Hydration vs. Moisturisation: What’s the Difference?

ABHISHEK GIRI

Confused between skin hydration and skin moisturisation? Learn the key differences between dry skin and dehydrated skin, and how to choose the right skincare products for glowing and healthy skin.

Key Takeaways

If you are wondering about what comes first in skin care, hydration or moisturization, the answer is simple. You have got to hydrate first and then moisturize.

Understanding the signs your skin is dehydrated vs dry can help you nail your skin care game.

You can use skin care products for dehydrated and dry skin from Khar soaps to layer your products properly and say goodbye to dullness, wakiness, and breakouts that might be caused by neglecting hydration or moisturisation.

Skincare these days has started sounding like rocket science. No matter if you walk into a store or scroll through skincare blogs, suddenly, you are bombarded with so much chatter about hydration and moisturisation. If you are wondering, aren't they the same thing? Allow us to tell you that they are not! especially when you're choosing between synthetic formulas and natural skin care products that aim to hydrate and moisturise using gentle, plant-based ingredients.

Hydration vs moisturisation is the same as chai vs coffee. Both can keep you going, but they work quite differently.

Most people who have dry skin load up on moisturizers but forget hydration, and those with dehydrated skin, drink water like it's a skincare hack, but skip paying attention to the moisturizer altogether.

Result? Skincare confusion. In this blog, we are going to help you understand the difference between hydration and moisturisation in the most plausible way possible. And while we are at it, we will also guide you on how to choose the right skincare products for dehydrated and dry skin, including skincare products for glowing skin that nourish, balance, and bring out your skin’s natural radiance.

What Is Skin Hydration?

Skin hydration is all about giving your skin the water it needs to look plump, fresh, and bouncy. When your skin is dehydrated, it feels tight, looks dull, and might even get oily, especially for acne-prone skin.

That's why you need hydrating products with humectants like aloe vera, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, etc.

“I really want to drink more water. Water is one of the basic things that hydrates your skin. I try to have more water. I also feel that when I sleep well, I wake up fresh and look fresh. So, sleep is also very important.”

Shraddha Kapoor, Bollywood A-lister

What Is Skin Moisturisation?

When you moisturize, you are basically locking in the hydration and sealing it with a protective layer. It's like putting a lid on your water bottle so that it doesn't evaporate. If you have dry skin, it means that your skin is not producing enough natural oils. To manage this situation, you need moisturization to strengthen your skin barrier and stop water loss. This is where emollients come in, like creams and lotions.

In fact, the magic cream from Ghar Soaps is perfect for this job. It is packed with saffron, niacinamide, and kojic acid that can moisturize and brighten your skin without that chip-chip sticky feeling. In fact, it is also an excellent tan reduction product.

Key Differences Between Hydration & Moisturisation

Want to understand the difference between skin hydration and moisturisation? Take a look at these key differences;

Feature	Hydration	Moisturisation
Targets	Water content in skin	Oil content or lipid barrier of the skin
Ingredients	Humectants like Aloe Vera	Emollients like Niacinamide
Skin Concern	Dehydrated skin	Dry skin
Product Types	Serums, gels, hydrating face washes	Creams, lotions, barrier repair creams
Skin Feel	Lightweight, refreshing	Rich and protective

How to Tell What Your Skin Needs

Knowing the difference between skin hydration and moisturization is all cool, but can you actually tell what your skin needs? Let us help you understand.

Dry skin vs. dehydrated skin test

Dehydrated skin is going to feel tight, dull, yet oily at the same time. You can try the pinch test. Gently pinch your cheeks. If it wrinkles or feels papery, you need skin hydration.

Dry skin is when your face feels rough, flaky and itchy. For that, you need face care products like dull skin products (moisturizers) that can restore your lipid barrier.

Skin types and climate considerations

You still need hydration if you have oily skin. You can use hydrating products like Ghar Soaps’ Magic Facewash or Aqua Soap if you want to reach your hydration goals. To manage dry skin in winters, you can use Magic Cream with Saffron and Niacinamide that can block in water while healing dryness.

Seasonal needs

In the summer, your hydration game needs to be strong. You can use hydrating toners, lightweight natural face wash , etc. In winter, moisturization wins big time. Go for creams and lotions that help your skin stay plump and healthy.

Should You Hydrate or Moisturise First? (Or Both?)

This is how you can layer your natural skin care products like a pro.

Start with hydration. You can try out Ghar Soap's Magic Face Toner that has sandalwood and saffron. It is a perfect first step for dehydrated skin.
Once you have given your skin hydration, seal the deal with moisturization. Ghar Soap's Magic Cream with saffron and niacinamide is ideal over here. It can protect your skin barrier, brighten your complexion, and act as a tan removal product too.

Tips to Keep Skin Texture Balanced

No matter if you are using dull skin products to keep your skin texture balanced, here are a few tips that you should always keep in mind.

Drink water throughout the day. Internal skin hydration is very important for that gorgeous external glow.
You can try using a humidifier in AC rooms as the AC air tends to get very dry.
Do not overwash your face. Twice a day is good enough.
Always listen to your skin and adjust your skin care routine for dry and dehydrated skin as needed.
Do not step out without sunscreen. You can try out Magic Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 plus PA++++. This sunscreen has natural ingredients and does wonders for keeping your skin happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my skin be dehydrated and dry at the same time?

Yes, your skin can lack water and oils at the same time. Fix this situation by layering hydration and moisturization products from Ghar Soaps.

Is aloe vera hydrating or moisturising?

Aloe vera is a humectant that pulls water into your skin. It is an excellent ingredient if you have dehydrated skin. Also, explore hyperpigmentation products to help even out your skin tone and restore your natural glow from Ghar Soaps.

Do natural oils hydrate or moisturise the skin?

Oils moisturize your skin and seal in moisture. You can use oils after hydrating your skin.

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