What’s The Difference Between Hydrating And Moisturizing?

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding hydrating and moisturizing the skin. In fact, these two terms are normally used interchangeably. They aren’t the same concept, however, and it’s critical for you to understand their distinct differences.

Hydrating products pull moisture into the skin, whereas moisturizers create a barrier to moisture loss on the skin’s surface. You can use both of these products to improve your skin tone, but there are several similarities and differences to consider.

1. Keeping the Skin Balanced

Both hydrating and moisturizing balances the skin with a better ratio of tissue-to-water moisture. In fact, the human body is about 60 percent water so it makes sense to keep the skin supple with these beauty products. Their overall goal is to keep your skin smooth and healthy, which makes them confusing as separate products in the marketplace.

2. Attracting Water Molecules

A major difference between hydrating and moisturizing is the active attraction of water molecules. Hydrators have certain ingredients that allow them to interact with water molecules in the environment. Any humid conditions benefit your skin as the hydrator pulls the molecules toward the skin. The water moves into the skin layers where it nourishes the tissues.

3. Retention Differences

Hydrators can’t retain water as well as moisturizers. Water can evaporate from the skin with hydrators solely on the tissue. Moisturizers secure the water behind a fine barrier on the skin’s surface. If evaporation does occur, the moisturizer holds the moisture tightly in the pores.

4. Working As A Team

A similarity between the two products is their complementary nature. Use both of the products on your skin to see a better balance between oily and dry skin. Ideally, add the hydrator first and then the moisturizer. You’ll see a difference in the skin after only a few uses.

5. The Supple-Skin Factor

Another key difference between hydrating and moisturizing is the skin’s appearance. Hydrators add water to the skin so you’ll notice a more plump look across the surface. In contrast, moisturizers smooth out the skin’s layers without any added firmness. Use one of these products on an exclusive basis, and you’ll see this difference.

6. Hydration Penetrating To Lower Skin Layers

Moisturizers don’t absorb deeply into the skin. Hydrators have the ability to move water molecules into the tissues for that plump appearance. As a result, your skin has a better balance throughout its layers with a hydrator in place every day.

7. Treating Dry or Oily Skin

Treat dry skin with a mixture of hydrators and moisturizers. The hydrator adds moisture to the skin while retaining it with moisturizing products.

Oily skin can benefit from a moisturizer because it will trap some of that oil to nourish the skin. In reality, you can also use argan oil to stop some of the excess oil from being produced in the first place. It also hydrates and moisturizes the skin as it helps with the moisture, balancing act.

Get educated and share this article with loved ones. There’s a lot of confusion surrounding hydration and moisturizing, and you can change that fact. Mix up your beauty regimen with both hydrators and moisturizers so that you can see the results you want into the senior years.