Hydrating vs Moisturising: What’s the Difference and Should it Matter?
Proper hydration is the key to maintaining healthy, glowing, and youthful-looking skin. It does not only prevent the skin from getting dry, dull, flaky, and irritated. It also helps reduce and reverse the signs of ageing. That is why even the simplest skincare routines include hydrators or moisturisers.
However, oftentimes, we tend to think that the two are one of the same. As a result, we may miss important features when looking for a skincare product. While both steps are essential to keeping your skin healthy and glowing, they actually differ in process and function.
Difference Between Hydrators and Moisturisers
People often use the words “hydrator” and “moisturiser” interchangeably. These skincare products may appear similar, but they are different primarily in how they make the skin plump, soft, and supple.
Hydrators contain water-loving substances called humectants. These skincare ingredients help hydrate the skin by absorbing water from the environment and binding the absorbed water to the skin. They are often found in skincare and hair care products.
On the other hand, moisturisers contain substances that help minimise transepidermal water loss. They make the skin feel soft, smooth, and less dry by locking in the moisture that the skin possesses.
So while hydrators are for absorbing, moisturisers are for trapping.
Determining Which Is Better for Your Skin
Both hydrators and moisturisers are good for the skin. They help the skin restore its natural hydration level and prevent premature ageing. However, if we want to get the most out of our anti-ageing skincare products, we should use the one that suits our skin condition.
To find out which one is better for our skin, we must make a distinction between dry and dehydrated skin.
- For people with dehydrated skin, regularly use hydrating products.
When the skin not only looks dry and dull but also feels tight and itchy, it might be dehydrated. This skin condition often occurs when the water on the skin is lacking. It can happen to anyone regardless of skin type.
If the skin is craving hydration, consider including hydrators in your skincare routine. Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, help keep our skin moist and dewy throughout the day. By increasing the water level in our skin, we are improving our skin elasticity, enhancing our skin’s ability to absorb nutrients, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Quick Tip: Whenever your skin needs an instant boost of hydration, visit a skin and beauty specialist for a facial treatment. Professional facials, like Bliss Facials, rejuvenate the skin and immediately deliver noticeable results.
- For people with dry skin, applying a moisturiser is a better option than a hydrator.
Moisturisers are perfect for dry skin. When the skin appears dry and flaky all year round, chances are the skin’s natural protective barrier has been damaged. To help the skin restore its protective barrier and retain the moisture it needs to keep the skin smooth and plump, be sure to include a good, easily-absorbed moisturiser like Mayerling’s Adec Vitamin Facial Moisturiser in your skincare routine. Moisturisers which are formulated antioxidants nourish the skin and protect the skin against free radicals.
Quick Tip: Not all moisturising products are oil-based. Individuals who have oily and acne-prone skin may use water-based moisturisers. Products like these can properly hydrate the skin without clogging the pores. They also feel lighter on the skin.
Take a Step Toward a Healthy, Glowing Skin Today
There are several ways to keep the skin hydrated. One of the easiest ways is through drinking water. However, such a method cannot provide immediate visible results. It takes weeks to see any improvement. If you want to give your skin an extra hydration boost and quickly see the results, we recommend getting Bliss Facials. This painless beauty treatment hydrates and nourishes the skin in less than an hour but drastically improves our skin for a long period of time.
Beauty specialists, at Bliss Skin Care, understand that all skin types are unique. That is why they take the time to learn more about their client’s skin type and condition before providing a facial treatment.
Visit us, and book an appointment. We’re always eager to give you the treatment that’s suitable for your skin with our expert care!