If you've never looked into the differences between the terms moisturizer' and 'hydrator,' you might think they mean the same thing—products that keep your skin from feeling dry and dehydrated.
While this is true to some extent, both products serve distinct functions, and selecting the right one can make or break your skincare routine. Hydrators absorb water from the atmosphere and infuse it into your skin cells, making them appear plumper. In contrast, moisturizers help to lock in moisture and keep your skin cells hydrated.
If you are confused, don't worry, we have all the information you need to choose the one.
Hydrators vs. moisturizers
Most products today contain hydration and moisturizers, which help hydrate and moisturize your skin simultaneously. Royal Flush by Unsweetened Beauty is a great example. It's a serum-and-moisturizer product. It has a lightweight formula that sinks into your skin as soon as you apply it.
Hydrators such as glycerin, aloe vera, honey, and hyaluronic acid can be used to not only absorb water but also increase the water content within skin cells.
Moisturizers can be soothing or waxy (air- and water-tight) in nature or contain mineral oil, petrolatum, plant esters, and plant oil."
Dehydrated skin appears dry and dull, with fine lines and wrinkles. It feels tight and stretched, patchy, and itchy. Potent serums and targeted ampoules containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are an excellent addition to your routine for addressing dehydration at the root cause. In short, you need a hydrator.
You might need a moisturizer if your skin feels normal but lacks plumpness and brightness. While not all skin types require additional hydration, a moisturizer is necessary to keep the skin's water levels stable.
A variety of factors influence the formulation you use. The active ingredients in a skincare product are carried by water, gel, and cream. Carriers can be selected based on the skin type and body area to be covered.
Gel-based products, for example, are more common for acne-prone skin that requires hydration. A cream would be needed for a smaller body area, and a lotion would be necessary for a larger body area.
Even if you have acne-prone or oily skin, you should use moisturizer. Dehydration can occur in oily skin. When the water content of skin cells decreases, the skin becomes dull and dehydrated.
Whatever your needs are, the ideal moisturizer or hydrator should be color-free, hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing, and dermatologically tested. When your skin is hydrated inside and outside, it looks its best. Also, drink plenty of water and include foods with high water content in their diets, such as watermelon, strawberries, and cucumber.