To start, it's crucial to understand that hydrating and moisturizing are distinct concepts. Hydration is necessary when your skin lacks water, which can occur due to various factors such as perspiration, smoking, excessive caffeine intake, high altitudes, dry climates, insufficient sleep, and inadequate water consumption. On the other hand, moisturization is required for individuals with inherently dry skin caused by insufficient sebum production. Sebum, the skin's natural oil, acts as an emollient. If your skin lacks sebum and fails to retain sufficient moisture, it's classified as dry due to a lack of oil. Both hydration (water) and moisture (oil) are crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and promoting a smooth, supple appearance. Your skin may lack either moisture or hydration, or both simultaneously. For oily skin types, moisturization might not be as necessary, but hydration remains essential. What are the methods of hydration?
Internal Hydration: Drinking an ample amount of water throughout the day is fundamental for maintaining skin hydration. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your skin adequately hydrated from the inside out.
Topical Hydration: Hydrating skincare products containing humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera attract moisture from the environment and bind it to the skin, effectively replenishing moisture levels. Incorporating hydrating serums or lightweight moisturizers into your skincare routine can help hydrate the skin's deeper layers. . Our Face Shield Serum and Anti-oxidant Lifting Day&Night Cream contain HA, which is the best long-term hydrating and plumping ingredient.
Types of Moisturizing agents:
Emollients: Emollients act as a protective layer, mainly composed of lipids, fatty acids, and oils, with varying levels of occlusivity—the ability to form a hydrophobic barrier over the skin to lock in moisture and enhance the skin's structure. Highly occlusive emollients include silicones, petrolatum, paraffin, and mineral oil, while less occlusive options include botanical oils like grape seed or olive oil. Our Anti-oxidant Lifting Day&Night Cream contains olive and grapeseed oil, which are not that occlusive and provide long-term moisture.
Humectants: Humectants function as water attractants, drawing moisture from the deeper layers of the skin and the environment to hydrate the skin's dermis. Examples of humectants include honey, urea, glycols, glycerine, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and algae extract. However, without proper sealing or if the skin barrier is weakened, water loss can occur through a process known as trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), similar to how the earth dries and cracks when left unprotected.
Both – hydration and moisture - are vitally important for our skin’s health, and the sooner we start taking care of our skin the better. We better “listen” and observe what our skin needs and want and acting accordingly. Different skin types need different things – oily skin DOES need hydration to become less oily, by hydrating not by drying the oil off! It is a mistake that many people do. Both – hydrate and moisturize – are crucial for the skin barrier. When it lacks water or lipids (sebum) skin becomes flaky, dry, prone to blemishes and redness.
I am obsessed with skin barrier, all my skincare range has been created around ingredients which support the healthy microbiome, hydrate, nourish – they are all skin barrier friendly. Hydration /moisturization is crucial for the barrier and for the overall skin health. The barrier retains and maintains the water content of the skin. That’s why it is so important to keep a healthy skin barrier.
Furthermore, skincare routines should be adapted based on seasonal changes. During colder months when the air is drier, incorporating richer, more occlusive moisturizers can help prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from harsh environmental conditions. Conversely, in warmer, more humid weather, lighter hydrating formulations may suffice to maintain optimal skin hydration without feeling heavy or greasy. Moreover, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks of occlusive ingredients, particularly for individuals prone to acne or clogged pores. While occlusives effectively seal in moisture, some ingredients, such as cocoa butter and synthetic lanolin, have a higher comedogenicity potential, meaning they may clog pores and exacerbate acne breakouts for some people.
Ultimately, achieving a healthy balance between hydration and moisturization requires a tailored approach that considers individual skin concerns, environmental factors, and seasonal variations. By understanding the distinctions between hydration and moisturization and selecting products accordingly, you can maintain a radiant, supple complexion year-round.
In conclusion few product suggestions tested and passed on my skin for already more than two years: for wholesome hydration, any time of the day, any season of the year our Hydro-soothing Toner Mist is a game changer, packed with botanicals and fruit and floral waters, give the immediate hydration and feeling of freshness. On top the watermelon fragrance will wake up your senses and will take you back to your last vacation. For those who choose the moisture as a staple our Anti-oxidant Lifting Day&Night Cream by itself or combined with the Face Shield Serum will do the best job for your face, neck and eye contour.
In the pursuit of healthy, glowing skin, understanding the disparities between hydration and moisturization is key. By incorporating hydrating and moisturizing products into your skincare regimen, you can address various skin concerns and maintain optimal skin health. Remember, hydration quenches the skin's thirst, while moisturization locks in moisture, ensuring your skin remains beautifully balanced and well-nourished.