When it comes to water and oil, for skin to function correctly and prevent trans epidermal water loss, it requires the correct balance of both. One way you can achieve this is by giving your skin doses of hydration and moisture in your skincare routine. Although the terms hydration and moisture are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the difference between the two, and how to source both from components of your regime to ensure that your skin barrier remains healthy.
Hydration
Our skin needs water, just like our internal organs, so it’s not surprising that just as it’s important to drink water each day for internal hydration, it’s also beneficial to supplement our skin’s water content by applying hydration topically. Topical hydrators can assist in visibly plumping the skin’s surface, minimising the appearance of fine lines, and giving the skin a soft, elastic feel. Hydration is defined by the application of water-binding ingredients known as humectants to the skin. These ingredients, which include Hyaluronic Acid, work by drawing moisture into the top layer of the skin, either through the atmosphere or through the deeper skin layers.