HYDRATING vs MOISTURIZING vs NOURISHING
Hey beauties and welcome to Skincare School. Since my sixteens I’ve had a soft spot for skincare. I remain to be so that’s why I’m always open to new information and findings in this lightweight formula parabens free world. Skin needs TLC more than we think and mine is no exception. Thereupon I seek out new knowledge to upscale my skincare literacy. So I decided why not to do it together with you, hah?
So from now on here on my blog once a month you will be having a piece of sought out info that will help you to achieve your heaven like baby bottom skin. Or at least it will bring you a piece of valuable information to contemplate about.
I decided to make a first post dedicated to so important but so poorly understood difference between hydrating, moisturizing and nourishing.
What are those essentially? The comprehension of definitions will dispel their mendacious identification.
Hydrating is a process of increasing water content in the skin. Hydrating products are formulated for those with dehydrated skin (don’t forget that even oily skin may be dehydrated). The most well-known hydrating ingredients are hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice. Glycerin is also considered to be humectant but it may have the opposite effect if you are in surrounding with dry air(less than 65% humidity).
Moisturizing is a process of retaining water in the skin cells. It basically means creating a protective layer that doesn’t allow water to vaporize. The most used occlusive ingredients – those that make a barrier on the skin – are oils, natural and mineral, silicones, waxes and other. Moisturizers are mainly used for dry skin which isn’t capable of creating a lipid barrier itself that leads to water loss. Moisturizers are created to prevent transepidermal water loss and may hydrate your skin as well but the hydration effect of moisturizers may not be enough for dehydrated skin.
Nourishing is process of giving nutrients to the skin and replenishing oil level. It restores damaged flaky skin and provides it with vitamins, proteins and acids. Nourishing is usually required for aging and mature skin.
You may find the products that are claimed to be all above but usually it’s like 2 in 1 shampoo. The problem is that hydrating ingredients always have lighter molecular mass so it can easily reach deeper skin levels and restore water. Usually those products are lightweight. Ingredients that protect the skin are usually richer, they have higher molecular mass and therefore stays on the surface and little get through even if humectants are listed. That is why nourishing products always have water phase in it because it works as an enhancer for oil based ingredients.
I hope that my little research will help you to find your perfect skicare products but of course don’t forget to consult your specialist before diving in a new routine.
Drink that lemon water, get your beauty sleep and till the next one.