Hydrating Vs. Moisturizing: Which Is Better For Your Skin?

Published October 11, 2024
Skincare is an integral part of many people’s lives. Specific individuals even follow a strict skincare routine every day. If you’re one of those individuals, you probably know something about hydrating and moisturizing.
But do you know which of the two is better for your skin? This guide will answer that question and more. But first, let’s talk about the difference between hydrating and moisturizing.
Hydrating Vs. Moisturizing: What Is The Difference?
When you hydrate your skin, you’re making sure the outermost layer of the skin, also known as the epidermis, has sufficient water. Products or ingredients that “hydrate” the skin may do this differently.
These ingredients either (1) attract water from the environment and into the skin or (2) pull water from the dermis (middle layer of the skin) and into the skin’s epidermis.
Meanwhile, moisturizing your skin means taking steps to prevent water from escaping. Ingredients and products do so by creating a seal on the surface of your skin.
Put simply, hydrating your skin speeds up the rate at which it absorbs water, while moisturizing your skin slows down the rate at which it loses water. The main similarity between the two is their end goal—to ensure your skin has sufficient water. But they do so in different ways.
Interestingly, while they both have similar goals, there’s a difference between their benefits, though there IS some overlap. With that in mind, let’s look at hydration’s benefits.
Benefits Of Hydrating Your Skin
Obviously, hydrated skin will look far better than one that’s not. But here’s why that’s the case:
Here are the benefits of hydrating your skin, along with their explanations:
Improved Elasticity
Hydration enhances the skin’s elasticity, which is its ability to return to its original form after being stretched or deformed. This helps reduce wrinkles and sagging, slowing down visible signs of aging.
Balanced Oil Production
Sebaceous glands produce more oil when the skin is dehydrated to compensate for the lack of moisture. Keeping the skin hydrated can help balance oil production, reducing excess oiliness.
Enhanced Antioxidant Function
Antioxidants like vitamin C and retinol need adequate water to function effectively. Hydration supports these antioxidants in fighting free radicals, protecting the skin from damage.
Strengthened Skin Barrier
Water is essential for maintaining the skin’s barrier integrity, which protects against toxins and environmental damage. Hydration helps detoxify the skin by supporting this protective barrier.
Benefits Of Moisturizing Your Skin
Moisture is likewise an important part of the skin. That’s why moisturizers have a role that’s crucial to your skincare. Below are some examples:
Slows Down Signs of Aging
Moisturizing helps maintain skin’s elasticity and suppleness, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, similar to the effects of hydration.
Minimizes Oil Production
Moisturizers can help balance oil production by keeping the skin hydrated, preventing excess oiliness that can lead to breakouts.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some moisturizers contain ingredients that reduce inflammation, helping to alleviate symptoms of rashes, redness, and other skin irritations.
Antipruritic Properties
Water-based moisturizers can provide a cooling effect and reduce itching, especially for sensitive skin.
Protection Against Environmental Damage
Regular moisturizing can help repair and protect the skin from damage caused by extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Barrier Against UV Rays
Certain moisturizers can form a protective barrier on the skin, helping to shield it from harmful ultraviolet rays.
It should be apparent that as much as we’d like to pit hydrating vs. moisturizing against one another, they’re both crucial and for different reasons. However, that does lead to the question…
How Do You Know Which Is Better For Your Skin?
First, it’s important to understand that just because your skin is dehydrated doesn’t mean moisturizing will fix the problem. Similarly, hydrating your skin without moisture won’t do the trick.
Put simply, there are different times for moisturizing and hydrating, so how will you know which is most suitable for your problem? Well, the best way is to look at your skin.

Also read: Dermaplaning Vs Microdermabrasion: Which Is Right For You?
Signs of Dehydrated Skin
- Tightness: Your skin feels tight and uncomfortable, especially after cleansing.
- Dullness: Lacks radiance and appears lifeless.
- Fine Lines: Noticeable lines may appear more pronounced on the forehead and around the eyes.
Signs of Dry Skin
- Flakiness: Visible flakes or peeling, especially around the nose and cheeks.
- Rough Texture: Skin feels coarse or uneven to the touch.
- Irritation: Increased sensitivity, redness, or itching.
The Pinch Test
The Pinch Test is a simple method for assessing skin elasticity and hydration. To perform it, gently pinch the skin on the back of your hand or lower arm. If the skin snaps back quickly, it’s well-hydrated. If it returns slowly, it might indicate dehydration or reduced elasticity, which is often associated with aging. This test helps gauge your skin’s moisture levels and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it better to hydrate or moisturize?
Hydration and moisturizing serve different purposes. Hydration adds water to the skin, enhancing plumpness and elasticity, while moisturizing locks in moisture, creating a barrier to protect the skin. Ideally, a combination of both is best for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
Do you hydrate or moisturize first?
Start with hydrating products, like serums, which penetrate deeper layers of the skin. Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in that hydration, creating a protective barrier on the surface. This sequence helps maximize the benefits of both hydration and moisturization for your skin.
Is skin hydration the same as moisturizer?
Skin hydration refers to the water content within the skin, keeping it plump and smooth. Moisturizers help retain this moisture by creating a barrier on the skin’s surface. While related, they aren’t the same; hydration is about water, while moisturizers seal it in.
The Bottom Line
People often think that as long as they apply skincare products to their skin, they can maintain healthy-looking skin. Unfortunately, that’s not the case at all. Just like there are perfect times to moisturize or hydrate the skin, there are also bad times. After all, too much of a good thing can be harmful, which can be true with hydration and moisture.
That’s why knowing the difference between the two, their corresponding benefits, and signs you need to do either is crucial. This guide should help in that regard.
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About The Author
Meet Rei Bayucca: a versatile and seasoned writer who has ventured through diverse fields. With a passion for producing insightful and meticulously-crafted pieces, she aims to promote enlightenment and engagement among her readers.