Chapter 73: The Difference Between Hydrating and Moisturizing Your Skin

Last Updated: 25 August 2021

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Beauty Book

There are skin care products that hydrate your skin and products that moisturize your skin. Even though these two terms are often used interchangeably, they don’t actually share the same meaning. This chapter explains the main difference between hydrating and moisturizing your skin, and tips on the best ways to do so with the help of K-Beauty skin care products.

What’s the difference between hydrating and moisturizing your skin?

Hydration refers to the absorption of water and delivering moisture to your skin. When your skin is fully hydrated, your skin has a plump and supple appearance and more luminous glow.

Moisturizing your skin is about ways to prevent water or moisture loss. Moisturizers keep your skin moisturized as they are formulated with emollients that nourish skin, lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Best way to hydrate skin

All skin types need hydration. If your skin feels dehydrated, whether it’s due to unfavorable weather conditions or lifestyle practices, it’s important to focus on hydration. Dehydrated skin lacks water, so incorporating hydrating products into your skin care routine helps your skin feel less dry or tight and appear less dull.

The best way to hydrate skin is by using products rich in humectants, such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, honey and aloe vera. The Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Power Essence from COSRX is ideal for boosting hydration. It’s formulated with sea buckthorn water and hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrate skin and protect it from environmental stressors.

Another great option is Haruharu WONDER’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner. Apply it post-cleanse to instantly hydrate skin. The formula contains hyaluronic acid to replenish skin’s hydration and beta-glucan (another humectant) to strengthen the skin barrier. This toner also contains Korean black rice extract to improve skin elasticity, making it ideal for those who are concerned about signs of aging.

Best way to moisturize skin

All skin types need proper moisturizing, especially those with dry skin since this skin type lacks oil. For healthy, hydrated and glowing skin, it’s best to combine the power of hydration and moisturizing. First, apply hydrating products, such as toners or serums packed with humectants, since they’re more lightweight. Then, proceed to a nourishing moisturizer − a product richer and heavier in texture − to seal in moisture.

To ensure that your skin is properly moisturized, go for a moisturizer containing skin-replenishing ingredients such as ceramides, shea butter and petrolatum. You can also opt for moisturizers with humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. These ingredients don’t just keep your skin moisturized, but also help it look and feel soft and smooth.

Try Dear, Klairs’ Rich Moist Soothing Cream which is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, since it contains less essential oils. Infused with shea butter, ceramide NP and centella asiatica extract, the cream soothes skin and leaves it moisturized. It’s the perfect daily moisturizer for daytime or nighttime.

If you find that your skin loses too much water, also known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL), HOLIKA HOLIKA’s Good Cera Super Ceramide Cream could be your skin savior. Formulated with patented ingredient Power Ceramide, shea butter, aloe vera and beta-glucan, this cream can put a stop to water loss, especially overnight, and help your skin retain moisture for up to 72 hours.