The Difference Between Hydration and Moisture
We so often use the terms hydration and moisture interchangeably, because ideally we want to cover our bases with both for optimal skin health. However, there is actually a difference between hydration and moisture. Let’s keep it simple: one uses water and the other uses oil. The goal is to first hydrate your skin with water based products and then create moisture to seal in the hydration as a final step.
What Does Hydration Mean?
Hydration is usually delivered through an essence or serum with different hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and beta-glucan. The said ingredients are all humectants and are crucial for keeping skin hydrated and glowing. Humectants help pull water in to hydrate the skin. For example, hyaluronic acid holds up to one thousand times its weight in water. That is why it has gained the popularity over the years. Hydrated skin equals strong, bouncy, plump skin.
Should I Hydrate if I have Oily Skin?
Absolutely! If your skin is not properly hydrated, it will overcompensate and produce excess oil. This then leads to clogged pores and blemishes. It is key to maintain consistent hydration in any skin routine. Dehydrated skin will suffer without both hydration and moisturizing elements.
What Does Moisturizing Technically Mean?
The last step in your evening skincare routine will be moisturizing. You can deliver moisture through a cream or an oil. The purpose of this step is to lock in the hydration for many hours to come. Moisturizers use occlusives to seal in all of your actives from your routine. They create a protective barrier to ensure that the skin stays hydrated throughout the day and night.
Did You Know that Dehydrated Skin is at the Root of Many Skin Problems?
Dehydrated skin suffers from a lack of proper hydration and moisture. It is with adequate usage of both water and oil that our skin’s barrier will stay strong and intact. Oily skin will overproduce oil if not adequately hydrated. Skin that is suffering from a loss of elasticity will dramatically improve in volume with proper daily hydration. All skin types should maintain consistent hydration in their routine. Finally, every morning and evening routine should be completed with some form of cream or oil to ensure that your actives are sealed. That is key!
How Do I Know If I Need Hydration or Moisture?
Everyone technically needs both. If you suffer from dry, flaky, red skin, your skin needs more oil (a moisturizer). Dehydrated skin is actually a skin condition, rather than a skin type. This condition requires additional hydration to target the dullness and lack of vitality. There are in fact many moisturizers with more humectants for extra hydration. That is one easy way to ensure that your skin receives the nutrients it needs in fewer steps.
The climate can also have a major impact on what your skin is needing at that moment. For example, it is likely your skin needs more hydration than heavy moisturizers in warm, humid climates. In colder climates when we have artificial heaters on, our skin will require heavier night creams to combat the dryness.
Consistency is Key!
Applying a hydrating serum to your face morning and night before your moisturizer or oil is key to any skin regimen. Pulling the water in from the outside environment is the first step. Sealing it in to protect our skin barrier is the final step. They are both equally important to maintaining plump, firm, youthful skin. The difference between hydration and moisture is evident, but it does not take away the importance of one over the other. Consistency is key with both steps. Layer up your skincare this fall and, as always, keep skincare simple!
xxx
Lindsay
