Moisturization Vs. Hydration
Let’s quickly talk about the difference between moisturization and hydration because most people use the two words interchangeably, but they are different. Moisturization involves using plant oils or fatty acids as part of a skincare regimen, whereas hydration uses water-based ingredients, otherwise known as humectants, on the skin. Simply put, moisturization involves the application of oil, while hydration consists of the application of water.
What Are Humectants?
Humectants are ingredients applied to the skin that can pull moisture from the atmosphere into your skin to hydrate and help keep your skin healthy. So naturally, our skin is created with inbuilt humectants, such as amino acids and glycerine, to hydrate the skin.
If your skin feels parched, you may use any of these ingredients to replenish water.
Aloe Vera cream: Aloe vera is a hydrating ingredient choke full of water. Aloe vera gel absorbs into the skin easily, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily skin. Most importantly, aloe vera is used to soothe and calm irritated skin that has been in the sun unprotected for too long. Again, the leaf of the aloe vera plant is rich in water, particularly the innermost layer; it helps to hydrate the skin and locks in moisture. You may opt for an aloe vera cream and use it twice daily to pull water into your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy. Shop Here
Hyaluronic acid serum: Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in the body’s connective tissue and eyes. It mainly holds water to keep the tissue well-lubricated and moist. In addition, hyaluronic acid binds water to help retain moisture. As a humectant and natural hydrator, hyaluronic acid works like a sponge, attracts water, and plumps up in the skin to keep it refreshed and hydrated. In addition, hyaluronic acid soothes inflamed skin and is a powerful collagen builder. Use hyaluronic acid serum on damp skin to enjoy its full benefit. You may also apply hyaluronic acid serum and follow with an aloe vera cream to enjoy maximum hydration. Shop Here
Honey moisturizer: Honey is a natural humectant that can draw water from the atmosphere into the skin. It is a powerful humectant due to its high sugar content. In addition, it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that work to soothe the skin, maintain a natural pH level on the skin and remove dead skin cells. Shop Here
Amino acid serum: Amino acids are natural humectants that keep the skin hydrated. Also, all the essential and nonessential amino acids have hydrating properties – for example, Glycine, Proline, and Arginine. Also, these amino acids form peptides to serve as collagen-making ingredients. Amino acid is one of the best and most powerful ingredients that hydrate the skin. You may use an amino acid cleanser, cream, or serum to boost collagen and hydration in your skin. Shop Here
Glycerine serum: Glycerine is another ingredient that naturally occurs in our skin’s sebum as a humectant ingredient. When you read most skin and hair care products, you will see water as the first ingredient and mainly glycerine as the second or third ingredient. This priority is because of its mighty water-attracting power. Glycerine can draw water from the atmosphere around you, but it also can draw moisture from the skin’s inner layer up to the epidermis, making the skin plumper and restoring it to its youthful look. Shop Here
Panthenol serum: According to research, products containing just 1% of panthenol can rapidly hydrate the skin, resulting in a more supple feel and appearance. Mixing hyaluronic acid with panthenol can hydrate even the deeper layer of skin and is suitable for all skin types. Panthenol is a powerful humectant that can draw water from the atmosphere into the skin, hold water in the skin, and prevent transdermal water loss (water leaving the skin). Other benefits of panthenol include skin barrier function, promoting wound healing, and healing of inflamed skin. Shop Here
When To Add Water To The Skin
You may apply humectants to your skin anytime; it’s advisable to include a hydrating ingredient in your skincare routine, whether it’s a serum, cleanser, or cream. In addition, humectants are suitable for all skin types, and your skin can never have enough humectants.
For a one-on-one skincare consultation, please get in touch with me at amia2784@gmail.com.
