Hydration vs. Moisturization: Why Your Skin Needs Both

To visibly transform dry skin into soft, smooth, radiant skin, you need two types of products in your arsenal: a hydrator and a moisturizer. While they sound similar, these products perform distinct tasks. Hydrators draw water from the atmosphere and deliver it to the skin for added radiance, while moisturizers replenish the skin for less dryness and flakiness.

“There’s a big difference in results,” notes Mary Radford, RN, Director of Product Education at Rodan + Fields.

Let’s start with hydration. All skin types, not just visibly dry skin, benefit from added hydration. (That’s right: Oily skin and acne-prone skin need hydration, too.) Hydrated skin feels softer and is better prepared to receive skincare products layered on top. In addition, “Hydrated skin acts and looks younger,” says Mary.

Moisturization helps skin maintain the natural lipid barrier on its surface that keeps water from escaping — or at least slows the process. “Moisturizers include ingredients to lock down hydration,” says Mary.

To look and feel its best, your skin needs both hydration and moisture. Fortunately, there are multitasking products that boost both at the same time, such as new Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish.

The new body cream from Rodan + Fields is a single product that works double-duty. It includes Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin, super-hydrators that draw water from the atmosphere. Our patent-pending 3D3P Molecular Matrix , a three-dimensional polymer grid, holds these water-attracting ingredients against the skin to deliver instant and continuous hydration.

Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish also contains the moisturizing ingredients Coconut Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, which work together to strengthen the skin’s all-important natural barrier.

In combination, these hydrating and moisturizing ingredients visibly transform dull, dry skin. For radiant, soft and smooth-looking skin, Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish is a win-win.

Forward this to a friend who’d like to discover the difference between hydration and moisturization.