In skin care, the terms hydrate and nourish are often used, but they do not mean the same thing. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is essential to addressing your skin's specific needs.
1. What is Skin Hydration?
Hydrating means providing water to the skin to maintain its elasticity and softness.
How does it work?
- Moisturizers contain humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which attract water to the upper layers of the skin.
Signs of dehydrated skin:
- Tightness, dull complexion, visible fine lines.
2. What is Nourish Skin?
Nourishing the skin means providing it with lipids to restore and strengthen its protective barrier.
How does it work?
- Nourishing products, often rich in vegetable oils or butters (such as shea), fill lipid deficiencies in the skin.
Signs of poorly nourished skin:
- Dryness, roughness, flaking.
3. Key Differences
| Appearance | Hydration | Nutrition |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Water supply | Lipid intake |
| Typical Products | Hydrating serums, light gels | Rich creams, oils |
| Signs of Need | Dehydrated skin, tight feeling | Dry, flaky skin |
4. When and How to Combine the Two?
- Moisturize first: Apply a hydrating serum to replenish skin with water.
- Nourish afterwards: Use a cream or oil to seal in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
5. Tips for Adapting Your Care
- Dry Skin: Opt for products rich in lipids to fill the lack of nutrition.
- Dehydrated Skin: Choose treatments based on hyaluronic acid or thermal water.
- Combination Skin: Combine hydration on the T-zone and nutrition on the cheeks.
Conclusion
Moisturizing and nourishing the skin meet different but complementary needs. A balanced routine, adapted to your skin type, will help maintain its radiance, suppleness and health.
