Skincare Tips: Are Hydrating And Moisturising The Same?

Moisture and hydration are two different skin care requirements. In skin care products, hydrating compounds draw moisture to the epidermis, while moisturising components lubricate your skin to keep moisture in.

Numerous items advertised as "moisturisers" offer both hydrating and moisturising qualities. Additionally, some experts consider hydrating chemicals as moisturisers since there is no agreement among specialists on what constitutes a moisturiser.

People might not be aware of their skin's need for additional moisture or hydration, even though this is not necessarily required when selecting treatments. Continue reading this article as we discuss the difference between the two and what exactly your skin needs.

Hydrating Vs. Moisturising

Flaky, dry, dull, and prone to wrinkles and breakouts are all characteristics of dry skin. There are several signs that might let you know whether your skin needs more moisture or hydration if it seems dry. All you need to know is how to interpret the signs.

Do you know how hydration works in the body? Skin cells do, in fact, contain water. Hydrated skin cells are plump and supple, which means that skin is also plump and supple. Consider the difference between a grape and a raisin. Skin cells that are dehydrated sort of contract, giving the appearance of lifeless skin.

Considering that moisture makes your skin soft, plump, and perky, you might be asking why your skin even requires moisturiser. That's because, without adequate moisturising, the skin won't remain this way.

The second component of the two-part combo that promotes skin looking and feeling great is moisture. The barrier that a moisturiser forms on top of the skin keeps the entire hydration in and keeps it from evaporating.

Moisturising and hydration go hand in hand naturally. Skin feels soft and elastic when it is hydrated, but if the water may evaporate, the feeling won't stay for very long. On the other hand, applying moisturising lotions and creams to dry skin may help it feel smoother for a short period of time, but dehydrated skin still will seem dull and feel uncomfortable.

By drawing water from the surrounding environment to the skin, humectants boost the skin's hydration. Furthermore, they transport water from the dermis, the skin's deeper layers, to the epidermis, the skin's top layer. Ingredients that are hydrating include alpha hydroxy acids, honey, gelatin, urea, sorbitol, panthenol, and hyaluronic acid.

Humectants are chemicals that are both hydrating and moisturising, according to Trusted Source. Other varieties of moisturisers consist of oils and lipids called occlusives to create a barrier mostly on the skin to stop water loss. Petrolatum, beeswax, mineral oil, and lanolin are a few examples.

Emollients are the second kind that improves the skin's look and texture while strengthening the skin barrier function. Fatty acids and fatty alcohols are two examples. The third category of proteins is protein rejuvenators, which are proteins that replace crucial proteins that may regenerate the skin. Collagen, keratin, and elastin are a few examples.

Which one do you need?

Additionally, using a hydrator as well as a moisturiser is beneficial. Apply humectants like hyaluronic acid to hydrate first, then an occlusive like plant oil to seal it in. Or, if you want to keep things straightforward, look for a solution that can perform both tasks.

Face masks are a fantastic way to hydrate and moisturise your face with just one product, giving you the best of both worlds. Incorporate a mix of both into your daily routine. The solution is never simply either one if you really want hydrated, plump skin all year round.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.