What is the difference between a moisturizer and a hydrator, and which one is more suitable for my skin?

You may think that hydration is something only people with dry or dehydrated skin need to worry about. But hydrating the skin is just like hydrating the body. Just as your body needs hydration to feel good, your skin should also stay hydrated regardless of its type. Whether your skin is dry or oily, hydration is an important step in your skincare routine, especially during the cold and dry winter months.

But what exactly is hydration? Is it the same as moisture? Does your skin need a moisturizer or a hydrator? Before choosing the skincare products you need, it's important to understand the difference between moisturizing and hydrating and how each of them works. To learn more about the difference between hydration and moisturization of the skin, we recommend reading this article all the way through.

What is hydration and why is it important for the skin?

Although there is no standard definition for hydration and moisturization, most brands use these terms to differentiate how the skin receives the necessary moisture.

Hydration or moisturization is a process in which water is absorbed from the air and transferred to the skin cells. As a result, the skin reflects light and appears more radiant. Hydration not only increases the moisture of your skin, but it also helps it absorb the nutrients in skincare products.

When skin cells lose water, the skin becomes dehydrated. This problem can affect anyone regardless of their skin type. Not drinking enough water, consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, unhealthy eating habits, and pollution can all cause skin dehydration.

Ingredients of hydrating products

Some of the most effective moisturizing agents, known as humectants, include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, alpha-hydroxy acids, sodium PCA, and urea.

What is meant by moisturizing the skin?

The purpose of moisturizing the skin is to trap water inside it to strengthen the skin's protective barrier function. Moisturizers  prevent water from leaving the skin and keep it soft.

Strengthening the skin's protective barrier not only preserves water inside it, but also prevents the entry of disease-causing agents. If your skin does not produce enough oil or sebum, the skin's protective barrier function becomes weak.

Ingredients of moisturizing products

Moisturizers  contain occlusive agents such as petrolatum, silicone derivatives, lanolin, lecithin, etc., which enhance the skin's protective barrier function and trap moisture inside the skin. These products may also contain ceramides (natural skin fats) that protect the skin from damage caused by pollutants and other environmental stressors.

Hydrator, moisturizer, or both: What does your skin need?

Before deciding on purchasing the right product, you need to know and analyze the condition of your skin thoroughly.

For dry skin

People with dry skin have flaky, itchy skin regardless of weather conditions and seasons, and it may also be red. These symptoms indicate that the skin's protective barrier is not functioning properly and cannot retain moisture in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). In these conditions, using a thick oil-based moisturizer can be ideal for rescuing your skin from dryness.

For dehydrated skin

 Any type of skin, whether oily, dry, or combination, can become dehydrated. Dehydrated skin appears dull and may have fine lines. There is even a possibility that the skin produces too much oil to compensate for the lack of water in the cells. In this case, moisturizing products can be used to absorb water into the skin cells.

For dry and dehydrated skin

 Is your dry skin still lacking radiance even after applying enough moisturizer for a few days? In this case, your skin may be both dry and dehydrated and may need both moisturizing and hydrating products.

How do we choose the right hydrating or moisturizing product?

Sometimes, distinguishing between the two terms "moisturizer" and "hydrator" for cosmetic products can be difficult. Often, your moisturizer may contain hydrating ingredients and vice versa. Examining the ingredients of skincare products can help you find a product that best suits your skin needs. However, if you are unsure which product is right for you or if you suffer from a specific skin condition, you can consult a dermatologist.

The goal is to maintain sufficient moisture in the skin and prevent moisture loss from the skin. Drinking enough water can help keep your body and skin well hydrated. If your skin still feels thirsty, using a suitable water-based hydrator can be helpful. These types of products are suitable for all skin types. If you have oily skin, it is better to use a lightweight serum containing hyaluronic acid or AHA.

If your skin is dry throughout the year, moisturizers are your best friend. Gels or lightweight lotions are suitable for spring and warm summer months, and thicker and heavier products like those containing coconut oil or almond oil and ceramides are good options for dry and cold winter months.

Some experts recommend using moisturizers and hydrators simultaneously, especially for aging skin. You can use a hydrator first to increase the moisture of your skin and then apply a layer of moisturizer on it to keep the moisture in the skin.

Final words:

Healthy skin not only improves your appearance, but it is also an essential protective organ that shields you against microbes and pollutants. Therefore, you should ensure that your skin cells are properly hydrated and remain hydrated. Making a conscious choice of moisturizer or hydrator can help address your skin issues and give it a youthful and radiant appearance.