Hydration vs. Moisturisation: Why Your Skin Needs Both

Hydration. Moisturisation. These are two terms that are often interchanged when referring to skin. 

But make no mistake, there is a difference between the two and understanding these two terms can help us make better decisions when it comes to our skincare. 

Hydrated and Moisturised Are Not the Same Thing

Hydration refers to the amount of water in your skin.  Moisturisation is more about helping the skin maintain its water content and supporting the skin's surface. 

So you can have skin that is dehydrated and skin that is dry.  Yet the two are not necessarily the same issue. 

Dehydrated skin lacks water.  Dry skin generally refers to a skin type associated with lack of lipids and oils. And yes, you can have both at the same time. 

What Does Hydrated Skin Look Like? 

Well-hydrated skin looks smoother and more plump. When the skin lacks water, fine lines can appear more noticeable and the complexion may look dull or feel tight. Hydration is influenced by more than just a moisturiser we use. 

Skincare products matter, as does the environment, skin barrier and overall hydration. 

Why Does Moisturiser Actually Do?

Moisturisers contain different types of ingredients that help support the skin in different ways. Some ingredients are humectants (like Hyaluronic Acid) and some are emollient (shea butter) that help soften and smooth the skin. 

Then, there are occlusive ingredients (think jojoba oil), which help to form a protective layer over the skin to help reduce water loss. A well-formulated moisturiser may contain a combination of these to help skin maintain a healthy balance. 

Why Your Skin Barrier Matters

This brings us back to the skin barrier (stratum corneum).  The outermost layer of the skin helps reduce water loss and protect the skin from external factors such as environmental pollution, sun, wind, etc.  When the barrier is compromised the skin may lose water more easily, get dry, tight or uncomfortable. 

Thus supporting the barrier is an important part of maintaining your skin healthy-looking. Cleansing gently, moisturising regularly and avoiding excessive exfoliation can all help. 

Can You Hydrate Your Skin from Within?

Staying adequately hydrated is important for your overall health. But drinking extra water isn't a shortcut to perfectly hydrated skin.

If you're already adequately hydrated, drinking significantly more water isn't necessarily going to transform your complexion. 

Hydration from within isn’t just about drinking water either. Collagen supplements can also form part of an inside out routine. GOLD COLLAGEN® combines hydrolysed marine collagen with carefully selected ingredients in formulations designed to support healthy-looking skin from within. 

Think of hydration as one part of the bigger picture. Where skincare, skin barrier, environment, diet and overall lifestyle all play a role. 

Where Does Hyaluronic Acid Fit In?

Hyaluronic Acide is a naturally occurring substance in the body.  It has the remarkable ability to attract and hold water and plays an important part in maintaining hydration within tissues. 

It is commonly used in skincare because it supports skin hydration and a smoother, plumper looking skin. It can be found in products ranging from serums and creams to collagen supplements and masks. 

Again, the important thing is to look at the whole formulation rather than assuming one ingredient is going to do everything. 

Your Skin Needs Both

Hydration and moisturisation are not competing concepts. 

Your skin benefits from having enough water and from being able to retain that water effectively. That's why a good skincare routine often combines hydrating ingredients with moisturisation and barrier supporting ingredients. 

Don't forget the basics: 

• Protect skin from the sun
• Cleanse gently
• Eat a balanced diet
• Sleep, sleep, sleep
• Stay hydrated

Healthy-looking skin is not built around one product or one ingredient. It's the result of many small things working together.