Moisturising vs Hydrating

Moisturising, Hydrating, Moisturising, Hydrating.. which is which??

Common mistake most of you and me made is to confuse the two and classified them as one. They sounded somewhat different, but yet it sounds like they are referring to the same thing, right?

Wrong. They are poles apart. But they are equally important.

First, let us start with some very simple question:

• Is oil and water the same?
  
• Is adding and retaining the same?

I sure hope your answer is "No"... if you said "Yes", then I'm quite sad to inform you this, YOU REALLY GOT ALOT TO LEARN.

Starting with sebum. What is sebum produced for?

"Sebum is secreted into hair follicles and functions as a lubricant for both hair and skin. The production of sebum helps to prevent hair and skin from becoming overly dry. When joined by sweat, lipids and environmental dirt, sebum forms an oil coating on the skin, called an acid mantle. Acid mantle protects the skin from water loss and bacterial infections."

(via http://www.ehow.com/about_4613837_what-is-sebum.html)

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Put it simply, looking at a moisturiser on its own: it is to retain the sebum in the skin; internal to external.

It also moists the external of the skin, but very minimal. I'd say, not enough such that we are always in air-conditioned room. Thus explains the we need the hydrating part.

And hydrating agents/contenct/ingredient: it is to hydrate the skin (adding water); external to internal.

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It looks rather essential to have the both isn't it? Now, the tricky part is - to balance it.

For those whom experienced "unwanted glow" and acne, it is understood that you have an oily skin which is caused by excessive sebum. Like yours truly. We will need to work balancing the sebum to avoid further acne problem. Occasionally using hydrating products to "add water" so that the external of the complexion will not appear too dry.

There are also cases where people are suffering from constant outbreaks, despite their complexion looked dry and some to the extend of peeling. That shows they still have excessive sebum internally, however it is not produced to moisturise the skin. That spells double trouble. People in this category will need to work it out slowly.

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First, using balancing products to balance the sebum internally and externally. Now for that to even out, it takes time. Do not expect instant results.

When the external complexion feels less dry than before, it is time to introduce the hydrating products.

Note that people with excessive sebum be it internally or externally - it is not advisable to use hydrating products frequently. It only induces and creates more acne because you are constantly nourishing the skin.

So, my advise for people under the category of excessive sebum is - using balancing agents first. Afterwhich introduce the hydrating agents.

FYI...

hy·drate (hdrt) n. A solid compound containing water molecules combined in a definite ratio as an integral part of a crystal. v. 1. To rehydrate. 2. To supply water to a person or thing in order to restore or maintain fluid balance. hm_med() The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved