2 Arts of Skincare from the Beginning of Time
- Introduction
- Moisturising and Hydrating
- Benefits of Moisturising and Hydrating
- Conclusion.
Moisture and hydration are important skincare methods as they revitalise and provide the needed care for the skin. Without moisture and hydration in the skin, the skin will be damaged, dry, and unpleasant. These two methods are the inevitable steps in a skincare routine. Imagine not applying a hydrating or moisturising cream to your skin for a week. You might as well bag the record for the driest skin on earth. As your body requires food for proper functioning, similarly, your skin requires food, and its food is moisture and hydration. Moisture and hydration keep the skin alive, revitalised and energised.
Moisture and hydration are used interchangeably, however, they differ in result and outcome as both skincare methods target different skin needs.
What is Moisturising and hydrating?
Moisturising is different from hydrating, even though both are used interchangeably. Moisturising involves trapping water in the skin to prevent water loss and dry skin. Its primary ingredients are oils and butter, compared to hydrating. Hydrating, on the other hand, involves restoring water to the skin. Hydration provides water to the skin cells, making them revitalised and active, thereby contributing to the proper functioning of the skin cells by providing energy to the skin. Hydration prevents dehydration of the skin, thereby plumping the skin and making it healthy.
Both methods are excellent practices; however, it is imperative to identify the skin’s needs to know the best method that fits it best. Some skin might require moisturising while others require hydrating based on environmental factors, or the natural makeup of the skin.
How to identify if the skin needs moisture or hydration
Lack of moisture or hydration on the skin can be identified by checking the skin for signs of each skincare process. For instance, dry, flaky, scaly, chapping, cracking, and rough skin signifies skin that lacks oils, emollients, and occlusives; that is, the skin is moisture-deprived. Tight skin, dull appearance, wrinkles, and puffiness indicate dehydrated skin, that is, the skin lacks hydration. Moisture-deprived and dehydrated skin is unhealthy skin. To enjoy hydrated and moisturised skin, the skin must be well hydrated and moisturised.
Benefits of Moisturising and Hydrating the Skin
- Moisture: Moisturising the skin traps water in the skin to prevent water loss, which leads to dry skin. Moisturising the skin maintains moisture levels, leaving it smooth, supple, and pleasant.
- Hydrates: Hydrating the skin helps restore water in the skin, resulting in plump and hydrated skin. A hydrating cream is an important step that mustn’t be skipped in the skincare routine, as it adds to the glow and overall health of the skin.
- Anti-ageing: consistently hydrating and moisturising the skin aids in diminishing premature ageing which could appear as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, providing a youthful glow and appearance.
- Healthy Skin: One way to have healthy skin is to moisturise and hydrate the skin daily. A well-hydrated and moisturised skin promotes general skin health by minimising the appearance of pores and enhancing skin texture.
5. Treat dry skin conditions: Hydrating the skin can relieve dry skin, which also aids in the management of skin. conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Remember that a moisturising lotion or cream is food for the skin.
6. Skin Shield: Moisturising can protect the skin from environmental stressors that may affect its health. A moisturising lotion or cream protects skin from pollutants, wind, and freezing temperatures.
7. Soothe Irritated Skin: Irritated skin can be tackled by using moisture to soothe blemishes, redness, and inflammation, thereby calming irritated skin and providing an extensive skin glow.
8. Makeup Base: A moisturising cream may allow even application of makeup and extended wear time. Moisturising creams are often used as a base for make-up to promote even distribution and coverage, leading to an enhanced appearance.
9. Luminous and brighter skin tone: Moisturising the skin consistently may fade out hyperpigmentation and promote a more radiant skin tone by evening out the skin tone.
10. Skin elasticity: Hydrating and moisturising the skin improves skin elasticity and preserves the natural elasticity of the skin, thereby, minimising the visibility of wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines.
11. Skin firming: Using a natural moisturiser and practicing a moisturising routine daily improves skin firmness, resulting in a more youthful look. Moisture in the skin strengthens the skin, making it firm and radiant.
12. Strengthen the skin barrier: The skin barrier can be enhanced by moisturising the skin consistently. The skin’s natural barrier can also be restored by using a gentle and natural moisturiser, protecting it from environmental stresses and irritations.
13. Skin’s natural defences: Dry skin causes skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Moisture on the skin increases the skin’s ability to fight against these skin conditions and environmental stressors, contributing to the overall health of the skin.
14. Controls Oil Production: The safest skincare technique for controlling oil production on the skin is hydration rather than moisturising. By balancing oil production, oily skin can avoid breakouts and acne by not producing too much oil.
15. Aids in Healing: Well-hydrated skin tends to heal wounds, cuts, and blemishes more quickly, lowering the possibility of infection and scarring.
16. Preserve pH Balance: Hydrated skin preserves the ideal pH balance, which is essential for the health and functionality of the skin.
17. Improves Skin Texture: Maintaining skin hydration leads to smoother, softer skin with a supple texture, resulting in admirable skin.
18. Enhances Skin Glow: Well-hydrated skin appears more luminous and has a natural and healthy shine. Hydration improves shine naturally without clogging the skin pores.
19. Reduces Sensitivity: sensitive skin mostly prefers a water-based product to an oil-based one due to its more gentle touch and result. Proper hydration can lessen skin sensitivity, making it less susceptible to environmental factors and other non-harmful skin care products.
20. Improves Skincare Product Effectiveness: Hydrated skin more readily absorbs skincare products, which increases the nutrient absorption and effectiveness of such products.
Moisture and hydration are very important in your skincare routine. It may be likened to the paper and canvas of a painter. Imagine your skin as the paper, your moisturising and hydrating cream as the brush of the painter, and the synergy of both entities as the design of the painter. Beautiful, right?! The synergy between your skin and natural hydrating and moisturising cream creates a beautiful work of art for you to behold in your lifetime! Skincare is vital to your health, just as food is to your body. Cater to it with safe and natural moisturisers and hydrating cream!
