What is the Difference Between Moisturising and Hydrating Skin?

The terms "moisturising" and "hydrating" are often used interchangeably when it comes to skincare, but did you know that they actually refer to two different processes? While both are essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin, understanding the difference between the two can help you choose the right products for your specific needs. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between moisturising and hydrating skin, as well as provide some tips on how to incorporate both into your daily skincare routine.

Understanding Skin Hydration

Hydration refers to the process of increasing water content within the skin cells. This is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, which in turn helps prevent dryness, irritation, and premature aging. When your skin is well-hydrated, it appears plump, smooth, and radiant.

Dehydrated skin can be caused by various factors such as environmental conditions (e.g., cold weather or air conditioning), lifestyle choices (e.g., not drinking enough water), or using harsh skincare products that strip away natural oils. To combat dehydration and maintain optimal hydration levels in your skin, look for products containing humectants – ingredients that attract water molecules from the environment or deeper layers of the skin and bind them to the surface cells.

Some common humectants found in skincare products include hyaluronic acid (a powerful hydrator capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water), glycerin (a gentle yet effective hydrator suitable for sensitive skin), and aloe vera (known for its soothing and hydrating properties).

The Role of Moisturisers

While hydration is all about increasing water content within your skin cells, moisturising focuses on creating a protective barrier on top of your skin to lock in that moisture and prevent it from evaporating. This is especially important for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent irritants from causing inflammation or discomfort.

Moisturisers typically contain a blend of occlusive and emollient ingredients. Occlusives, such as petrolatum, beeswax, or silicone-based ingredients, create a physical barrier on the skin's surface to prevent water loss. On the other hand, emollients are oil-based ingredients that help soften and smooth the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells. Examples of emollients include plant oils (e.g., jojoba oil or argan oil), shea butter, and ceramides.

Balancing Hydration and Moisture

Now that you understand the difference between hydrating and moisturising your skin, how do you incorporate both into your daily skincare routine? The key is to find a balance that works for your specific skin type and concerns.

For those with dry or dehydrated skin, it's essential to use both hydrating serums or toners (containing humectants) followed by a moisturiser (with occlusive and emollient ingredients) to lock in that hydration. This combination will help to restore your skin's natural moisture balance and keep it looking healthy and radiant.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may think that skipping moisturiser is the way to go – but this can actually lead to increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture. Instead, opt for lightweight hydrating products containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, followed by an oil-free moisturiser designed specifically for oily or acne-prone skin.


In conclusion, understanding the difference between hydrating and moisturising your skin is crucial for maintaining a healthy complexion. Incorporating hydration-boosting products with humectants and moisturisers with occlusives and emollients into your skincare routine ensures that your skin stays plump, smooth, and radiant – no matter your skin type or concerns.