Hydration and moisturization are two related but distinct concepts when it comes to skincare:
Hydration: Hydration refers to the water content within the skin cells and the overall water balance in the body. It involves increasing and maintaining the moisture levels from within by drinking fluids. When you’re properly hydrated, your skin cells have a higher water content, which contributes to a plump, supple, and healthy complexion. Hydration is essential for overall health and helps maintain bodily functions beyond just the skin.
Moisturization: Moisturization, on the other hand, is the process of applying external products, such as moisturizers or emollients, to the skin’s surface to improve its hydration and prevent moisture loss. Moisturizers are formulated to create a physical barrier on the skin, sealing in existing moisture and preventing evaporation. They often contain ingredients like humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid, glycerin) that draw moisture from the environment or deeper layers of the skin to hydrate the upper layers. Additionally, moisturizers may also contain occlusive substances (e.g., petrolatum, mineral oil, shea butter) that help lock in moisture by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface.
In summary, hydration focuses on maintaining water balance within the body and skin cells, while moisturization involves applying external products to the skin to improve its hydration levels and prevent moisture loss. Both hydration and moisturization are important for maintaining healthy skin, and a combination of internal hydration through adequate fluid intake and external moisturization through skincare products is typically recommended for optimal skin health.