What is the primary function of occlusive products?

The primary function of occlusive products is to reduce transepidermal water loss. Occlusives form a barrier on the skin's surface that helps to prevent water from evaporating, thereby maintaining hydration levels within the skin. This is critical in skincare, especially for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin, as it essentially locks in moisture and keeps the skin plump and supple.

When evaluating the role of occlusives, it's important to understand that while they do help maintain skin hydration, their primary mechanism is not simply to increase hydration, but rather to minimize the loss of existing moisture. This distinction is crucial for understanding how to address specific skin concerns effectively.

Other options may focus on different aspects of skincare: while enhancing skin absorption pertains to products designed to help ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively, occlusives do not play a direct role in this process. Exfoliation, on the other hand, involves removing dead skin cells, which is unrelated to the occlusive function. Thus, the primary role of occlusive products in reducing transepidermal water loss is vital for effective skincare routines aimed at maintaining moisture levels in the skin.