The secret to healthy, plump, glowy skin is all about skin hydration. When the skin cells lack moisture, the skin can look dry, and common signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, become more noticeable. Not only does well-hydrated skin feel good, but it also looks better—the skin’s overall tone and texture improve when hydrated adequately. But achieving that ideal level of skin hydration consists of more than just using moisturizer here and there. It takes constant dedication to understand your skin and skin type and what needs to be soft, smooth, and hydrated.
Table of Contents:
- What is the difference between moisturizing and hydrating?
- Building a Hydration Routine
- The Power of Hydrating Ingredients
- Daily Hydration Habits
- Lifestyle and Dietary Factors
- Advanced Hydration Techniques
- The Bottom Line
What is the difference between moisturizing and hydrating?
While the two terms are often used interchangeably, those in the know understand that they actually describe separate functions. Hydration draws in moisture and moisturization locks it in. Hydration happens when moisture is absorbed from the air and infused into your cells, whereas moisturization is about trapping and sealing in that moisture.
If your skin has a dull look and its fine lines are becoming more noticeable, that means you’re dehydrated. If it’s consistently dry or flaky, that’s a sign you might be delivering the moisture, but it’s not staying in. To attain the smoothest and most supple skin, you need to be both moisturizing and hydrating it.
Building a Hydration Routine
Cleansing for Hydration
The first step in skin hydration is to create a clean slate with a gentle cleanser. Washing the face with cleansers that strip away too much oil can leave the skin feeling dry and tight. While it’s important for your cleanser to effectively remove every last trace of dirt, oil, and makeup, there’s no need to leave the skin feeling completely zapped of its natural oils, which can even affect its ability to create oil in the future.
Gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients and plant-based extracts can remove the day while protecting the skin’s barrier. Over washing the skin can be detrimental for drier skin types, so you may want to skip a morning cleanse if you feel it’s necessary. Instead, splash the face with some water to help refresh the skin.