we age, our skin’s elasticity decreases, making it more susceptible to damage and visible aging. The more elastin your skin has, the younger it looks. Luckily, NMF can maintain production to keep your face plump, hydrated, and youthful.
Helps Remove Dead Skin Cells
NMF activates hydrolytic enzymes that chop large molecules like dead skin cells into smaller pieces, making them easier to remove during the 30-day cycle when dead skin cells shed from the epidermis. The exfoliation process sometimes doesn’t go smoothly, and the accumulation of dead skin cells can lead to skin problems like dry spots, blackheads, and blotchiness. That’s why NMF’s activation of enzymes to speed up this process is extremely important for your skin’s function, while also keeping your skin radiant and healthy.
Here are three of the top benefits NMF brings to your skin. You may find it interesting that your skin’s natural moisturizing factor is not just one substance, but is actually a complex mixture of moisturizing factors and powerful moisturizers. All of these substances are naturally present in the skin, and some of them can even be found in some of your favorite skincare products, such as hyaluronic acid. Learn more about this famous AHA in our dedicated blog post on the skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid and why it’s so good for your skin.
What does NMF do for your skin?
In addition to the above benefits of NMF, you’ll also find that it keeps your skin’s pH (basically, acidity) balanced. Our skin is typically acidic and can easily become unbalanced by many skin stressors that can penetrate the epidermis and cause a tsunami of damage. NMFs keep the skin’s acidity at the right level, thus protecting it.
What happens if your skin doesn’t have NMF?
Now that you have a better understanding of the role of NMFs, you probably know that any skin that lacks NMFs will suffer from constant dryness and dehydration, especially as you age and the epidermis begins to produce less NMFs.
Fortunately, the skincare industry has spent a lot of time and effort developing effective blends of ingredients that can mimic the same properties and moisturizing benefits of NMFs. Hyaluronic acid, urea, and lactates are some of the most popular and commonly used ingredients in skincare.
All skincare ingredients come with some side effects and risks that you need to consider when first introducing them into your routine. While lactates and ureas occur naturally in the skin, they are so potent that when added synthetically to a formula, dilution levels must be high to avoid skin reactions, irritation, or burns. When introducing products containing these ingredients into your routine, it’s best to perform a patch test 24 hours before applying them to your face. You can also seek the advice of a dermatologist if you’re still unsure.
It’s truly amazing how hard our skin works every day. Especially with the daily struggles she has to endure in this modern world and our busy environment. Luckily, various labs are constantly conducting research and formulations to develop skincare products that protect and repair the skin just as well as NMFs do. Still, we wouldn’t say no to a trip to a tropical island to give our skin the rest it deserves!
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