Dimethicone in Aveeno

[Mike]

I was trying to figure out why Dr T's choices for the best moisturizers include Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. The active ingredient is Dimethicone 1.25%. I found this article...

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs666detCOrrrrQ-

that compares various Dimethicone moisturizer products. Would the Cavilon product be a good choice?

Mike

[drtodorov]

Mike,

While the 'official' listed active ingredient in Aveeno is indeed dimethicone (as a skin protectant), its capacity for long-term moisture retention is more due to colloidal oatmeal (which cannot be listed as active under current rules because moisture retention is not an active treatment). As I mentioned before, I generally do not endorse specific products. The reason I mentioned Aveeno as an example was that it is both inexpensive and long-lasting, which most mosturizers are not. Again, in my view colloidal oatmeal plays a greater role in its effect than dimethicone, althogh they probably synergize. But there are other long-lasting moisturizers. In fact, many companies are now copying aveeno by adding colloidal oatmeal.

[Mike]

If the colloidal oatmeal is good, is more better? Are there a list of products with colloidal oatmeal and their percentages of colloidal oatmeal? Even better, is there a source of colloidal oatmeal for the DIY folks? And a recipe??
Thanks again!
Mike

[drtodorov]

More may not necessarily be better. And it is likely that dimethicone has some role too, such as reducing evaporation rate. Look in Quick Tips section, there maybe some oatmeal recipes there.