Hydrating your skin is crucial if you want what’s best for your skin. But how about moisturizing?
Many of us might not realize that even if moisturizing and hydrating are often used interchangeably, they’re not the same. Knowing the difference will undoubtedly help you make the best choices when targeting your skins’ specific needs. Curious to find out more?
Remember that it’s better to discuss it with a specialist before you start a skin care routine. What’s good for someone’s skin might not suit your skin type at all.
Here is what you need to know.
Hydrating vs Moisturizing – the Big Difference
Hydrators and moisturizers can both fight dehydration, dryness, environmental damage, and even premature signs of ageing. So, what could be the difference?
The big difference between hydrators and moisturizers lies actually in how they can offer you the expected skin results.
Moisturizing can “catch” and seal moisture to build your skin’s protective barrier. That can keep the skin smooth and soft and prevent water loss.
As for hydration, Dr Anna Guanche, M.D., and a board-certified dermatologist offers the best definition:
“[is about] the water content within the cells that leads them to swell and be plump and bouncy, thus reflecting light well.”
When Do You Need a Hydrator and a Moisturizer? Or Both?
Dry and dehydrated skin can suffer a lot, and that can highly influence our appearance. But how can you tell your skin is suffering?
If you’re prone to having flaky, dry skin is a clear sign that it’s not making enough lipid cells to create the so-much needed protective barrier. And that’s where moisturizers can really help your skin.
Using moisturizers will also reduce the amount of water that evaporates off of your skin.
However, if you deal with a colourless and dull complexion with fine lines becoming more noticeable, then your skin is totally suffering from dehydration.
Dehydrated skin means your cells are starved of water. So, using a hydrator is the best solution in this case.
Finally, for best results, specialists recommend applying hydrators or moisturizers in the morning, before sunscreen, and at night, too.
TIP: If you apply any moisturizing cream or lotion on your skin after applying a hydrator, your skin won’t peel at all.