Hydromol

What is Hydromol?

Hydromol is available as a cream, ointment and intensive cream. Hydromol ointment is a multi-purpose emollient that you can use as a topical treatment, bath additive, or a soap substitute. Hydromol cream and Hydromol Intensive use special formulas to restore your skin’s natural moisture balance by replacing the essential components of the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF).^[1]

NMF is a mixture of compounds naturally found in the skin that help maintain its hydration and moisture balance. It includes substances like amino acids, urea, and various salts like sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (Sodium PCA). These play a crucial role in protecting and hydrating the outer layer of the skin. NMF is essential for healthy, well-hydrated skin.^[2]

When your skin becomes dry, the levels of these NMF components decrease, leaving your skin vulnerable to cracks and irritation. But the ingredients in Hydromol lock in moisture, making your skin smoother and softer.

What is Hydromol used for?

Hydromol can be used to treat different types of dermatitis (often referred to as eczema). It’s a broad term used to describe different skin conditions that lead to skin inflammation. If you have dermatitis, your skin can become dry, itchy, and sometimes develop cracks and sore spots. Various types of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and photodermatitis.^[3]

Photodermatitis is also known as “sun allergy.” It can cause eczema-like rashes when your skin is exposed to sunlight or specific substances that become irritating when combined with light.^[4]

How does Hydromol work for photodermatitis?

Hydromol isn’t specifically for treating photodermatitis, but it’s designed to nurture your skin, which can help. It’s an emollient, which is a type of moisturising skin product. It provides relief and hydration for dry, itchy or scaly skin.

Hydromol cream contains Sodium PCA, a natural component of your skin’s NMF, which helps to restore your skin’s natural hydrating properties. This locks in moisture, making your skin smoother, softer, and relieving itching.^[1]

Hydromol ointment has ingredients like liquid paraffin which promote skin hydration.^[5] It works as an emollient by creating a protective, moisture-trapping barrier on your skin. It’s also preservative-free, making it suitable for very dry, sensitive skin.^[1]

Hydromol Intensive contains urea at 10%, another natural NMF component. Urea is a natural humectant, which means that it draws moisture into your skin and hydrates it from within.^[1]

How to use Hydromol for photodermatitis

To get the best results, use Hydromol exactly as your clinician has advised you to. Here are some general guidelines based on the specific product you’re using.

For Hydromol ointment:

• When used as an emollient: apply a generous amount to the affected area, stroking gently in the direction of hair growth. Use it whenever your skin needs it. Just make sure your hands are clean before applying.
• When used as a bath additive: melt some in warm water and add it to your bath. Be careful though when stepping in because it can make the bath slippery.
• When used as a soap substitute: apply it during your regular washing routine, just as you would with soap.

For Hydromol cream:

• Spread a good amount over the affected area.
• Gently rub it into your skin following your hair’s growth direction.
• You can use it two to four times a day, or whenever your skin needs more hydration. It’s especially effective right after a bath or shower when your skin is still moist.

Avoid smoking or getting close to open flame while using the cream or the ointment, because they’re flammable. Fabrics that touch them can also catch fire more easily.

For Hydromol Intensive:

• Clean the affected areas, rinse off any soap, and dry the area.
• Apply an appropriate amount to the affected area.
• Use it twice daily.

Are there different forms of Hydromol?

Hydromol comes in different forms: cream, ointment and Intensive cream. All three have unique formulations designed to leave your skin well-protected and hydrated.

The ingredients in the three different forms of Hydromol include:

• Cream: liquid paraffin, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate, phenoxyethanol, ceteareth-20, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, n-butylparaben, iso-butylparaben, sodium lactate solution and purified water.
• Ointment: cetostearyl alcohol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, liquid paraffin and yellow soft paraffin.
• Hydromol Intensive: urea, maize starch, white soft paraffin, isopropyl myristate, glyceryl tribehenate, sorbitan laurate, palmitic acid and polyoxyethylene fatty glyceride.