“All the makeup in the world won’t make a difference without great skincare.” – Khloe Kardashian
In today’s world, there are a lot of self-care treatments available. Among them, two popular types of hydrating products are oil-based and water-based moisturizers. Water-based moisturizers are a preferred choice because they offer excellent internal hydration and work exceptionally well during the hot and sweaty summer months. Unlike oil-based moisturizers, they don’t pose the risk of blocking your pores. Moisturizers are essential for keeping your skin hydrated and preventing dryness.
When your skin is well-hydrated, it appears plump and smooth and sometimes has a natural glow because it has sufficient water to support and strengthen it. It should not have a flaky texture, and you should not feel any roughness, tightness, or discomfort. A good way to check whether your skin is hydrated is by pinching it; if it settles back into place immediately, your skin is hydrated.
If you have oily skin, you may be hesitant to use a moisturizer, but a water-based option can offer lightweight hydration without adding excess oil to your skin. These products are specially designed to be safe to use on oily skin and they won’t clog your pores. So, give them a try and enjoy the benefits of hydrated and healthy-looking skin!
Hydration VS Moisturisation
When you come across skincare products labelled as hydrating or Moisturising, it’s natural to feel confused since these terms are commonly used. While the two terms are closely related, there’s a significant difference in what they mean. Hydrating means increasing the water content in your body while Moisturising means preventing water loss due to evaporation. Although both products aim to achieve the same result, hydrators are typically used as a remedy, while moisturizers are used as a preventive measure.
Drinking water regularly is a practical way to stay hydrated, but your skin requires extra care to retain the water and protect it from evaporating due to weather changes. Clean water and the natural moisture produced by your skin are essential for healthy skin. Dirty air can clog pores, and weather changes can affect its temperature.
The summer heat can cause dehydration, while the humidity that the monsoon brings causes dryness and flakiness in people with dry skin or excessive oil production for the oil skin types and the winter season is dry and cold, leading to itchy, dry and flaky skin. If your skin appears dull and wrinkly, it lacks moisture, and it’s dehydrated. Hydrating products are the solution for skin that lacks the nourishment it requires.
Skincare products for happy skin!
Hydrating cleansers
Hydrating facial cleansers are formulated to clean the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, which can leave it feeling dry or tight. These cleansers contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or ceramides, which help to attract and retain moisture in the skin. They may also be free of harsh detergents or sulphates that can cause dryness. The goal of hydrating cleansers is to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities from the skin while leaving it feeling refreshed and well-hydrated. Hydrating cleansers are especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin because they provide gentle and moisturising cleansing.
Best buys: Laneige’s Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cleansing Foam, Allies of Skin’s Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser and COSRX’s Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisturising Serum
Hydrating Serum
Hydrating serums are a great addition to your skincare routine. They help to keep your skin hydrated, prevent it from drying out, and improve its moisture retention. These serums often contain ingredients that deeply nourish the skin and replenish its lipids. Using a hydrating serum before applying your favourite SPF moisturizer is the ultimate combination to keep your face hydrated and protected from harmful factors like UV rays, air-conditioning, stress, and pollution.
Hydrating serums also contain antioxidants that help combat free radicals and keep your skin healthy. They prevent skin cell damage, slow down premature ageing, and improve your skin’s elasticity. Additionally, these serums contain agents that soothe the skin and reduce irritation. They strengthen skin cells and create a stronger protective barrier that prevents inflammatory cell damage.
Serums can also be used to combat signs of ageing, plump up your skin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They contain a very high concentration of active ingredients, making them extremely fast-acting and perfect for those looking for quick results.
Best buy: Aminu‘s Copper Peptide Serum, Allies Of Skin’s Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum and Forest Essentials’ Rasa Activating Serum
Hydrating Sunscreen
Water-based sunscreens are a great option for people with oily or acne-prone skin. They are lighter in texture and easily absorbed into the skin, leaving no visible residue. These are also perfect for physical activities or water sports as they are less likely to be washed away by sweat or water.
Best buy: Estee Lauder’s Perfectionist Pro Multi-Defence Aqua UV Gel SPF 50, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit SPF 50+ PA ++++ Sun Serum and Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PFA++++
Water-Based Moisturiser
Water-based moisturiser has water as its primary ingredient. Unlike other moisturisers, which may contain glycerine or petroleum base, water-based moisturisers have a lighter consistency and absorb quickly into the skin. They are available in the form of a gel, cream, or lotion. If you prefer a lightweight and thin texture, a water-based gel may be the right choice for you. Water-based products also contain humectants like AHAs, Glycerine, and Hyaluronic Acid that attract moisture from the air into the skin, as well as emollients like Squalane and Coconut Oil that create a protective barrier on the skin.
Best buy: Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100h Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, Shiseido’s Essential Energy Hydrating Day Cream and Caudalle’s Vinosource – Hydra Grape Water Gel Moisturiser
Hydrating Overnight Mask
Overnight face masks are an excellent addition to your skincare routine. They work while you sleep to hydrate and nourish your skin. They help address problems such as dryness, dullness, and uneven skin tone, thereby improving your skin’s overall appearance. By incorporating an overnight face mask into your skincare routine, you can enjoy several benefits, including deep hydration, skin cell repair and regeneration, improved texture and tone, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and enhanced radiance. For effective Moisturising and nourishing of the skin, glycerine, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid are excellent options. Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin C and green tea extract can help brighten and protect your skin.
Best buys: Natural Hydrating Bio-Cellular Face Mask, Ras’ Radiance Hydrating & Brightening Sleeping Gel Face Mask, PCA Skin’s Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask and Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment
