Did you know there is a difference? While the words “hydrating” and “moisturizing” are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same thing. It can be a confusing topic, so we hope to share a few things to help clear up the confusion.

Hydrators Attract Water

Hydrators are designed to attract water into the deeper levels of the skin. Dehydrated skin lacks water and therefore needs to be hydrated. While hydration makes our skin soft, it won’t stay that way if there is no oil (moisturizer) protecting that hydration from evaporating and abandoning the skin. As we age the molecules in our skin lose some of their ability to retain water. This not only causes dryness, but also decreases the skin’s volume. Hydration means increasing the amount of water in your skin cells, which result in a healthy, smooth and plump complexion. Hydration makes all the difference when it comes to healthy and glowing skin.

Moisturizers Create a Barrier

Moisturizers create a barrier to help retain water that is found in the deeper skin levels. Applying a moisturizer on top of already dehydrated skin may smooth it, but it will still lack the hydration that the skin needs to make it feel soft and elastic. A lack of oil, or lack of a moisturizer, can age you faster as well as contribute to break outs. Regardless of your skin type, a good moisturizer is an essential part of your daily facial routine. Especially when the dry Utah winters suck all the moisture out of our skin.

Water and Oil

Dehydrated skin lacks water in the deeper skin levels and dry skin lacks oil (moisturizer). So your skin could be dehydrated, dry, or both. That is why it is important to choose the right products and become educated on how and when to use them.

Hydrafacial Treatments to Hydrate Skin

Our favorite way to hydrate the skin is through a Hydrafacial treatment. During the treatment your skin is infused with special serums including hyaluronic acid, proven to help bind and retain water. After properly hydrating the skin a medical-grade moisturizer (an at-home skin plan) is so important to create a barrier so your new hydration doesn’t leave the skin. We have several product lines of great moisturizers that we can customize to your skin type and skin needs.

Don’t let dry and dehydrated skin enhance all the imperfections. Properly hydrating and moisturizing will give your skin a healthy glow and help you maintain proper skin health.