Moisturizing and Hydrating
Now, I don’t know about you, but my sensitive skin needs all the help it can get.
And my sensitive mind too!
Let me tell you, when I come across some posts and videos where they throw around some big skincare words without understanding wht they actually mean. This drives me up the wall. One of the biggest confusions is the mix-up between “moisturizing” and “hydrating”.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re both important steps in a good skincare routine, but they’re not the same thing and they work differently! So, let’s clear up the confusion, shall we?
Moisturizing
You know what they say: history repeats itself! Even the ancient Romans used moisturizers made from animal fats and starch to keep their skin healthy and hydrated. And let’s be real, if it worked for them, it can work for us too. But in all seriousness, our skin faces a lot of challenges these days from environmental factors like pollution and dry air. That’s where moisturizing and hydrating come in.
Moisturizing is all about creating a protective barrier on your skin to prevent water loss. Think of it as a coat of armor for your face! And let me tell you, your skin needs that armor to protect it from the harmful effects of the world around us. Hydration, on the other hand, is all about boosting the water content in the outer layer of our skin. That’s why you need both moisture and hydration in your skincare routine.
Hydrating
So what exactly is hydration? Basically, it’s the process of increasing water content in the outer layer of your skin. And no, I don’t mean splashing your face with H2O and calling it a day. I’m talking about using products that actually help your skin retain moisture and prevent dehydration.
So how can you make sure your skin stays hydrated? It all starts with drinking plenty of water, of course. But you can also incorporate hydrating products into your skincare routine. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera, which can all help boost your skin’s hydration levels.
But what’s the difference between the two? It’s all in the ingredients, my friends! Moisturizers come in different forms like creams, lotions, and serums, and may also include anhydrous products that don’t contain water. They also contain emollients like oils and butters to make the skin smooth and supple. Meanwhile, hydrating products like humectants attract and retain water in the skin to boost hydration levels. And if you have dry skin, you may need some extra help from humectants like honey, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Choosing a moisturizer isn’t rocket science, but you do need to consider your skin type. Oily skin? Look for something light and oil-free, so your pores don’t get clogged. Dry skin? Go for a richer, more emollient moisturizer that’ll soothe and hydrate your thirsty skin. And if you’re somewhere in between, try using different moisturizers for different parts of your face.
The Routine
But here’s the thing, it’s not just about what you use, it’s how you use it. No tugging, please! Use gentle upward motions when applying your moisturizer, and don’t forget to show some love to your neck and chest. These areas can betray your age, so keep them hydrated too.
Now that you know how important it is to stay hydrated, it’s time to start putting this knowledge into practice. Here’s a simple skincare routine that anyone can follow:
In the morning:
- Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a hydrating or moisturizing serum
- Top it all off with a moisturizer that contains SPF to shield your skin from the sun.
At night:
- Cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser.
- Apply a hydrating or moisturizing serum
- Finally, use a richer, more emollient moisturizer to lock in all that moisture while you sleep.
Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so feel free to customize this routine to fit your needs. But this is a great place to start!
My recipe
Now, I know what works the best for me because I experimented a lot and it took me almost 2 years to define my routine and products.
Here it is: I love using a gentle and nourishing cleanser like our CALM Nourishing Cleansing Balm. And to take my skincare routine to the next level, I add in our ELIXIR Premium serum. Trust me, your sensitive skin will thank you!
So let’s raise a glass (or a bottle of moisturizer) to the ancient Romans for starting this whole skincare thing. And let’s keep their legacy alive by taking care of our skin with the best moisturizing products out there. And calling them their correct names.
Cheers to healthy, hydrated, and beautiful skin!
References:
Wikipedia: Skincare, Moisturizer, Transepidermal water loss
WebMD: Dos and Don’ts of Skin Hydration
