Hopefully, you don’t force yourself to choose between drinking water or putting on lotion. We’re gonna take a wild guess and say you do both because each one of these health and hygiene practices is 100% necessary. The same goes for your skin. You shouldn’t choose between hydration or moisturization—we guarantee you that your skin needs them both to stay soft, smooth, and clear, especially during this summer.
High temperatures and the sun’s powerful UV rays can be harmful, and if your skin’s not properly cared for, it’ll accrue damage that’s visibly obvious. Skip the contemplating and opt for hydration and moisturization—trust us on this one.
Scrubbing your skin with your favorite face wash is only a fraction of what it takes to protect against clogged pores, blemishes, and signs of aging. We totally get that the struggle is real because we’ve been there, walking up and down the skincare isle, (or inquisitively searching online), for products that promise fortifying hydration or deep moisture. When shopping, keep in mind there’s a difference between hydrating and moisturizing products. Although hydration and moisturization are often used interchangeably, it’s important to realize that they’re not the same.
How Can You Tell What Your Skin Needs?
A lack or imbalance of skin hydrators and moisturizers could cause your skin to suffer. Depending on your skin type, it’s best to apply just enough moisturizer and hydrator.
If your skin feels tight and itchy, and the tone isn’t as bright and vibrant as usual, it means that it’s suffering from dehydration. On the other hand, if you’re noticing rough patches, fine lines and wrinkles, or acne (yes, acne), then this is likely due to lack of moisture.
Every product you pick up seems to talk the talk, but it may be hard to tell which ones are best for your skin. If you’re torn between products that hydrate the skin and those that provide optimal moisturization, go for the one that offers both. But before you choose, make sure you know the difference between the two.
Hydration
Hydrating ingredients, also called humectants, attract water to the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis). Hydration refers to the amount of water your skin cells contain. The more water they have, the more youthful and plump your face appears, with minimal fine lines and sagging. Some popular hydrators in skin products include glycerin and hyaluronic acid. However, if you’re more of a natural girlie who prefers holistic skincare, look for products containing honey, another reliable source of hydration that helps your face feel refreshed. Of course, there’s no better source of hydration than some good ol’ water. Doctors suggest drinking half your body weight in ounces of water, or at least eight glasses a day.
Moisturization
Moisturizers form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in its natural moisture and making it softer. Moisturizers are oil-based ingredients, also known as emollients. They create a seal on the skin’s surface, keeping water from escaping. You can look for natural moisturizers like coconut oil and almond oil for impressive results, worry-free.
Your Skin Called—It Says It’s Thirsty for Water and Hungry for Nourishment
If your skin could talk, what would it tell you? That it’s never felt better? Or that it’s desperate for some TLC? Think of your skin like a bouncer or a bodyguard at a members-only club (AKA, inside your body). Your skin’s biggest priority is to keep harmful external factors out of the “club,” like chemicals, bacteria, and extreme temperature. But if it’s malnourished, it can’t perform its job to the best of its abilities.
That’s right; our skin is our body’s unsung hero and our largest organ, intricately consisting of three layers, each with its own vital functionalities:
Epidermis
The top layer of the skin is the epidermis, which of course is the exposed layer with pigment and texture. You knew that! This is the “club bouncer” just mentioned that not only defends against external elements, like sunlight and environmental toxins, but it keeps out germs and bacteria, too! If the epidermis’ night job is club bouncer, then its day job is magician. Yep! Our skin’s top layer makes about 40,000 dead skin cells disappear daily. By shedding the dead skin cells, the epidermis keeps us looking fresh and even-toned all over.
Dermis
The middle layer, or the dermis, makes up 90% of skin thickness. It’s also where collagen and elastin live—these two proteins keep our skin strong, resilient, and flexible. The dermis also has sweat glands to cool our skin down and prevent overheating. Oil glands are located in the dermis, too, which help keep the skin naturally moisturized, as well as blood vessels that feed the skin its nutrients to help it stay healthy.
Hypodermis
The skin’s bottom layer is the hypodermis. This fatty layer houses the skin and bones’ connective tissue, as well as cushions surrounding the muscles and bones, keeping them safe from injuries. The fat in the hypodermis helps regulate body temperature too, protecting your skin from extreme climates.
Radiant Skin Is an Award We Can All Win
So there you have it. Your skin is biologically designed to protect and prevail. Regardless of your skin type, there’s one thing everyone can do to help maintain healthy, clear skin: monthly facials. Clearing out all the dirt and toxins buried deep in your pores, professional whitehead and blackhead removal, and exfoliation can be the revitalization your skin’s been missing. And of course, facials provide both hydration and moisturization that are tailored to your needs. Leave the esthetician bed with your skin feeling fine and free of impurities. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, do your skin a favor, and book a facial today.