Final answer:
Exfoliation helps soften tissues and makes skin more accepting of moisturizers by removing dead skin cells and exposing newer skin. Moisturizing creams often contain water, oils, and other soothing agents to hydrate and protect the skin, while other skincare steps such as cleansing, toning, and massaging have different primary functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that helps soften tissues, making it more accepting of moisturizers and other treatment products is exfoliation. Exfoliation involves the removal of the outermost layer of dead skin cells, which can block the absorption of moisturizing and treatment products. After exfoliation, the newer, more vital skin underneath is exposed, which tends to be more receptive to moisturizers, allowing for better hydration and treatment effect.
Moisturizing creams typically contain ingredients like water, oils, humectants, emollients, and sometimes fragrances and preservatives. These substances work by providing hydration, forming a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, and soothing the skin, which can alleviate itching and inflammation. The water in moisturizers acts both as a hydration agent and as a medium for the absorption of other beneficial components.
While other steps such as cleansing, toning, and massaging are important in a skincare regimen, they serve different purposes. Cleansing removes dirt and excess oils, toning can help balance the skin's pH, and massaging improves circulation and can relax the muscles.