The words тАЬhydrationтАЭ and тАЬmoisturizationтАЭ are often used interchangeably, but these terms have different meanings. The easiest way to understand the difference between hydrating skin vs moisturizing is that hydration refers to water levels within skin cells. Moisturization primarily involves oil levels, which form a lipid barrier that seals in water. Find out more about the distinction between hydrating and moisturizing products and learn more about the benefits of both for dehydrated and dry skin.
How Skin Stays Hydrated
The presence of water in cells determines the hydration level of skin. Healthy skin retains water due to the presence of a lipid barrier that prevents excessive transepidermal water loss. When this barrier is damaged, skin may have a harder time retaining moisture and require hydration.
Drinking water is an important skincare measure for preserving hydration levels from the inside out. Your age, hormones and genetics may all factor into whether your skin is prone to dehydration and dryness, as can regional climate. All of these considerations determine the best approach to skin care hydration in your daily and seasonal routines.
What Moisturization Means
Moisturization levels of skin are related to levels of oil production in addition to water levels. The main distinction between hydrating skin vs moisturizing is how products interact with moisture.
Hydrating formulas introduce moisture to treated skin, whereas moisturizing formulas lock in the benefits of this replenished level of water. The condition of the lipid barrier is a major determining factor for natural skin moisture levels. Many moisturizers work to repair the condition of this barrier over time.
Moisturization and barrier reconstruction minimize the cumulative signs of aging and are crucial for every skin type. People who have oily skin should consider using a balancing moisturizer to prevent overproduction to compensate for dryness.
Hydrating Skin vs Moisturizing
Products that provide hydration often contain water and compounds that enhance water-retention properties. Some of the leading hydrating ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
If your skin seems dehydrated, dull or lackluster, you should look for cleansers, skincare and sun protection products that prioritize hydration. It is also important to avoid drying formulas. Keep in mind that some hydrating compounds, such as hyaluronic acid, should be applied to damp skin to avoid the opposite effect of drawing out moisture.
Dehydrated and dry skin are both vulnerable to sun damage. Use a nourishing broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50 Moisturizer 3.2 oz. to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage that can sap water from cells.
The Best Hydrating Products
While many products may boast hydrating benefits, it is important to factor in which stages of your skincare routine focus on skin care hydration. You are more likely to experience the benefits of hydrating skin vs moisturizing during and immediately after cleansing. Many serums have hydrating properties.
The skin around the eye area does not produce as much oil as the rest of the face and is most likely to suffer from dehydration. A hydrating moisturizer formulated for this sensitive skin such as Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer 1.7 oz. seals water into cells and plumps skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Best Moisturizing Products
Moisturizers tend to be applied after serums and area-specific treatments. The composition and consistency of moisturizers may affect each skin type in different ways. Whereas hydration is important for people who have dry skin, moisturizing is important for every skin type. Even oily skin requires moisture to maintain a healthy barrier and nourish skin.
A rich moisturizer such as LтАЩOccitane Immortelle Divine Cream 50 ml provides the nourishment necessary to immediately lock in hydration and restore skin barrier function over time. This treatment features organic Immortelle essential oil with antioxidants to resist environmental damage and reduce visible signs of aging.
Getting a clearer sense of the distinction between hydrating skin vs moisturizing can make it easier to select the right products. If your skin is dehydrated or parched, you should seek out skin care hydration. Skin that does not produce enough oil to sustain a protective barrier that seals in water can benefit from rich moisturizers.
Learn more about replenishing moisture levels in dehydrated skin and caring for dry skin by visiting our Complete Guide To Dehydrated Skin in the LaLa Daisy Beauty Resource Center. You can also read this article from the American Academy of Dermatology Association entitled, Dermatologists Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin.
