Moisturizer Vs Hydrator – Which To Choose

Moisturizing and hydrating your skin may sound very similar, but they are not the same. Choosing the correct skincare products is vital to acquiring the glowing look you crave, so understanding what the two are and what they do is important. We've done the research for you, and in this post, we've put together a guide to help you decide which of these products you need to add to your skincare regime.

The answer to the question of whether you should choose moisturizer or hydrator is dependent on your skin's type and condition.

• If you have dry skin, a moisturizer is the product for you.
• If you have dehydrated skin, a hydrator is the product for you.
• If you have both dry skin and dehydrated skin, you may need to use both a moisturizer and hydrator.

But why and how do these products work for different skin types and ailments? Keep reading to better understand what is happening with your skin and how you can achieve a healthy gleam with your daily facial care routine.

Dry Skin & Moisturizer

First, let's talk about dry skin. Dry skin is not a skin condition but a skin type. This means that nothing is wrong and causing your skin to react. It's simply your skin's normal.

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of sebum or oil. Those with dry skin typically have fewer breakouts, because oil is what contributes to acne. They may also have dry skin in other body areas, like the legs, arms, elbows, and knees. Their skin may also be more sensitive to external elements because the body's natural oil is not there as a protectant. Their skin may become easily irritated, and they may struggle with redness and discoloration.

Any of this sound like you? You may have dry skin. In which case, don't forget to moisturize!

But how does moisturizer work for dry skin, and why does a hydrator not work for dry skin? This is because dry skin isn't dehydrated. It only lacks oil for a barrier. Moisturizer helps recreate and restore that natural barrier and thus prevents the skin's moisture from evaporating and leaving it dry. Hydrator would add hydration to the dry skin, but without a barrier, it would simply evaporate and leave the skin still feeling rigid.

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Dehydrated Skin & Hydrator

Now, on to dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition in which there is not enough moisture being created by the skin. This is not a skin type, meaning that it isn't your skin's normal. There are many factors that could be causing dehydrated skin, including an unbalanced diet, makeup, or even the weather.

Dehydrated skin may look rough and uneven, but to the touch, it may feel very oily. This is because dehydrated skin may overproduce oil as an attempt to keep the skin hydrated. Those with dehydrated skin may notice that this is not an everyday problem. They may even be able to pinpoint the external factor that is prompting their dehydrated skin. The problem is, there may be times they can't do anything to prevent that external factor.

If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from dehydrated skin, also called transdermal water loss. A hydrator would be a great product to add to your skincare routine. A hydrator will add water to your skin, and with your natural oil barrier, you will be able to keep that moisture.

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What If I Have Dry & Dehydrated Skin?

It is very possible that you could have both a dry skin type and suffer from a dehydrated skin condition. It's common for those with a dry skin type to often suffer from dehydrated skin, as the lack of oil allows for water to be easily lost. If you believe that you have both, you can use a moisturizer and a hydrator as complimentary skin products, especially on those days when you foresee some extra water loss.

Do You Moisturize Or Hydrate First?

If you have both a dry skin type and suffer from a dehydrated skin condition, you will want to use the moisturizer and hydrator alongside one another. Of course, there is an order to using your moisturizer and hydrator to help you reap the greatest benefits.

• You will want to use the hydrator first, adding water to your skin.
• Then, you will use the moisturizer, which will create a barrier over the hydration and sealing it so that it cannot leave your skin.

How Do You Hydrate Your Skin Overnight?

Our bodies use sleep to repair themselves, including to repair skin. You can help it along and wake up with a glow.

• First, make sure your skin is well cleansed of dirt and makeup.
• Second, use the hydrator, and moisturizer if you have a dry skin type, that you typically use during your morning routine just before bed.
• Finally, you can run a humidifier in your bedroom overnight to keep the air from getting too dry and thus pulling the hydration from your skin.

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Can Drinking Water Hydrate Your Skin?

Absolutely, it can! Sometimes dehydrated skin can be caused by diet. If you struggle to get in enough water in a day or drink one too many caffeinated beverages, you may be causing your body to become dehydrated, and one of the first places this will show is in your skin. Being sure to drink enough ounces of water in a day may bring some great changes in your daily look!

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In Closing

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to determine your skin's type and condition and decide which products - moisturizer, hydrator, or both - are best for your skincare routine. If you have dry skin, lacking the necessary oil needed to keep water locked into your skin, you may need a moisturizer. If you have dehydrated skin, lacking water in the skin, you may need a hydrator. If you struggle in both areas, you may want to add a moisturizer as well as a hydrator. Whatever your facial care struggles and needs, remember that you are radiant!

Need more information? Here are some related articles:

Can Sunscreen Replace Moisturizer? [And Vice Versa]

Can You Use Day Moisturizer Overnight?