While we hear the same advice over and over, the general public may not know what it truly means to hydrate or moisturize the skin. After all, there are numerous products in the market that use these terms interchangeably. So to get to the bottom of it, we’ll explain how you can distinguish hydrating from moisturizing. Read on to learn more!

The Difference

Moisturizer is a broad phrase that encompasses a wide range of moisturizers, such as emollients with fats and oils, squalene (oil), humectants, and occlusive.

However, in the realm of marketing and retail, the nomenclature has changed. According to Perry Romanowski, cosmetic scientist and co-founder of The Beauty Brains, these are brand-defined marketing phrases.

Although there is no universal definition of a hydrator or moisturizer, these phrases are used by manufacturers to describe how moisture is given to your skin. Additionally, such technical terms include occlusives (moisturizers) and humectants (hydrators).

It's critical to understand how they work because your choice can affect the health of your skin. It's all about having better-hydrated skin, but how you do it depends on your skin type.

Knowing What’s Best for Your Skin Type

The vast majority of skincare products on the market, ranging from balms to ointments to hydrators, serve the same purpose. Only one moisturizer or hydrator, not both, may be useful to your skin. You can improve your skin's hydration by studying how it prefers to drink.

Dry Skin: Use a Heavier Moisturizer

If you have dry skin all year and it flakes or peels, it is most likely not due to weather-related dehydration; instead, your skin just lacks the ability to keep moisture.

Moisturize the skin to form a protective barrier that keeps moisture in. A thick, emollient moisturizer can help your skin retain moisture while also providing the nutrients it needs to thrive over the winter.

The most efficient way to treat dry skin is by using petrolatum. Petrolatum is sometimes known colloquially as petroleum jelly. Occlusive treatments (or anything with petrolatum) are excellent for really dry skin, as are their substitutes: Shea butter, canola oil, and soybean oil. Petrolatum, on the other hand, is unrivaled.

Dehydrated Skin: Using a Hydrating Serum

If your skin is dehydrated, you must actively rehydrate it. Look for a moisturizing serum containing hyaluronic acid, a substance that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water and replaces the hydration of the skin.

Oily Skin: Choose Water-Based Hydrators and Moisturizers

Oily skin does not preclude it from being dehydrated, and dry skin can exacerbate oil problems. Because oily skin has a poor barrier function, it is difficult to retain moisture. The skin's moisture is drained, causing it to become dry and produce more oil.

It's a vicious cycle that can only be broken by keeping the skin hydrated on a regular basis. Thus, look for non-comedogenic water-based hydrators. Water-based products are lightweight and non-clogging.

Conclusion

The thing is, both hydrators or moisturizers will likely do the job. However, it all depends on your skin type and how diligently you are with your skincare routine. No matter the season, the answer to a lush, moisturized complexion all year round is by knowing the products you must use for your skin type and the weather, as well as taking the time and effort to take care of your skin.

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Here’s How You Can Distinguish Hydrating from Moisturizing