What is the Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing Skin Cream

The main difference between hydrating and moisturizing skin cream is that hydrating skin cream supply the skin with moisture, whereas moisturizing skin cream helps the skin to retain moisture

We often see the two words hydrating and moisturizing used interchangeably when discussing skin care products. But these two words refer to two different types of products. Basically, hydrating skin creams are for dehydrated skin, which lacks water, while moisturizing skin creams are for dry skin.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Hydrating Skin Cream
     – Definition, Features, Products
2. What is a Moisturizing Skin Cream
     – Definition, Features, Products
3. What is the Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing Skin Cream
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Hydrating Skin Cream, Moisturizing Skin Cream

What is a Hydrating Skin Cream

Hydrating the skin involves using products that hydrate your skin cells, i.e. increase their water content. If your skin is dehydrated, you need to hydrate it with hydrating skin creams. What hydrating skin creams basically do is add water to the skin and help to trap water in the skin. First, let’s see what dehydrated skin is.

Dehydrated skin is mainly caused by lack of water. Several other factors, like an unbalanced diet, inadequate sleep, environmental stressors, and cosmetic products we use can also contribute to dehydrated skin. If your skin is dehydrated, it will look dull and feel tight and flaky. You’ll even feel that this skin never feels hydrated however many products you use. People with all types of skin (whether dry, oily or combination) can experience dehydrated skin.

Hydrating skin creams are most suitable for those with dehydrated skin. These products usually contain ingredients with hydrating molecules like hyaluronic acid, which help to absorb water. Moreover, hydrating products are usually lightweight and sink deep into the skin.

What is Moisturizing Skin Cream

Moisturizing skin involves using moisturizers to make your skin less dry. Moisturizing skin creams are more suitable for people with dry skin. Unlike dehydrated skin, dry skin is not a condition caused by lack of water. Instead, dry skin is a type of skin. Dry skin refers to skin that lacks the ability to produce an adequate amount of oil and tendency to experience more transepidermal water loss (evaporation of water from the skin). Moisturizing skin creams help to prevent this water loss while reinforcing your skin’s barrier function.

Dry skin looks dull, flaky and tight. Moisturizing skin creams help to soften and smoothen this skin. Moreover, moisturizing products usually contain moisturizing ingredients like humectants, which include glycerin or ceramides. In addition, moisturizing products are typically thicker than hydrating products and stay on the skin’s surface.

Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing Skin Cream

Definition

Hydrating skin cream is a product that hydrates your skin cells, i.e. increase their water content. Moisturizing skin cream is a product that tries to improve the skin by decreasing water loss.

Function

While hydrating skin cream supplies the skin with moisture, moisturizing skin cream helps the skin to retain moisture.

Type of Skin

Hydrating skin creams are suitable for dehydrated skin, which is a condition caused by lack of water. In contrast, moisturizing skin creams are suitable for dry skin, which is a natural skin type.

Absorption

Moreover, hydrating skin creams sink deep into the skin while moisturizing skin creams stay on the skin’s surface.

Texture

Moisturizing skin creams typically have a thicker texture than hydrating skin creams.

Conclusion

Hydrating the skin involves using products that hydrate your skin cells, i.e. increase their water content.  Moisturizing the skin, on the other hand, involves trying to improve the skin by decreasing water loss. Therefore, the main difference between hydrating and moisturizing skin cream is that hydrating skin creams supply the skin with moisture, whereas moisturizing skin creams help the skin to retain moisture. Moreover, hydrating skin creams are especially suitable for dehydrated skin, while moisturizing skin creams are especially suitable for dry skin.

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