Taking care of your skin is a must. And in the hectic world of today, it is impossible not to dedicate some time to it. The daily stressors that we come face to face include everything from sun rays to pollution – things that do a lot of harm to our skin.
When you know that as soon as you step outside your home, there are things that can attack your skin, it means you need to take proper care of it. But the market nowadays is oversaturated with products, and you don’t really know where to begin. That’s when we come into the picture!
For properly maintained and healthy skin, learning what to apply and when is important. However, with so many ingredients and skincare solutions, you might wonder how to choose a moisturizer or hydrator. Therefore, today, we will focus on something that will make up all the difference for you.
In our experience, we have noticed that people don’t know the difference between a moisturizer and a hydrator. This is an important hydration and moisturization skincare routine you should definitely not miss out on. But, it is also essential to learn the difference between the two.
Stay tuned as we discover yet another skincare secret together!
Introduction to Hydrating and Moisturizing
Moisturizers tend to form a barrier, which keeps the moisture, resulting in softer and shinier skin. On the other hand, the hydrators absorb the moisture from the air onto the skin and keep it trapped. Reading this, you might think that they have a very similar job, but the reality is that they don’t.
For instance, a hydrator is not only for people with dehydrated skin. Look at it this way – you should hydrate your skin just like you hydrate your body. Your body needs water to function at an optimal level, and your skin needs the same treatment, too – no matter what your type it is.
Now you have a bit of understanding, but the question still remains – what exactly is hydration? How can it be different from moisture? And which products are the best if you want to achieve the former or the latter? Do not worry. We still have a lot of answers about hydration and moisturization skincare, so keep on reading!
Moisturizer vs Hydrator
Is there a difference between the two? Of course there is! If we add a little bit of science to this topic, then we should definitely start with the moisturizer.
There are a few types: occlusive, humectants, squalene (oil), and emollients (fats and oils). However, in the skincare world, often led by marketing, there is another word for all these terms. Yet, there is still no gold standard that can help you differentiate between a hydrator and a moisturizer. The only thing you can do is take the brand’s name for it. But labeling seems a bit tricky nowadays, especially if you haven’t been using natural skincare products. You probably know what we’re talking about – standing in a store for hours and reading the labels of every product you want to use.
Okay, now, let’s make things a little clearer.
Moisturizers usually contain occlusive agents (mineral oil and petrolatum), oil-based ingredients, and emollients like plant oils and esters. They work by creating a seal on the surface of the skin that prevents water from escaping making it less dry and a lot smoother.
Meanwhile, hydrators include ingredients called humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These ingredients absorb water from the atmosphere on the skin and keep it in place.
Now that you’ve seen how important it is to recognize that they work in a different way, you need to know how and when to use them. As they are both extremely powerful, they have the ability to make or break your skin barrier. But since your goal is to stay hydrated and healthy, the only other thing you need right now is a solid game plan. And for that, we got you covered.
Which Products Are Best for Your Skin Type?
As we already mentioned, many hydration and moisturization skincare products are on the market, and you should know how to filter them until you find the ones you can benefit the most from. The truth is that most oils, hydrators, and moisturizers do the same thing. Do you want to know why? Because they have all the ingredients – humectants, emollient, and occlusive.
However, we love experimenting with products, especially with natural ones because the skin requires different things at different stages of life. However, we also like to have some consistency by adhering to a certain kind of care. Remember, your skin is the largest organ of your body and requires a lot of energy to maintain its health and protect you from external elements.
That’s why we decided to dedicate a section to it. Take a look below and see what type of products will go perfectly with your skin type.
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For dry skin – a thick moisturizer
If you happen to be dealing with dry skin throughout the year, it means your skin peels and flakes constantly. Then, it is most likely that weather has nothing to do with your condition. It just means that your skin cannot retain moisture. But this is not something you should worry about since there is a way to deal with it!
Getting a thick moisturizer can help your skin create a protective seal. This seal will prevent moisture from leaving the surface, and with the right product, you will soon notice how your skin is thriving!
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For dehydrated skin – a hydrating serum
Many people believe that hydration comes from the inside when it comes to dehydrated skin, and they are not far from the truth. Drinking plenty of water will surely make your skin look a lot fresher and plumper than usual. Also, adding foods with lots of water, such as cucumber and watermelon, will help your skin and make you look your best.
