Hydrating and moisturizing are two distinct skincare needs that are often confused with each other. Hydrating ingredients attract water to the outermost layer of the skin, while moisturizing ingredients lubricate the skin to prevent water from escaping. Here are some key points from the search results:
Hydrating:
- Hydrators help to absorb water from the atmosphere and infuse the water into your skin cells, making them appear plumper.
- Hydrating ingredients include glycerin, aloe vera, honey, and hyaluronic acid.
- Hydrators are ingredients called humectants, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, that absorb water from the atmosphere or your skin and hold it in place on your skin.
Moisturizing:
- Moisturizers work by creating a barrier on the skins surface to absorb moisture, prevent water loss with emollient ingredients, and make the skin feel smoother and less dry.
- Moisturizing ingredients lubricate the skin to prevent water from escaping.
- Moisturizers can be emollient (soothing) or occlusive (waxy, air- and water-tight) or one that contains mineral oil, petrolatum, plant esters, and plant oil.
- Emulsion-based moisturizers that include hydrating ingredients are optimal for all-round skin hydration.
Hydrator vs Moisturizer:
- Hydrators help to absorb water from the atmosphere and infuse the water into your skin cells, making them appear plumper, while moisturizers keep the hydration in.
- Moisturizing is aimed at repairing the skins lipid barrier and preventing TEWL (transepidermal water loss), while hydrating actively boosts and helps retain the water content of the stratum corneum.
- Most skin lotions and products contain both occlusive and emollient ingredients and humectant ingredients, so they moisturize and hydrate at the same time.
In conclusion, both hydration and moisturization are essential for optimal skin health and appearance. While hydrators help to absorb water from the atmosphere and infuse the water into your skin cells, making them appear plumper, moisturizers work by creating a barrier on the skins surface to absorb moisture, prevent water loss, and make the skin feel smoother and less dry. Most skin lotions and products contain both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, so they moisturize and hydrate at the same time. The choice between hydrating and moisturizing products depends on individual skincare needs, skin type, age, and environment.
