H2O, a/k/a Water, is a fundamental element for great skin health. As time and age progress, and your skin is exposed to dry and dehydrating internal/ external environments, much of your skins’ natural water content is lost, and needs replacement/replenishment.
Most of us believe that a potent hydrator or a moisturizer should meet all our skin’s demand for hydration. But, you may be surprised to learn that these two products – “Hydrators” and “Moisturizers” – are NOT the same.
While both are very important, read on to learn everything you need to know about how and why these two products work differently and what the best choice is for your skin type/ dosha.
Hydrators – The Inward Flow
Hydrators..often made of humectants (or moisture collecting molecules) attract water from the atmosphere and infuse it into your skin cells – literally making them plumper. This works as a ‘big glass of water’ for your skin, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed, healthier, and radiant on each application. Infusing water back into your dermalthe cells also restores normal cell functioning, including uptake of healthy nutrients, and detoxification of detrimental environmental and cellular elements.
Examples of Hydrators – Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Honey.
Key roles:
- Offers skin improved water..a key element of younger skin.
- Better uptake of moisture and nutrients.
- Prevents cellular dehydration.
- Promotes a plump, springy, healthy balanced complexion.
Moisturizers – The ‘No Escape’ Sealing Effect
Now, just hydration isn’t sufficient to serve your skin’s long term needs. Moisturizers (often made of emollients in an oil/lipid base) lock in moisture and prevent water loss via evaporation, from the skin. These lubricating moisturizers are made of ingredients such as plant oils and butters which help support and form “barrier construction” (your Skins’ barrier is a key element in preventing infections, and sensitivity), while keeping skin soft and smooth. With an intact protective barrier, thriving skin cells can function efficiently, heal, repair, and restore.
Examples of Moisturizers – Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Coconut Oil, Hemp Seed Oil, etc.
Key roles:
- Prevents skin dryness and maintains dermal cell health.
- Restores barrier function.
- Maintains oil-moisture balance.
- Promotes smooth, healthy, beautiful skin.
Hydrators vs Moisturizers
Moisturizers are typically thicker in texture than hydrators as they create a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from evaporating. Once hydration is locked inside your skins’ cells, moisturizers act as a sealant to prevent further water loss from the skin barrier as well as repair.
When to use a Hydrator?
Choose a hydrator for soothing irritated skin, or short-term relief from dry or dehydrated skin (a temporary skin condition for all skin types including dry, oily, combination, or sensitive Skin – Dry vs Dehydrated Skin: Know the Difference). For Kapha skin, our Pore Perfect Hydrator/Toner also tones pores and balances complexion.
You can use our (dosha-based) Organic Hydrator/Toner after-cleansing (2X times) or whenever your skin feels dehydrated.
When to use a Moisturizer?
If your skin is on the drier side (Vata Skin), or in contrast, produces excess oil (Kapha Skin), a moisturizer reinstates the natural oil moisture balance. A quality Moisturizer is also effective for sensitive dry skin (Pitta Skin) that is flaky, red, or prone to irritation. Choose your dosha-based moisturizer for targeted problems, or to delay or prevent signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven appearance. For best results, use a dosha-based moisturizing serum daily in your morning and nightly skincare regimen.
Our hydrating + moisturizing serums are the best choice for meeting all your skin’s oil-moisture balancing needs. BioScience Peptide Complex, contains both Humectants (Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera) and Emollients (Sunflower Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Borage Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, etc). The tiny molecules of these bioactives travel deep into the dermal layers to improve overall health and appearance of skin with results in 60 days or less. Suitable for all skin types. (Learn more – All About Serums).
