Moisturizer & Hydrator

Moisturizer is a generic name for the following types of moisturisers:

1. Emollients
2. Squalene
3. Humectants
4. Occlusive

Moisturisers include oil-based occlusive substances like petrolatum or mineral oil, as well as emollients like esters and plant oils. They work by forming a barrier on the skin's surface that keeps water from escaping. They also make the skin feel less dry and smoother. 

Hydrators are humectants, which are chemicals like glycerin or hyaluronic acid that take water from the air or your skin and hold it there. It's critical to understand how they work because which one you choose can make or break your skin's health. Although the end objective is the same, more moisturised skin, the strategy for getting there varies depending on your skin type.

How to Tell What Your Skin Needs the Best?

If you have dry skin, you're probably thinking that a moisturiser is all you need. This could be the case, but it's also possible that your skin is dehydrated, necessitating the use of a hydrator.

1. Dry and flaky skin: Check the condition of your skin to see if it is dehydrated. Your skin has a natural protein barrier that keeps water out and protects it from injury. It's a warning that your skin doesn't have enough lipid cells to produce a protective barrier if it flakes and dries up soon. As a result, it is unable to seal in moisture, necessitating the use of a moisturiser. A moisturizer's job is to cut down on the amount of water that evaporates from your skin, lowering trans-epidermal water loss. When water evaporates from your skin, this is known as trans-epidermal water loss also called TEWL.
   
   
2. Lacklustre complexion: You're suffering from dehydration if your skin is bland and fine lines and wrinkles are more visible. Skin cells become parched as a result of dehydration as they fight to stay hydrated. The cells shrivel up, causing the skin to lose volume. In this instance, a hydrator is required to restore hydration to the skin.

How to Choose the Right Moisturizer or Hydrator?

When it comes to skincare, there are a lot of options, so picking the correct hydrator or moisturiser can be difficult. Emollient and humectant chemicals are used in almost all skincare products. This means they simultaneously hydrate and moisturise your skin. The form of the substance, whether it's a cream, balm, gel, or oil, has no bearing on its performance. The most important component that influences the outcome is the ingredients.

1. Dry skin: If your skin flakes or peels, it may be a sign that it is having trouble retaining moisture, which is one cause of dryness. To build a protective seal on the skin's surface, use a heavy moisturiser. This will keep moisture in your skin and prevent it from evaporating. If you choose a product with the right formulation, your skin will be nourished and thrive. Petroleum jelly or petrolatum is the greatest remedy for very dry skin. If you don't want to use petroleum jelly, soybean or canola oil are good substitutes.
   
   
2. Dehydrated skin: You should actively hydrate your skin if it has a low moisture level. Choose a hyaluronic acid-based hydrating serum. It is effective in retaining water. Aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and honey are all good options to try.
   
   
3. Oily skin: Dehydrated oily skin requires hydration as well. Severe skin problems might result from dehydrated oily skin. When your skin is oily, it has a weaker barrier function, making it difficult for it to retain moisture. As moisture evaporates from the skin, it becomes dry, which causes it to create more oil. The cycle becomes self-fulfilling, and the only way to end it is to properly hydrate and moisturise the skin. In this situation, water-based hydration and moisturisers that don't clog pores will be beneficial.

Which is Better in Keeping Skin Hydrated?

Both. It all depends on your skin type, and the majority of creams can help with both. However, if you're a skincare aficionado who uses single components and 10-step processes, you might be doing something wrong. It's also a good idea to use a moisturiser and a hydrator at the same time. Simply hydrate first with humectants like hyaluronic acid, then seal it in with an occlusive like plant oils. 

Look for a product that offers both if you want to keep things simple. Face masks are a terrific way to give your skin a one-two punch by hydrating and moisturising it all in one product. The answer is never just one or the other if you want a lush, moisturised complexion all year. After all, there will undoubtedly be some.

Importance of hydration from inside out:

It's not enough to use hydrators and moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated. The biggest organ in the body, the skin is made up of around 64% water. 2 Drinking water on a regular basis to moisturise your skin from the inside out is, therefore, an important aspect of any beauty routine. When you give yourself a glass of water, your body determines where it is most needed. You'll notice a more plump, radiant flush to your skin if you drink enough water. However, drinking water alone may not provide the effects you desire, which is why you should mix it with high-quality moisturising and hydrating skincare products.

Take Away

Only persons with dry or dehydrated skin need to be concerned about hydration. However, hydrating your skin is similar to hydrating your body: your body requires moisture to look and feel its best, and your skin, regardless of skin type, requires hydration as well. Moisturisers and hydrators efficiently hydrate the skin as required, however, the type should be chosen according to the skin type.