Please note, I am not a licensed skin care professional. As usual, the products mentioned below are for my skin type and are based on my personal usage. I encourage you to do your research and consult a professional for any skincare issues.***
We all know that our skin needs moisture to remain healthy. But did you know that you may also need extra hydration as well? What’s the difference between the two? Don’t they do the same things? Well, to answer these questions, let’s first break down the difference between moisturizing and hydrating.
So, what is the difference?
Moisturizing is trapping and locking the moisture to build your skin’s natural barrier while preventing water loss keeping your skin soft. Hydration is about the water content within the cells that causes them to plump and allow them to improve the skin’s ability to absorb moisture. To break it down even further; hydrating is adding water back into the skin, moisturizing is sealing in what you’ve added. Both work to prevent dryness and improve the suppleness and youthfulness of your skin.
How do you know which one your skin needs?
I found out my skin was dehydrated because of the fine lines, dullness and and dry feeling even after I slathered my face in moisturizer. A few hours later it was like I’d done nothing at all. Meeting with an esthetician for a skin care consultation, I found out that my skin was dehydrated. She recommended that I incorporate a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid to my routine and then add my moisturizer on top. Adding hydration then sealing it in greatly improved the appearance and feel of my skin. I use the hyaluronic acid from The Ordinary and Bliss Glow & Hydrate Day Serum. My moisturizers vary depending on the season. In the summer I use a lighter, gel formula, such as the Bliss Drench & Quench Face Moisturizer. It’s hydrating enough without my face feeling greasy. I would suggest meeting with a skin care expert for an evaluation of your skin type and find out exactly which hydrating serum would work best for you.
Don’t forget that hydrated skin also comes from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water is an essential part of keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. How are you keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized? Are there any particular products that have worked well for you?
Leave a comment below. Here’s to happy and hydrated skin.
XOXOXO-Lydia Marie
