Moisturiser Or Hydrator?

Is there a difference between hydrating and moisturing? Read to find out, tells NIMMI MATHAI.

- NIMMI MATHAI

Everywhere you look these days, brands are seen pushing their endless number of products that promise healthy, radiant, plump skin. When confronted with the countless ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’ skincare options at store counters, how do we pick a product suited for our skin needs? The point here is, brands do use ‘hydrator’ and ‘moisturiser’ interchangeably, but they are not the same. So, which one should you be using?

Hydrating or moisturising?

What is the difference? What are the benefits of keeping skin hydrated or moisturised? While both share the same goal—combat dryness, provide your skin with enough water and keep it hydrated, supple, healthy and soft— they do serve different purposes. Both are essential and key to skincare and knowing the difference will help you decide what fits your skin’s specific needs better.

The difference between hydrating & moisturising

The main responsibility of a hydrator is to increase the water content in the skin. Humectants found in hydrators absorb water from the air and bind it into the skin, thereby hydrating it. Hydration is a key factor in keeping the skin bouncy and plump.