What is the difference between moisture & hydration in skincare and why does it matter?

The terms ‘moisture’ and ‘hydration’ are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings in the context of skincare.

Hydration refers to the amount of water in the skin cells, while moisture refers to the amount of oil in the skin cells. In other words, hydration is about water content, while moisture is about oil content.

When the body is dehydrated and the skin lacks hydration, it can appear dull, dry, and flaky. Dehydration can also create itchiness, an increased incidence of fine lines and wrinkles, and even dark shadows or a ‘sunken’ appearance around the eyes and face.

On the other hand, when the skin lacks moisture, it can appear rough, tight, and irritated. Depleted oil levels in the skin can cause it to look flat and tired and even accelerate the ageing process (aka fine lines and wrinkles). Conversely, for some people low oil levels can cause the skin to overproduce oil, creating an imbalance.

To keep your skin healthy and looking its best, obviously it’s important to address both hydration and moisture. This can be done through a combination of drinking enough water, using hydrating skincare products that contain ingredients aloe vera, vegan glycerin, citric acid and sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid) to boost hydration, and using moisturising skincare products that contain natural and organic oils and ingredients like shea and cocoa butter to lock in moisture.

Can an oil provide skin hydration or are they merely moisturising?

Yes, oils can provide skin hydration in addition to moisturising.

As mentioned above, hydration refers to the amount of water in the skin, while moisture refers to the amount of oil in the skin. While oils cannot add water to the skin, they can help to prevent water loss from the skin, which in turn helps to keep the skin hydrated. Oils can also provide the skin with essential fatty acids that can improve the skin’s barrier function and help to prevent moisture loss.

So, while oils may not provide direct hydration to the skin, they can still be an effective way to help keep the skin hydrated and moisturised throughout the day.

How do I know if my skin is dry (lacking moisture from oil) or dehydrated (lacking water)?

If you have a dry skin type, it means you’re lacking oil.

If you find moisturisers, lotions and body oil soak into your skin quickly, the chances are you have a dry skin type. Most people with dry skin were born this way, and generally find their skin is somewhat dry everywhere on their body, including hands, scalp, and legs.

For dry skin, water isn’t the problem. Dry skin types – including oily (yes, oily!) or combination skin, are because the skin lacks oils, or lipids, so it takes on a more flaky, dry appearance.

You may also see:

• scaly appearance
• white flakes
• redness or irritation
• increased incidence of psoriasis,
• eczema or dermatitis

Linden Leaves skincare, facial oils & body oils, hand creams, wash, lotions and haircare are especially good for dry skin types because they are supremely gentle and contain natural moisturising ingredients such as sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil, and many more moisture-enhancing ingredients to support dry skin.

Gentle cleansers like Skin Refining Cream Cleanser and Oil Cleanser & Makeup Remove will remove impurities and build up without stripping dry skin, while daily use moisturisers like Miraculous Facial Oil with Regenerating Night Cream will provide long lasting moisture that helps reduce and prevent the myriad of dry skin symptoms & issues.

On the other hand, if you have a dehydrated skin condition, your skin is lacking water.

Unlike dry skin, (which is a skin type), dehydration is a temporary skin condition that can happen to all skin types – even oily ones!

Dehydrated skin typically looks dull and can show premature signs of ageing, like surface wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Dehydration can also cause skin to feel tight and uncomfortable – even after moisturising.

Try the pinch test

1. Pinch / hold a small amount of skin on your cheek, abdomen, chest, or the back of your hand for a few seconds
2. If your skin snaps back, you’re probably not dehydrated
3. If it takes a few moments to bounce back, you’re likely dehydrated
4. Repeat in other areas if you’d like.

If you are suffering from dehydrated skin, oral hydration is important because it’s adding water into the complexion from the inside – make sure you are drinking enough water and reduce your intake of caffeine and other diuretics. You can also incorporate water-rich foods like cucumber, strawberries and watermelon into your diet. This, along with a focus on lightweight products natural ingredients like aloe vera, vegan glycerin, hyaluronic acid, citric acid & salicylic acid can help.

Useful products to care for dehydrated skin include Linden Leaves Balancing Toning Mist, Porcelain Brightening Serum and Regenerating Elixir as well as our Regenerating Night Cream and Face & Body Mists, thanks to the safe, naturally rehydrating ingredients they contain – such as aloe vera, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate & hyaluronic acid.

Avoiding potentially dehydrating ingredients, such as isopropyl alcohol and sulfates can also help.