Don't Be A Moisturizing Fool: The Hydrating Lowdown

Do you know the difference between moisturizing and hydrating? Most people don’t, and it’s easy to see why when both terms seem to be used interchangeably in skincare regimens. If you’re confused by the difference between moisturizing and hydrating your skin, it’s time to do some research on this confusing topic!

Oils vs. Water

So many products make conflicting claims about what they'll do, leaving our skin more confused than Rihanna after a breakup. Fats and oils are often confusingly used interchangeably, but they're actually very different things. Water is hydrating; oils (also known as fats) absorb into your skin, which can be problematic if you have oily or acne-prone skin. In other words, oil moisturizers will tend to add shine to your face (yikes!), while water moisturizers will actually deliver that all-important hydration.

When to Use Each Type

Each type of moisturizer is best for specific situations. Hydrators are ideal for normal to oily skin that needs to retain moisture, while moisturizers (which can also be hydrating) are better for dryer complexions. Additionally, hydrators can be used as daily lotions—but most moisturizers shouldn’t be used more than twice per week because they can make skin too greasy and cause acne flare-ups. However, there are products that combine both water and oil in a single product. With these, you can reap all of their benefits with fewer potential side effects—just remember to choose one labeled non-comedogenic.

Oils for Hair

A healthy diet and proper hair care are important for hair growth. Your hair needs healthy vitamins, minerals, and proteins to remain strong. Make sure you’re getting enough B vitamins, iron, zinc, and biotin. Consider adding fish oil to your diet; it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in scalp follicles which leads to thicker fuller hair. One cup of cooked salmon per week is a good goal. If you have thinning or dry hair try putting egg yolks in your shampoo. Eggs contain proteins that increase circulation to your scalp while removing excess oil as well as dead skin cells from your scalp that may be preventing hair growth - making it look duller and thinner than it really is!

Oils for Skin

According to dermatologists, we should be moisturizing—not hydrating. While it might seem that moisturizers and hydrators are interchangeable, there is actually a difference between them. In layman's terms, moisturizers hydrate (add water) to replenish lost moisture, explains NYC-based dermatologist Debra Jaliman . The most common ingredient in facial moisturizers is water. In contrast, products meant to treat dry skin contain occlusive ingredients (i.e., oil or silicone) that prevent water from evaporating. Occlusives trap moisture beneath your skin's surface, helping retain its natural oils longer—and keeping flaky skin at bay!

Water Masks are Great, Too!

When it comes to moisture and hydration, we often fall into the trap of using things that can actually cause problems for our skin. There’s nothing wrong with water-based masks or hydrating lotions, but they won’t give you deep hydration. And if your skin is chronically dehydrated, you may not be able to get as much from products that just put moisture on top of your skin – you need something that will penetrate deeper. That’s why it’s so important to use moisturizers that are designed for oily and/or acne-prone skin; such moisturizers contain active ingredients (including salicylic acid) that help treat acne and reduce oil production while also hydrating the top layer of your skin.

One Last Tip

One of the best ways to prevent dry skin is to stop it before it starts. It’s important to remember that your skin changes its needs depending on what time of year it is, so it’s important to keep an eye on weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. For example, you might notice that you have particularly dry hands during winter, when you don’t use them as much or when you spend more time indoors. Winter also tends to be harsher on our skin than summer, so wintertime moisturizers should be heavier and less greasy than they are in warmer months. In addition, using hand cream every few hours will help lock in moisture and prevent your skin from drying out.