Moisturizing or hydrating creams? What is the difference and which one should you use?

What is the difference between moisturizing and hydrating?

The moisturizing creams help replenish the natural oils of the skin, while the hydrating creams are responsible for providing the water your skin needs to look healthy, fresh and young, usually formulated with hyaluronic acid achieving and multiplying water retention. Want to know more? Continue reading this blog.

What is a hydrating cream?

Hydration is the absorption of moisture from the air as it influences the water in the cell and allows it to improve your skin’s ability to absorb and nourish.

This hydration brings water to the cells and has the ability to act into the deepest layers of your skin making it look more hydrated, illuminated, soft and elastic, delaying premature aging.

Benefits of using hydrating creams on a daily basis

Using hydrating products is an essential step in your skincare routine, having your skin type always in mind.

• Your skin will retain the youthful appearance of your face as daily hydration is important to prevent premature aging.
• Hydrating creams prevent your skin from drying out against external factors such as cold, heat and hot showers. It is therefore recommended to hydrate your face after washing it.
• The use of hydrating creams will soothe sensitive skin preventing the appearance of redness, itching and pimples.
• Your skin will increase its barrier resistance against UVB, UVA, blue and artificial light preventing toxins and environmental pollutants from damaging the cells beneath the skin.

Remember! It is important to apply sunscreen after you hydrate your skin to protect it from UVB, UVA, blue and artificial light.

When should you hydrate your skin?

You should use hydration products when you feel that the moisture of your skin has changed and you should keep in mind that the amount and frequency of application should be adjusted to the dryness of your skin. But be careful, do not wait to see dry skin to apply it and do not wait for it to look greasy, the skin must look hydrated but not with sebum.

How should you apply a hydrating cream?

Studies recommend that you apply your hydrating products after showering as this is where the skin is rehydrated and in the recommended moisture state. If you have a routine where you use serum as a toner before the hydration step you can continue to do so but always apply minutes after getting out of the shower.

Apply it with gentle upward movements, avoid rubbing it aggressively to avoid hurting the skin of your face. On the body, apply a good amount to dry areas such as knees and elbows.

What is a moisturizing cream?

Moisturizing creams serve as a protective barrier for the skin and their main purpose is to prevent the water in the tissues of your skin from evaporating. It is recommended for people who want to keep their skin moisturized and avoid skin diseases due to pollution and external factors.

Benefits of daily moisturizers

Using a moisturizer is an essential step in your skincare routine for your skin type.

• By using a moisturizing cream, the dry areas of your face are likely to disappear.
• Your skin will stay fresher as it will have more water.
• Your face will look younger as it shows more elasticity and decreases the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines becoming less prone to them.

Remember! It is important to apply sunscreen after your moisturizer to protect your skin from UVB, UVA, blue and artificial light.

When should you use a moisturizer?

Use moisturizers to conserve the water in the outer layer of your skin keeping it fresh and soft as most of them have the ingredients to conserve it this way.

They are recommended for all skin types but more for those who need to repair the skin barrier as this would prevent water loss in the skin.

How should you apply moisturizers?

Apply the moisturizing cream with gentle upward strokes, avoid rubbing it aggressively to avoid damaging the skin on your face.

Tips on how to choose the ideal cream for your skin

Searching for facial care products and cosmetics can be a difficult task, especially for people who have no knowledge about dermatology, that’s why we created this space for you to know which cream to choose when creating your daily skincare routine.

• When choosing the ideal cream for your skin, it is important to know whether it is oily, dry, normal or a combination.
• If you have normal skin and are going to use a moisturizer, you should choose a water-based moisturizer so as not to create a greasy effect on the skin.
• If you have dry skin, you can use oil-based creams.
• If you have oily skin, use light, oil-free creams so as not to clog pores.
• Use moisturizers based on oil and petroleum jelly if you have mature skin.
• Take into account your age because as time goes by, the dermis needs different types of hydration. That is why there are creams for +18, +25, +30 and +50 years.
• It is advisable to apply a cream that is not only to hydrate or moisturize but also offers a sun protection factor.
• Look for creams that contain natural oils as they provide the best results for your skin.

Now that you know the difference between hydration and moisture, create your ideal skin care routine with our favorite IK products to help you maintain a youthful, healthy and luminous skin.