Pareen’s Corner - Moisturizing vs. Hydrating: What's the Difference?

If you are in the market for a new moisturizer you will most likely see the words "moisturizing" and "hydrating" referred to on the different labels and brands and like the rest of us will probably assume they mean the same thing. Well, not exactly.

Difference between Moisturizing & Hydrating

If you're seeing the words "moisturizing" or "hydrating" on any of your skin-care products, they both share the same goal-to help the skin get enough water to prevent or heal dry, tight, or dehydrated skin.

The term moisturizing and hydrating are used interchangeably which is what leads to a lot of confusion around deciphering between the two. But quite simply, the big difference between "moisturizing" and "hydrating" products is how they work!

Hydration and moisturization are two distinct skin care needs. Hydrating ingredients in skin care products attract water to the outermost layer of the skin, while moisturizing ingredients lubricate the skin to prevent water from escaping.

If your skin needs a moisturizer, look for products that have oil-based ingredients. They work by creating a seal on the surface of the skin that prevents water from escaping making the skin feel smoother and less dry.

If hydration is what your skin needs you will need to look for products with ingredients that deliver water to the cells directly, like hyaluronic acid and Beta Glucan. Hyaluronic acid’s water-binding properties help replenish your skin and act as an anti-aging treatment for your skin. Beta Glucan not only provides intense hydration for the skin but also helps to prevent moisture loss.

Now that you know the difference between moisturizing and hydrating skin-care products, how do you determine which you need? It all comes down to whether your skin is dehydrated or dry - and believe it or not…. Those are also two completely different things.

How is dry skin different from dehydrated skin?

Dry skin describes your skin type: it produces very little oil, as it has fewer oil glands, which also means a lack of protection against environmental aggressors. It can also mean acceleration in the signs of aging and an overall dullness or lack of radiance in your skin.

Dehydrated skins lack water causing your skin to be tight, dry, rough, or peel and sometimes can become sensitive and red if the dehydration is severe. Dehydration can be caused by external factors like not drinking enough water, diet, caffeine consumption, and the climate.

For those who suffer with acne-prone or oily skin, the key is to make sure you are hydrating your skin without applying additional oil from other products. Oily skin still needs moisturizer in order to regulate oil production otherwise your skin will overcompensate by producing more oil to support the skin’s barrier.

The two most fundamental steps of nourishing your skin are hydration and moisturizing. It’s important to recognize that they work very differently because what you choose can make or break your skin health. The end goal might be the same but the game plan to get there depends on your skin type.

Sanctuary Salon & Med Spa offers you the all NEW Derma Bliss Recovery Serum and for moisturizing use our Power Peptide +.

The million-dollar question: Which is best for your skin type? If your struggle is real, call us at Sanctuary Salon & Med Spa where our team of professional skin care experts can provide you with a comprehensive consultation for your better understanding of what type of skin issue you have and the best solution for your best skin ever!

As an Award Winning Hair Salon and Spa, it is an honor to have earned your vote for the best salon in Orlando once again. We strive to exceed your expectations as you relax and enjoy one of the many 150 available services we provide under one roof.