Malai is rich in antioxidant compounds like tocopherols (Vitamin E), sterols, and phenolic acids that neutralize free radicals — the oxidative culprits behind premature aging. By reducing oxidative stress at a cellular level, they prevent collagen breakdown, visibly delaying the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

Milk, butters' & oils' lipid-rich composition mimics and reinforces the skin’s own barrier function, penetrating into deeper layers to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This helps maintain dermal hydration and protect elastin fibers from breakdown, preserving firmness and bounce over time.

Natural retinoid-like compounds in raw milk and triterpenes in shea butter stimulate fibroblast activity—cells responsible for collagen production. Meanwhile, the high-fat content ensures that these actives are delivered effectively to the dermis, supporting continuous collagen regeneration.

The phytosterols and fatty acids in these butters and oils exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that help calm reactive skin. They inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, soothe itching, and reduce histamine-induced flare-ups, creating a fortified barrier for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

With a perfect balance of emollients and natural humectants, these ingredients smoothen the skin’s surface, sealing in hydration and lipids. The result: a soft, dewy, light-reflective finish that mimics the natural luminosity of youthful skin.

Their gentle exfoliating enzymes (from milk) and regenerative fatty acids promote cell turnover while reducing melanin buildup in post-inflammatory spots. This combination visibly fades blemishes and evens skin tone without sensitizing it.

Lactic acid in milk mildly exfoliates sun-damaged cells, while cinnamic acid and catechins in butters and oils provide a mild UV-buffering effect. Together, they help clear tanning, repair photodamage, and build resilience against future sun exposure — though not a replacement for sunscreen, they act as supportive protectants.

Glycerin often gives the illusion of moisturised skin because it makes the surface feel soft and supple immediately after application. However, this is often superficial and short-lived. In reality, it may leave the deeper skin layers more vulnerable.

While glycerin is a powerful humectant that attracts water, in low-humidity environments or when applied without sufficient occlusion, it can pull moisture and lipids out from the deeper layers of the skin and from surrounding intercellular spaces. This can compromise the skin's lipid matrix—especially ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—leading to a weakened skin barrier.

Ironically, though glycerin is used to hydrate, it does only surface hydration while simultaneously dehydrating the deeper layers. Without a protective occlusive layer to seal in moisture, skin can become dependent on external hydration, leading to rebound dryness and dehydration beneath the surface.

Chronic dehydration and lipid depletion caused by glycerin can reduce the skin’s natural elasticity. Over time, this compromises skin firmness and may contribute to the appearance of fine lines, sagging, and loss of structural resilience—hallmarks of premature aging.

A compromised barrier and dehydrated dermis create oxidative stress and inflammatory microenvironments in the skin. These conditions can disrupt fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis while accelerating collagen breakdown, indirectly weakening the structural scaffolding of the skin.

The outermost layer of the skin relies on a matrix of intercellular lipids to trap water and maintain flexibility. In cases of extreme dryness, this lipid layer is either severely diminished or structurally disrupted, often due to aging, excessive bathing, harsh surfactants, or genetic predisposition (such as in atopic dermatitis). Without this critical lipid shield, the skin cannot retain moisture, even if you apply water or hydrating products. This leads to a permeable, leaky barrier that quickly loses hydration and leaves the skin vulnerable to external irritants and allergens.

Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) are small, hygroscopic molecules like urea, lactic acid, PCA, and amino acids that draw water from the deeper dermis or atmosphere into the skin. In severely dry skin, either NMF production is impaired or these molecules are stripped away by frequent washing, alkaline soaps, and exfoliation. As a result, the skin loses its innate water-binding ability, leading to chronic tightness, roughness, scaling, and in some cases, painful fissures and microcracks.

Extreme dryness causes microscopic cracks (microfissures) in the epidermis that are invisible to the eye but dramatically increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL). These micro-injuries break the continuity of the skin barrier and allow water to escape even faster than in mildly dry skin. Without immediate intervention using occlusive agents, this can evolve into xerotic eczema or barrier dysfunction syndromes.

In cases of persistent dryness, the skin often enters a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Dry keratinocytes exacerbate irritation and redness, impair the production of lipids and NMFs, further weakening the barrier. Additionally, dryness can trigger itching, which induces scratching and mechanical damage, worsening the situation. This inflammatory loop explains why extremely dry skin often feels itchy, irritated, and sensitive even without visible triggers.

The healthy epidermis maintains cohesion between skin cells. In extreme dryness, the enzymes that normally break down promote cellular shedding become hyperactive due to changes in pH and moisture levels. This results in premature or excessive flaking, often seen as white, powdery scales on arms, legs, and shins. Proper hydration and lipid replenishment are essential to normalize cell turnover and maintain surface smoothness.

Extreme dryness doesn't just affect the outer layers—it also alters the behavior of sensory nerves. As the skin loses water and lipids, its threshold for sensation drops, making it hypersensitive to touch, temperature, and pressure. This is why dry skin often feels itchy, tight, or burning even in the absence of visible inflammation.