Hydrator or Moisturizer: What Does Your Skin Need?

I always had dry skin. And, it further became sensitive with topical steroid. Thus, I was always advised to drink a lot of water. I think that it is not only me, but it is the story of every dry skin person out there.

As a matter of fact, hydration is important not only to dry skin, but to every skin type. Skin hydration is as important as body hydration. Our bodies need water to stay hydrated and healthy. The same way, all types of skin cells need water intake too.

Question is, what is hydration? Is it similiar to moisture? How to choose the best moisturizer or skin hydrator among the pool of oils and creams available everywhere? Let’s find out all the answers here.

Let’s Understand the Difference Between Hydrator and Moisturizer

All of the following types come under the ambit of Moisturizer. These are all slightly different from one another.

• Fats and Oils which are also known as Emollients
• Natural moisturizers or hydrators like Squalane Oil
• Humectants like Honey (natural), Glycerin (synthetic)
• Occlusives like Silicone, Vaseline, Waxes, Lanoline, etc.

Unfortunately, with all the marketing gimmicks, everything has been merged with one another. Basically, there is no standard that can define the fine line between a hydrator and a moisturizer.

Moisturizer in Short

As a matter of fact, moisturizers including the occlusive ones are oil based. While, emollients are plant oil based. Moisturizers make sure that there is a protective layer formed over the skin that prevents the moisture loss. And eventually, it makes the skin smoother, softer, and less dry.

Hydrator in Short

On the otehr hand, hydrators are also known as humectants e.g. Glycerin, Honey, Hyaluronic Acid, etc. These ingredients absorb the ambient water and trap that within the layers of the skin.

The end goal might be the same i.e. to hydrate the skin. But, it entirely depends upon the skin type. Hence, we need to choose wisely the need for our skin.

So, What does Your Skin Need: A Hydrator or a Moisturizer?

The market is flooded with these kinds of products. From oils to balms, everything does the same job.

It has been seen that skin lotions are amde of both emollient, humectant, and occlusive components. Hence, such products function as both hydrator and moisturizer simultaneously.

No matter, in which form you get the product, the performance stays in tact. At the end of the day, nothing but the ingredients matter. The texture enhances the experience only.

Dry Skin Should Look for a Thick Moisturizer

As a dry skin person (that tends to peel round the year), I have always felt that a thick layer of moisturizer helps me the most. It prevents water loss and nourishes & hydrates at the same time. Obviously, I am talking about the right formulation for my skin type.

While I say thick, it means a combination of plant based oil with occlusive agents. And, this is the reason why I often layer Squalane oil along with Boroline. Squalane stays inside while Boroline seals the outside.

Boroline, vaseline, Silicone, etc, can always be replaced with natural plant-based butters like Shea butter or Cocoa butter.

Serum is the Best for Dehydrated Skin

Dehydrated skin always need a punch of water. Hence, hydrating serum (with Hyaluronic Acid) works like magic for such skin types. It definitely adds a punch of hydration.

Try to include products with honey, glycerin, Propiolis+ Honey Extract, hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, aloe vera to the skincare routine if you suffer from dehydrated skin.
While water intake is necessary for a healthy skin, but only intaking plenty amount of water would not give you the glow not the hydration. Know the reality behind the myth of 8 glass of water intake.

Water-Based Hydrators and Moisturizers Work the Best for Oily and Acne Prone Skin Type

People often think that oily skin people does not need moisturizers. In fact, moisturizers can clog their pores. Well! That is one of the ugliest myths ever.

Our skin produces more oil if the skin stays dehydrated. And, this is why dry skin people often face acne issues too. So, with the absence of hydration, skin becomes more prone to damage.

To break this vicious cycle, hydrator and moisturizer are must for oily and acne-prone skin. It has been found that water-based products with non-comedogenic ingredients work like magic for oily skin. It feels light on the skin.

So, whenever you need a hydrator or a moisturizer or both, it depends on both the skin type and also on the weather.

Final Words

Knowing the right product is pretty important specially if you are following a Korean skincare routine. At present, I am layering One Thing Propiolis Honey extract and Squalane/Rosehip Oil for the best result. No matter what your skin type is, it is always safe to combine a hydrator along with an occlusive (plant-based oil).

Just do not skip or forget the toner. Otherwise, the products would not get absorbed into the layers of the skin.

In all these years, I have found that for the beautiful glow round the year, we need to keep the products changing as per the weather and the skin condition. One set of products can never perform the same throughout an year. in all the seasons.

And, that’s all for today! If you find this article helpful, make sure to share it along wth your friends and family. Take care; celebrate life.