What is the difference between skin hydration and skin moisture? Or, dehydrated skin versus dry skin? Is there a difference? And, what should I look for when it comes to ingredients and products? 

Hydration and moisture are two distinct skin care needs. Hydrating ingredients in skin care products attract water to the outermost layer of the skin, addressing dehydrated skin or skin that lacks water while moisturizing ingredients lubricate the skin to prevent water from escaping addressing skin types that are dry or lack oil. 

The terms "moisturizing" and "hydrating" are often used interchangeably when describing skin care products, however, one involves water binding to the skin, while the other prevents water loss. If you feel your skin looks dull or lackluster and maybe your fine lines and wrinkles are becoming more noticeable, then it is likely that your skin is dehydrated. To combat this issue look for products that feature humectants like hyaluronic acid, which is produced by the body naturally, to bind water to cells in the epidermis, or, the outermost layer of skin. Humectants attract moisture from the air as well as from the lower layers of the skin resulting in immediate plumpness and bounce, and in the long term, keep skin cells functioning properly promoting a healthy skin barrier. Glycerin, another well-known humectant, has a lower molecular weight than hyaluronic acid which allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin replenishing moisture loss, keeping skin soft, supple, and hydrated. 

*Thursty Skin™ Hydrating Fluid hydrating ingredients or humectants: cetearyl olivate, glycerin, sorbitan olivate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium acetylated hyaluronate, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, panthenol (vitamin B5), allantoin, pentylene glycol, glyceryl glucoside,fructooligosaccharides, beetroot extract, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer 

"Moisturizing" ingredients are most effective for dry skin types or anyone lacking oil. If you're prone to dry, flaky skin, your skin barrier could be weakened or compromised due to its inability to lock in moisture. To keep your skin moisture level in balance, look for emollient ingredients like glycerin or plant derived oils which help to soothe and soften the skin by repairing its surface. 

Thursty Skin™ Hydrating Fluid moisturizing ingredients or emollients: squalane, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride (derived from coconut oil & glycerin), Dimethicone 

For healthy & thriving skin, build a regimen that offers a bevy of both hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, (we recommend our Thursty Skin™ Hydrating Fluid!) and drink plenty of water daily.