The Truth About Hydration vs. Moisture

They sound the same, but your skin treats them very differently. Here is how to give it both.

Dehydrated skin and dry skin are not the same thing — and knowing the difference changes everything.

## Hydration is water Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants: they draw water into the skin. Dehydrated skin looks dull and feels tight, but can still be oily.

## Moisture is oil Moisturising ingredients like squalane, ceramides and shea butter are emollients and occlusives: they seal that water in and reinforce the barrier. Dry skin lacks oil.

## You usually need both Apply a hydrating serum to deliver water, then a moisturiser to lock it in. Skipping the second step lets all that hydration simply evaporate.

## Read your skin Tight and flaky? Add moisture. Dull and rough despite creams? Add hydration. Most people benefit from a thoughtful layer of each.