One thing that people frequently forget when aiming to have healthy and glowing skin is hydration. There are many people who believe that moisturizing is the only thing to do if you want to maintain your skin in perfect condition. On the other hand, knowing the difference between hydrating and moisturizing is essential for building a perfect skin care routine.
The Mechanism Behind Hydrating and Moisturizing
To understand the difference between hydrating and moisturizing, we should rather go through the science that lies behind these two terms. To hydrate is when water is added to the skin, whereas to moisturize is when a barrier to water loss is formed. In short, hydration focuses on increasing the amount of water in the skin and moisturization on sealing it.
Although they might be confusing, there are some shades in the meanings. With knowing the advantages they provide, you can adjust your skin care routine in line with your personal needs.
Hydrating: Give to Your Skin from the Inside Out
Water grabbers are substances that attract and retain water within the layers of the skin in order to maintain the necessary balance of moisture within the skin. They act by taking the moisture from the either deeper layers of the skin or from the environment and making it available to the skin surface. Hydritors regularly contain ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid all of which have a strong penetrating capacity for moisture.
Instead of just drinking enough water to stay hydrated, you can also focus on skin care products which can help in the replenishment of moisture levels of your skin. This is very significant if you have dry skin or suffer from dehydration as these conditions may result in Dullness in the complexion, Flaking and increased rate of premature aging.
Moisturizing: Locks the Humidity
While hydrators specialize in infusing skin with water, moisturizers work in tandem by locking that moisture in and blocking any chances of leakage. Most moisturizers contain occlusive ingredients, for instance, petrolatum or mineral oil, that form a shielding layer on the skin. It is the barrier that prevents the water on the skin’s surface from evaporating, as the skin holds the water for a long time.
Moreover, moisturizers usually include emollients derived from esters or plant oils, which do a good job at softening the skin and smoothing out the texture, resulting in better-looking skin. Through consistent application of the moisturizers you can improve the skin’s natural moisture-retention capabilities and have a healthy skin barrier as a result.
Developing the Right Skin Care Regimen for You
Now that we have covered the distinction between moisturizing and hydrating, further on, we will see the main goals of a well-structured skin care routine. Achieve this by embodying the instructions provided and you can get a well-hydrated and moisturized skin that glows with vibrant life.
Step 1: Cleanse
Before any skin care routine it’s always cleansing. Select a mild cleanser that can thoroughly remove the dirt as well as the oil and grime but without wrecking your skin of its effectual moisture. Look for cleansing products that contain hydrating ingredients that will start the hydration process right off the bat. These ingredients may include hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is one of the basic steps for having immaculate and luminous skin. During the exfoliation process, old skin cells become removed which in turn helps in creating the path for the absorption of other hydrating and moisturizing substances. Pick chemical exfoliators, for example, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which perform a chemical peel, making the bonds which hold dead skin cells together weaker and revealing a softer and brighter complexion.
Step 3: Hydrate
Finally, you have accomplished cleansing and exfoliating, you should top up with hydration products. Try toners or serums that include humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. They are the ones to draw the water to the skin, which increases the moisture content on the skin surface, giving a great feeling of rehydration. Massage the hydration product onto your skin that is still wet for the highest absorption possible and to provide deep hydration.
Step 4: Moisturize
The next step is to keep the moisture you have just provided for your skin with a nutritive and effective moisturizer. Find a suitable formula that corresponds to your skin type and complexion. If your skin is dry, go for a rich and creamy moisturizer to supply intense level of hydration. Go for oil-free, lightweight moisturizer if you have oily or acne-prone skin because it won’t clog up your pores.
Step 5: Protect
There is not any full and correct skin care routine without sun protection. UV rays can harm the skin and speed up water loss. As the last step, broad-spectrum of sunscreen containing SPF 30 or higher has to be used, even if it is not a sunny day. Select sunscreens which also provide extra waterless advantages, preferably those that include hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Step 6: Food
Furthermore, inside out nourishment is as important as topical ones in achieving optimal moisture. Include foods rich in water content e.g. watermelon, strawberries and cucumber amongst your regular meals. These hydro-rich foods give you the “raw materials” for healthy, firm skin.
Step 7: Consistency is the Key
Consistency is the key to a good skin care routine by far. Routine is key here, aim for the same thing at the same time each day. Hydration and moisturization processes are long-lasting. Don’t consider yourself failures or give up if over a short period your efforts don’t have a lasting result.
The Bottom Line
Both hydration and moisturization are the two very important components of the best skin care routine regime. When identifying the differences between these two things and using the hydrating and moisturizing products, you can obtain a healthy and lively face.
Suggested routine includes cleansing, exfoliation, hydrating, moisturizing and protection of your skin on a regular basis. Furthermore, nourish your skin also from the inside by eating the hydrating foodstuff. You can stay on track to attaining your skin care goals by keeping these guidelines and having a fixed regimen.
Invest in the health of your skin now, for the long-term pleasure of a hydrated and well-moisturized complexion.