The Difference Between Moisturizers and Hydrators
- Meghan Selenka
- Nov 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Incorporating a moisturizer into your skincare routine is common knowledge but did you know that you probably need a skin hydrator too? Hydrators and moisturizers tackle two vastly different yet intertwined tasks: one providing water to the skin while the other provides oil.
Before we can get into the difference between moisturizers and hydrators, first we need to understand TEWL.
TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss) is the amount of water vapor evaporating from the surface of the skin. This is an indicator of the integrity of the skin barrier function which inherently refers to the skin's ability to retain moisture. In short, TEWL is water that evaporates from your skin. This is the main culprit for skin dehydration.
Skin Hydrators...
use humectants to bring water to the skin. These are elements that bind moisture from the environment to your skin.
You'll want to look for ingredients like:
• Hyaluronic acid
• Glycerin
• Propylene Glycol
• Beta glucan
Our favorite Hydrator products:
Face Reality hydraRemedy Gel Serum utilizes four different types of Hylauronic Acid to deeply hydrate the skin along with beta glucan and other botanical properties to calm and soothe redness and inflammation.
Face Reality HydraBalance Gel is a budget-friendly and basic hydator that helps regulate oil production while also providing antioxidant benefits to the skin.
Hydrinity Renewing HA is powered by their patented Supercharged Hyaluronic Acid. This ultra-hydrating serum is clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging by going deep into the dermal layer to stimulate collagen, keratinocyte, and elastin production, renewing and rejuvenating skin, boosting radiance and improving skin elasticity. Both of Hydrinity's hydrators utilize a dual weight Hyaluronic Acid complex to target both dermal and epidermal hydration.
Hydrinity's Restorative HA is powered by their patented Supercharged Hyaluronic Acid, combined with their proprietary PPM6 Technology that includes powerful peptides and antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals and maintain optimal moisture levels. The gentle, soothing formula is clinically proven to reduce inflammation and stimulate the skin’s natural recovery process while dramatically improving hydration to help skin rapidly recover and repair.
Skin Moisturizers...
use emollients and occlusives to bring oils to the skin. These are elements that lock in water molecules to the skin, preventing TEWL.
You'll want to look for ingredients like:
• Lanolin
• Mineral oil
• Dimethicone
• Shea & Cocoa butters
Our favorite Moisturizer products:
Face Reality Cranpeptide is a budget-friendly, acne safe, and basic moisturizer that is intensely rich and soothing while packed with a powerful blend of antioxidants and peptides to keep skin nourished. This heavier formula is best for those with normal-dry skin.
Glymed's Comfort Cream immediately calms upset and irritated skin caused by waxing, permanent makeup, peels, extractions, facial steam, chemicals, medications, strong clinical products, sun exposure, insect bites and more. Its lighter-weight formula is best for those with normal-oily skin.
Shop Comfort Cream here.
Glymed's Oxygen Cream is a light and elegant soufflé, formulated with oxygen to promote healthy skin cells while enforcing the cell’s detoxification process. This aids in the skin’s ability to appear smoother and more luminous while promoting collagen synthesis and DNA protection.
Shop Oxygen Cream here.
Hydrinity's HYDRI-C Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer combines the necessity of a moisturizer with the excellent benefits of Vitamin C. MicroFusion Technology uses a patented molecule to penetrate deep into the dermal layer delivering a potent but gentle form of Vitamin C along with other powerful actives and is suitable for all skin types. In as little as 2-weeks, HYDRI-C provides powerful antioxidant protection, helps stimulate collagen production, reduces wrinkles, brightens skin, improves elasticity and helps to reduce blemishes.
