As it is known our skin is indeed precious and we should protect it at all costs because it is often exposed to harmful toxins in the air, sun rays, and not to mention some of the products we use.
We are then advised to keep our skin hydrated and moisturised as a protective barrier, but what does each of these concepts mean? Is it not the same thing? According to experts, they are both very beneficial for the skin, however, there is a slight difference between the two.
“A simple way to differentiate these terms is to remember that hydration refers to water while moisture refers to oil,” states the health-focused publication Healthline.
Hydrating your skin
According to the Mayo Clinic, skin is composed of three layers, the subcutaneous tissue beneath (hypodermis), the layer in the middle (dermis), and the outer layer (epidermis). The clinic further adds that skin lacking sufficient water in its outermost layer becomes less elastic and rough.
This is a reference to dehydration, which is the actual absence of water in skin cells, making them seem and feel lifeless. Hydrating components that bond with water in the skin’s deeper layers include hyaluronic acid, the above health publication explains.
Moisturising your skin
According to Vaseline, in contrast to dehydration, moisturising your skin is described as various products that allow hydration to penetrate the skin barrier. It is further explained that a damaged skin barrier can lead to several issues, the main one being the skin’s inability to keep the upper layers of skin hydrated.
The above source further states that drinking more water helps the skin become more elastic and moisturized, giving the illusion of more youth and hydration.
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