What’s the Difference Between Moisturizing and Hydrating?

Hydrating products absorb into the skin to increase the water content. Moisturizing products lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated, creating a protective barrier that prevents water loss. Dry skin needs to be moisturized whereas dehydrated skin needs to be hydrated.

Hydrating and moisturizing products work well together to hydrate skin, lock in moisture and improve the appearance of your skin. Dry or dehydrated skin is going to look lackluster and drab, whereas hydrated skin that is able to retain moisture is going to look healthy, glowy and plump. While moisturizing and hydrating are a little different in the way they work, they work very well together and you need both to keep your skin hydrated.

How to Test Skin Hydration Levels

To quickly test hydration levels in your body, pinch the wrinkled skin on your knuckle and make note of how quickly it returns to its normal state. If the pinched skin stays in place, you’re dehydrated, if it quickly smoothes out, you’re adequately hydrated.

Source: L'Oréal