Final answer:
Inert minerals designed for microdermabrasion use are known as exfoliants. They work as abrasive agents to exfoliate the skin and differ from occlusives, which form a protective layer, and humectants, which absorb water, in moisturizers to prevent skin dehydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inert minerals designed for microdermabrasion use are known as exfoliants. Microdermabrasion is a skin-care technique that involves the gentle abrasion and removal of the outer layers of skin, using fine particles or a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin.
Ingredients such as pumice, calcium carbonate, kaolinite, quartz, soapstone, or talc are employed as abrasive agents, which are significantly smaller than 0.05 mm to avoid damage to the skin. These exfoliants help in reducing the microbial load on the skin, improve skin texture, and can contribute to a smoother and more refreshed appearance.
Unlike exfoliants, other ingredients in moisturizers, such as occlusives and humectants, are designed to modify the rate of water loss from the skin. Occlusives work by forming a protective layer to prevent moisture loss, while humectants, which can absorb water from the air or the dermis, often need to be combined with occlusives to effectively moisturize the skin.