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Healthy glowing skin is everybody's dream. It is a sign of true beauty and instantly attracts attention. Although beautiful skin does not require any makeup and can easily stand out in a crowd, everyone is not blessed with envious skin, and therefore it is very important to take care of your skin and follow a daily routine of cleansing, toning, scrubbing, and moisturizing. It is also essential to keep the skin hydrated.

It should be remembered that hydration and moisturizing are not the same for the skin but both are equally important for the skin to look good. Many people have this misconception and they tend to think that hydration and moisturizing are the same things. 

In reality, these are two different concepts that have different purposes for the skin. Both are very different yet equally important for the skin to look fresh and soft. Both work as a team to give you the skin you desire.

Let us understand the difference between the two and also how you can work towards getting hydrated and soft moisturized skin.

What is Hydration?

The absorption of moisture from the air and then to enhance the skin's ability to absorb moisture and nutrients, infusing the cells with water is known as hydration. Dry skin can be dull, flaky, rough, and prone to wrinkles.

Hydration is important to keep the skin fresh and supple as dry skin can become dull and lifeless. There are many reasons for this.

Reasons for Dehydrated Skin

Eating an unbalanced diet can cause dehydration as there may be a lack of food which have a water content 

Some of the products used on the skin can have a dehydrating effect 

Lack of sleep or an improper sleeping schedule can also play havoc on the skin and cause dehydration

The environment can play a vital part in the skin becoming dehydrated

Ways to Hydrate Skin

The skin should be cleansed gently prior to moisturizing

A moisturizer having hydrating ingredients should be used

Water-based skin care products are recommended

The hands and feet must not be neglected

Use products that are appropriate as per the season

What Is Moisturizing?

To build the skin's natural protective barrier, trapping and locking in the moisture is called moisturizing. Moisturizing is important to maintain the skin's healthy cells as it reduces the chances of skin-related problems. Moisturizing regularly reduces extreme oiliness or dryness and both are harmful to your skin. It also helps in evening out blemishes.

A moisturizer reduces (TEWL) Trans Epidermal Water Loss as it creates a barrier over the surface of the skin. It prevents the evaporation of existing moisture in the skin throughout the day. The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after a bath when the skin is still moist.

Kinds of Moisturizers

A combination of three specific ingredients; humectants, emollients, and/or occlusive usually constitute moisturizers. Some moisturizers may be having more of a particular ingredient.  These moisturizers are available in the form of cream, gel, or liquid.

Before buying a moisturizer, it is essential to know which one is best suited for your skin. Using a moisturizer that is not skin-friendly can have ill effects on the skin. Along with dry skin, even oily skin requires moisturizers and it is best to choose one which is best suited for your skin type.    

GEL – best suited for combination skin to oily skin type

CREAMS – ideal for dry skin to a combination skin type

LIQUID – can be used by some oily skin types as well as combination skin types

Ways to Hydrate the Skin

The first and foremost way to hydrate is to drink a lot of water

Always use sunscreen while going out

Avoid taking long and very hot showers

Eat citrus based fruits like oranges, lemons, watermelon, and papaya and vegetables such as cucumber, lettuce, celery, spinach which are rich in water content

Drink a lot of lemon water and coconut water

Use skincare products that help in hydrating

Using hydrating face masks will keep the skin moist

Using a humidifier can help in increasing the moisture content in the air when it is low especially during dry winter months 

Difference between Moisturizing and Hydration

Moisturizing and hydrating are two different things that perform different functions on the skin. Hydrating products increase the water content in the skin whereas moisturizing helps to prevent moisture from evaporating from the body. Hydrating products increase the water content in the skin cells and moisturizing products help in locking this moisture.

It is important for the skin to remain hydrated to look fresh and bright. Moisturizing is essential because the skin will not be able to stay hydrated for long unless it is well moisturized. 

A barrier is created on top of the skin by moisturizer which helps in sealing all the hydration and prevents it from vanishing. If your skin is lacking water, it becomes dehydrated and if it is lacking oil it becomes dry. Hydration helps in giving the skin a smooth and elastic look whereas applying moisturizer will give it a good sheen. 

Moisturizing the skin without hydrating it will only give it a temporary glow. Products for hydrating have ingredients that add water to the skin and also help in trapping water but on the other hand, moisturizing products help in improving the skin by decreasing water loss.

Although hydration and moisturization are completely different from each other, yet play an important role in keeping your skin healthy. So, moisturize your skin regularly and keep sipping water from time to time.