CUREL - Ask an Expert

Skin Care tips from

Resident Expert Dr. Skotnicki

Do you have specific skin concerns? Our resident expert, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki provides answers to your questions.

Dr. Skotnicki joined the Curel® team in December 2006 as the Canadian dermatologist for the skin care division of Kao Brands Canada Inc. Dr. Skotnicki received her undergraduate degree in microbiology and immunology from the University of Toronto. She completed medical school at the same institution, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha. She went on to complete her dermatology training at the University of Ottawa, and was awarded her fellowship in Dermatology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in June 1997.

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Q: Dry Skin: What Causes It?

A: Dry skin is the result of reduced water content in skin's outermost layer. Your skin's outer layer, the epidermis, produces lipids, which keep moisture in or out of the skin. If your body is deficient in lipids, moisture will either escape or evaporate from your skin, causing it to become dry.

Q: Moisturizer Ingredients

A: The best moisturizers contain a combination of humectants, such as glycerin, which bind water molecules in the skin to help keep it plump and hydrated, and occlusives, such as petrolatum, which seal in the moisture and form a protective barrier. This combination will help keep skin moist, smooth and soft. Other ingredients that can be used include lipids, shea butter and even milk, which are known to soothe the skin. Ingredient lists are accessible from all Curel® product pages.

Q: Are there nuts, gluten, or salicylates present in Curel® lotions?

A: We do not intentionally add these ingredients but we cannot guarantee that Curel® moisturizers are free of them.

Q: Why is there alcohol in Curel® lotions; doesn't it dry out skin?

A: There are many different kinds of alcohol. Curel® lotions do not contain ethanol or isopropanol (i.e. rubbing alcohol) which can cause dry skin. The alcohol used in Curel® lotions, Cetearyl Alcohol, is based on large molecules and is actually helpful in protecting the skin from becoming dry.

Q: What is the difference between alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy?

A: Alpha hydroxy is sodium lactate or lactic acid, which promotes rapid exfoliating of flaky, dry skin. The most commonly used beta hydroxy is salicylic acid which promotes the removal of dry skin cells over time. When combined, exfoliation occurs with less irritation.

Q: Optimal Lotion Application

A: It is best to pat dry, not rub, after bathing, and then, while the skin still feels damp to the touch, to immediately apply moisturizer. This will seal in the moisture, which is the best way to hydrate the skin. It is best to use rich emollients, such as Curel ® therapeutic moisturizers, to improve the skin's lipid rich barrier and make it feel smoother and suppler.

Skin Care tips from

Resident Expert Dr. Skotnicki

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