Moisturising vs Hydrating: What is the difference?

It is often difficult to choose between a moisturiser and hydration, what your skin needs the most. It is because they both have good skin care benefits for us. For some people, the issue is that they don’t understand the concern for their skin. Is a moisturiser the best solution for dehydrated skin? Or will hydration help to add extra moisture to the skin? If you struggle with these issues, then you need to keep reading! In this article, we will explain the difference between moisturising and hydrating. This will help you understand the attention your skin needs at a particular time. We will also discuss the different benefits of hydrating and moisturising the skin.

What is Moisturizing?

Moisturising is the act of making the skin less dry. There are skin care products that we use to prevent or relieve the skin of its dryness. Even though the skin provides natural moisture, it is advisable to apply a moisturiser during the morning and nighttime skincare routine. Moisturising the skin helps you retain the skin’s natural oil and prevent acne breakouts and other skin care diseases. The goal of moisturising the skin is to retain and lock moisture. This way, you build a protective barrier for the skin.

What is Hydration?

The body absorbs moisture from the air through hydration. When we hear the word hydration, our mind goes directly to drinking water. To keep the skin hydrated, the skin uses the moisture absorbed from the air and infuses it into the skin as water. It helps our skin’s ability to absorb nutrients and moisture. The body needs hydration to look healthy and also glow.

The definition of moisturising and hydration might be similar, but they are different. Some skin care products are labelled as hydrators, while others are moisturisers. This is to show that there is a difference between the two. The first thing to know is that moisturising helps to retain the natural oil in the body. It serves as a natural protection for the body and prevents barrier damage. When we moisturise the skin, we prevent water from escaping. However, hydration is different. With hydration, the skin absorbs moisture from the air. When this happens, it delivers this moisture to the skin, and this helps to increase water content in the body.

There are different types of moisturisers that our body needs to retain moisture. They are oil-based formulas. Moisturisers contain emollients and are occlusive. The presence of emollients in a skincare product softens and soothes the body. It is a substance that increases the moisture in the body. Occlusive is a moisturising agent that forms a protective layer for the skin and helps to prevent moisture loss. The presence of these agents in a moisturiser helps to diminish the loss of water. Without the presence of moisturisers, hydration won’t occur in the skin.

Hydration makes the skin soft. However, for this to happen, there must be oil or a moisturiser. Hydrators have humectants that draw water into the soil. Skincare products like hyaluronic acid contain hydrators. It allows the skin to absorb moisture from the air and makes the skin soft inside and out. The use of hydration without a moisturiser will only have a temporary effect on the skin. For the skin to be soft and have a glow, there needs to be the presence of a hydrating and moisturising agent. A hydrating toner in your skincare routine can do the trick, mainly if you use natural skin care products.

The hydrators and moisturisers help to combat dryness, dehydration, itchiness and roughness of the skin. Knowing the difference between dry and dehydrated skin will help you understand how hydration and moisturising work.

Do you need a moisturiser or hydration?

The main question to ask should be about your skin type. People with dry skin need moisturising agents in their skincare routine. When you notice your skin is dry, it is mainly because your skin type does not lock in moisture. The consistent application of a moisturiser will help your skin retain moisture and have a youthful glow. Also, it is best to know that every skin type needs a moisturiser. For people with oily skin, you can add a hydrating booster to your skincare routine for extra benefits. While a moisturiser is compulsory, the hydrator is optional for people with dry skin.

The best time to add a hydrator to your skincare routine is if you have dull skin. If you notice the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, your skin needs hydrating. By applying a skincare product with hydrating agents, you will combat these issues and have plump and glowing skin.

Keeping your skin hydrated or moisturised is a distinct need for your skincare game. While there are products to hydrate the skin, drinking water can also help. There is a higher presence of hydrating ingredients in glycerin, jojoba oil, honey, gelatin, sorbitol etc. When next you purchase a product for hydration, ensure to go through the ingredient list. Products like shea butter, coconut oil, lanolin and mineral oil are moisturisers.

Benefits of a hydrated skin

Hydrated skin helps to improve elasticity. It gives you a youthful look and reduces cracks or saggy skin. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Skin hydration through drinking water helps to improve detox function. It increases the cell’s ability to flush toxins and other factors that cause dull skin.

Benefits of a moisturised skin

It helps to soothe acne and also balances the oil production of the skin. Moisturising the skin slows down the signs of aging. It reduces the chances of skin conditions. When the skin is always moisturized, it is easier for the skin to repair itself.

Now that you know the difference between a moisturiser and a hydrator, it is left for you to choose the products that work best. However, during the winter, it is best to indulge in hydrating and moisturising.

Do you hydrate or moisturise your skin?