The secret to healthy skin: Moisturising and Hydrating

Few people know that both are important to moisturise and hydrate your skin. Knowing how is the ultimate secret weapon to getting happy and healthy skin.

But what is the difference?

Moisturiser vs. Hydrator

There is no golden standard to define the difference between moisturisers and hydrators. Only how beauty brands use the terms to differentiate between the working functions. It is how your skin gets the moisture it needs.

Moisturisers and hydrators are natural partners. The simplest difference to separate the two is that a moisturiser is oil-based, and a hydrator is water-based.

Hydrator

Hydrators are humectant. Think hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the outer layer of the skin, making your skin look plump and radiant. Humectants preserve and absorb water in your skin.

Moisturiser

Moisturisers are occlusive. Moisturisers contain sealing agents that prevent water from escaping from your skin. These agents are also called occlusive agents. These are usually mineral oils, emollients and petrolatum. A natural option to petrolatum can be Shea butter, canola oil or soybean.

Which one is best for my skin, moisturiser or hydrator?

You get so many beauty products out there. Some are creams, oils, gels or ointments. The form of the product makes no difference. It is about what is in them. The core ingredients define the performance. The form your product comes in only matters to your experience or preference.

Dry skin

If you have dry skin all year, it is more likely that your skin is struggling to keep moisture. Try using a high emollient moisturiser. For n, ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil or other nut oils could be an option.

Dehydrated skin

Add water, water and more water. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe and honey in your products. Eat water-rich food to your diet like watermelon and cucumber.

Oily skin

Oily does not mean hydrated. Often oily skin is due to a damaged skin barrier. Dehydrated skin produces more oils. Look for more water-based hydrators or moisturisers that is lightweight and won't clog your pores.

Verdict

Learning how your skin likes to drink will give you the best results. Experiment!

Do you need a moisturiser or a hydrator? Probably both. Not all skin types need both all year round and can be weather or season dependent. Knowing when your skin needs what is the key.

If you want to try both, remember, hydrate (water) first, then seal with a moisturiser (oil).

Many products have both hydrating and moisturising effects. To keep it simple, look for a product that works for you and does both.

Here are some products we recommend trying

A balanced 2-in-1 Hydrating and moisturising:

Gentle wash

LUSTRE YIELD BODY WASH (foamy) or LUSTRE YIELD SHOWER OIL (milky)

Full hydrating and moisturising finish

LUSTRE YIELD BODY LOTION or LUSTRE YIELD BODY OIL

For your free self-love ritual tips to get glowing celebrity skin click here.