Hydration vs Moisturization

Hydration versus moisturization

Is there really a difference?

LET’S DEFINE WHAT “HYDRATE” AND “MOISTURIZE” BOTH MEAN

“Hydration” is the absorption of moisture from the air and then infusing your cells with water to improve your skin’s ability to absorb moisture and nutrients.

“Moisturizing” is about trapping and locking in the moisture to build your skin’s natural protective barrier. This will prevent any water loss and ensure that your skin remains soft and smooth.

SO... WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Have you ever felt that your skin looks like it’s begging you to quench its thirst? That’s what hydrators and moisturizers are for. They both work to combat dryness and dehydration to help you achieve youthful, supple skin.

If you have dry skin, that means your skin is lacking oil and it needs to be moisturized.

If you have dehydrated skin, your skin lacks water and it needs to be hydrated.

Hydration makes our skin feel soft, but it won’t stay soft if there is no oil to protect that hydration from escaping. If hydration escapes, skin ends up dry and flaky. However, putting oil on dehydrated skin may visibly smooth it, but it will still be lacking that soft, bouncy feeling that comes from hydration.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT HYDRATOR OR MOISTURIZER FOR YOU?

We all know that oftentimes, what we’re putting into our bodies is just as impactful on our skin as what we’re layering on it. Water is essential and drinking it is the easiest way for you to hydrate your skin.

When it comes to treating your skin from the outside, reach for powerful products to help you get through the seasons by keeping your skin moisture level at a balanced level. 

Dehydrated skin needs products that say they are “hydrating.” Skin can become dehydrated from a variety of factors, including the products you use, an unbalanced diet, environmental stressors, and a poor sleeping schedule. Dehydrated skin tends to look dull, feel tight, flaky, and even sensitive. You can actually also experience a mixture of oily and dry parts that never seem to feel hydrated no matter how many “hydrating” products you’re using. The reason this happens is because when the skin becomes dehydrated, it tends to produce more oil to make up for the water loss, which can lead to breakouts.

For dehydrated skin, it’s best to stick to products that contain ingredients with hydrating molecules that help to absorb water, like hyaluronic acid. 

Another great option to hydrate skin is adding ceramides in addition to hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin his hydrated and healthy in even the most drying climates. 

Dry skin needs products that say they are “moisturizing.” Dry skin occurs when your skin lacks the ability to produce an efficient amount of oil while at the same time being prone to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which is essentially the evaporation of water from the skin. This lack of oil and water leaves skin without enough nourishment to keep it moisturized, making it appear flaky, itchy, tight, even dull athe the best way to combat this is by using products that include “ingredients that act as moisturizing agents such as glycerin, avocado oil and mineral oil.”

Bottom Line

Despite the interchangeable use of hydrating and moisturizing, when it comes down to it, they actually refer to very different skin conditions. So, before you assume you either have dry or dehydrated skin, it’s best to analyze your skin so you make sure you’re using the right products and the right ingredients.