Pro Polymer Tightness: Feeling vs. Actual Dryness

Based on the information from our Staff, the feeling of tightness experienced when using Pro Polymer is primarily a skin feel and does not indicate that the Pro Polymer itself is causing your skin to become drier.

Think of it like applying plain water to your skin and letting it dry – as the water evaporates, it can leave a temporary feeling of tightness on the surface. Pro Polymer, being a water-based gel maker, can create a similar sensation as the gel structure dries on the skin.

The Staff confirmed that when used correctly in a formula, Pro Polymer does not absorb additional water from the skin and therefore does not cause actual dryness.

To mitigate this feeling of tightness, the suggested approaches are:

• Adding Humectants: Incorporating moisturizing ingredients like Glycerin, Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), MOIST72, or components of Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) such as Sodium PCA or Natural Moisturizing Amino Acids into your formula can help. These ingredients attract and retain moisture, counteracting the drying sensation and leaving the skin feeling more comfortable and hydrated. Your own tests showing reduced tightness with B5 Extra Lite and MOIST72 support this.
• Using an Oil/Ester Phase: Formulating a cream that includes an oil or ester phase (like various LipidSoft types) instead of a pure water-based gel can also change the skin feel significantly, often resulting in a less tight sensation. Your experience with Light Cream Maker, which is designed for creams, also aligns with this, as it did not cause the tightness you felt with Pro Polymer gels.

In summary, the tightness is a sensory experience related to the gel drying on the skin surface, not a sign that Pro Polymer is damaging or drying out your skin's underlying moisture levels. Adjusting the formula with humectants or emollients can effectively improve the skin feel.