But let’s face it – this work should cover taking care of the outside, too, not only the inside. If your skin looks severely dehydrated, then you need to do everything you can to “water” it back to life.
That’s why we’re suggesting a hydrating serum that can instantly hydrate your skin. Applying it regularly can help you retain the proper moisture and make your skin glow!
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For oily skin – water-based products
In this case, you could use a hydrator or a moisturizer – they will work equally well. Before we go much further, there is one thing you should remember – just because you’re dealing with oily skin doesn’t mean it's properly hydrated. These two are completely different things. If your oily skin is dehydrated, then this may actually accentuate your oil issues.
People who are dealing with these symptoms also have a compromised barrier function. That makes it difficult for them to retain moisture. Because moisture leaves the skin, it becomes cracked and dehydrated, and as a result, it produces more oil. This has turned out to be a vicious cycle, and it is your job to learn how to properly break it.
You need to give your skin the moisture it needs, as well as the hydration. We recommend natural, water-based skincare products. Why? Because they are lighter and will not congest your pores like the other, heavier products.
How do you know what a product will do for you?
If you still haven’t learned how to choose a moisturizer or hydrator, we have something for you. You can always check the ingredients listed on the label. But when it comes to the final verdict, it all comes down to the question of which one is better. And the answer is - both are.
We just mentioned above that there are some things that are more compatible with your skin and others not. All of this depends on your skin type. The most common hydrators and moisturizers will do just fine, and you will see positive results. However, for those who are extremely passionate (just like we are) and adore your 10-step skincare routine, you might need some guidance so you don’t go overboard with products.
Here is a list of ingredients and where they are most commonly found – a moisturizer or a hydrator.
- Moisturizer – it should contain plant oils such as rosehip, tea tree oil, jojoba oil, etc. Also, it should contain shea butter, coconut oil, almond oil (and other seed or nut oils), mineral oil, and lanolin.
- Hydrator – this one should contain honey, aloe, glycerin, citric acid, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid.
The bottom line is that it doesn’t hurt to use both. You can start by hydrating your skin and wrapping things up by locking the oils and the moisture. Some of you may even look for a product that does both – which we completely understand. As long as you know that the natural skincare products are better, you are good to go!
It is time to enjoy the magnificent and hydrated complexion all around the year. At this point, there are only two things you should do – paying proper attention so you can figure out when your skin needs that extra attention and choosing the right products accordingly. Additionally, do not forget to be persistent if you want long-term results.
While we cannot be constantly there for you and keep an eye out for how your skin changes we are more than glad to help you when it comes to selecting the best skincare products! Therefore, we have a few products that we’d love for you to try. They are supportive and made of natural ingredients, which will keep you young and fresh! Take a look at our hydration and moisturization skincare suggestions below!
Liquid Gold Rose Face Serum
It is time to give your skin the magnificent treatment it needs! Our fantastic face serum is everything you’ve ever hoped for – and even more! It is lightly scented but is good for all skin types. Other than jojoba oil and rosehip oil, its perfect list of ingredients includes squalane, evening primrose oil, and a lot more! It can do more than give your skin the plumpness it needs. It can reduce inflammation and help your skin with its moisture issues. With our experience, we know that you won’t find similar products on the market.
Luv Me Lotion Bar
For those of you who have troubled skin, this is the perfect solution for you. Remember, moisturizing your skin and helping it hydrate is all about giving it the sweet treat it needs. This moisturizing solid lotion bar will make all the difference in the world – and you will notice that as soon as you start using it regularly. Since it is a dry lotion, all you need to do is rub it directly onto the affected areas and leave it as is. The nourishing oils that are part of it (jojoba, castor, primrose), along with the shea, mango, and cocoa butter, will make your skin moisturized and velvety. After a couple of treatments, your skin will be ready for many new adventures.
Scent-Free Intense Moisture Balm
And for those who believe that all skincare products that work the best are unscented, here’s one for you! If you are dealing with extra dry skin, then this solid lotion will help you get rid of that issue once and for all! The natural formula penetrates deep under the skin and gives the moisture it needs. Moreover, it is excellent for problematic skin. All you need to do is massage the infected part until it is fully absorbed. It contains cocoa seed and mango seed butter, avocado and olive oil, rosemary leaf extract, and so much more!
If you want to learn more about hydration and moisturization skincare, take a look at our other blog posts! The information you will find there will guide you through every step and process until you achieve the look you have always desired.