Hydrating moisturizers contain ingredients that add water to the skin, while moisturizing ingredients help keep that hydration in the skin by preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), the process by which water evaporates from your skin. Here are some details about hydrating moisturizers and their ingredients:
Positive:
- Hydrating ingredients add water to the skin, which can help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, are common hydrating ingredients that can help draw moisture to the skin.
- Emollients, such as petrolatum and glyceryl stearate, can help smooth the skin and repair the skin barrier.
Negative:
- Some moisturizer ingredients, such as mineral oil, propylene glycol, and synthetic fragrances, can actually harm the skin.
- Occlusive moisturizing ingredients, such as petrolatum, may cause breakouts in people with oily skin.
Ingredients or materials:
- Glycerin is a common humectant that can help draw moisture to the skin.
- Petrolatum is an occlusive moisturizing ingredient that can help prevent TEWL.
- Glyceryl stearate is an emollient derived from glycerin and stearic acid that can help smooth the skin and repair the skin barrier.
- Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can help draw moisture to the skin.
- Mineral oil, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances, and parabens are some ingredients that can harm the skin.
When looking for a hydrating moisturizer, its important to consider your skin type and the ingredients in the product. Humectants and emollients can be beneficial for most skin types, while occlusive moisturizing ingredients may be better suited for people with dry or dehydrated skin. Its also important to avoid harmful ingredients that can damage the skin.
