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Recovery Crème
AM or PM Dry to Sensitized Skin Hydration
Renewal Crème
AM or PM Dry to Sensitized Skin Hydration
Hydrating Crème

Normal to Dry Skin Dry to Sensitized Skin Hydration
Hydration skincare FAQs
The terms moisturization and hydration are often used interchangeably, but there are differences between them.
- Hydration: This refers to the water levels within the skin and the process of replenishing its moisture.
- Moisturization: This process seals in hydration with the help of lipids such as ceramides—emollients that help retain moisture within the skin.
It’s worth noting that while moisturizing products can temporarily make the skin look and feel smooth, dehydrated skin may still appear dull. Knowing the difference between a moisturizer and a hydrator can help you make more informed skincare choices.
At ZO® Skin Health, clinically proven functional hydrators are used in place of traditional moisturizers to reduce reactions and redness, accelerate hydration, and increase the skin's tolerance to enable stronger, corrective protocols.
Hydration and healthy skin go hand in hand. When skin becomes dehydrated and lacks water, the skin barrier’s effectiveness can weaken. Without enough water, the barrier struggles to maintain proper moisture levels. This disrupts the processes that keep skin plump and smooth.
The skin barrier is made from humectants and lipids. Humectants bond to water molecules, while lipids help trap them so they stay in the skin.
Hydration skincare encompasses products that are designed to replenish and maintain moisture in the skin. Whether it's a hydrator cream or another formula, they typically feature hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides that help draw water into the skin and lock it in. This keeps the skin looking plump and healthy.
Skin looks and feels healthier when moisture levels are where they need to be. This is because effective hydration can lead to visibly smoother, softer skin with increased elasticity. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Adding hydrating products into your regimen is a must if you have dehydrated skin, as they help strengthen the skin barrier's natural defenses by attracting moisture more effectively.
This comes down to your skin's specific needs. Typically, it's best to use both. A hydrator is needed to attract moisture into the skin, while a moisturizer helps seal it in. If your skin is dehydrated, it may be best to prioritize hydrating products so your skin barrier receives the moisture it needs. For long-lasting hydration, it's often recommended to follow with a moisturizer, as moisture can gradually evaporate.
If in doubt, it's always best to speak to your dermatologist or one of our skincare professionals.
There are many causes of dehydrated skin. Environmental factors like changing weather, pollution, and prolonged exposure to UV rays can weaken your skin's protective defenses. Showering in water that's too hot and using drying ingredients in your skincare routine can also impact the level of moisture in your skin's barrier. Some people may be overusing actives in their skincare, for instance. Internal contributors include hormonal imbalances and dehydration.
Since some of these factors are beyond our control, hydrating skin products can help strengthen the skin barrier when it's under stress. Dehydrated skin isn't just low on water. It also struggles to retain it. The right skincare regimen can help restore the skin barrier with effective ingredients.
Several signs may indicate your skin is dehydrated. Even those with combination or oily skin can experience dehydrated skin. It's also important to understand the difference between dehydrated and dry skin. Dry skin is a skin type, whereas dehydrated skin is usually temporary and can affect all skin types.
If your skin feels tight, this could be a sign of dehydrated skin. You might have fine lines near your eyes or on your cheeks, or a general dullness to your complexion. Dry, flaky skin or uneven texture can also occur where the skin is unable to renew itself at the rate it usually would. Irritation is a side effect of prolonged dry skin, which is why it's best to address it sooner rather than later.
A simple test for dehydration involves pinching your skin and seeing how quickly it goes back into place. If it returns to its original position slowly, this could be a sign that moisture levels are low. At this stage, you may want to think about making lifestyle changes or considering a skin-hydrating moisturizing lotion or other products.
Skin hydrators typically include a selection of the following ingredients:
Humectants:
- Glycerin: Its small molecular size allows glycerin to penetrate deeper into the skin than larger ingredients.
- Hyaluronic acid: Found within the skin, hyaluronic acid is a valuable addition to the skin's barrier for improving hydration and making it appear plumper.
Lipids:
- Fatty acids: These lipids exist in the top layer of the skin and help lock in moisture to keep the skin hydrated.
- Ceramides: These molecules make up around half of the lipids in your skin barrier.
- Squalene: Although squalene is lightweight, it's capable of supporting the skin's barrier and preventing moisture loss. It's also a natural antioxidant and can help protect the skin from free radicals.
Soothing, fragrance-free formulas can also help reduce irritation, which you may be more prone to if your skin is dehydrated.
Embracing hydration within your skincare routine primarily comes down to understanding the differences between moisturizing and hydrating the skin, as well as choosing the right ingredients and products. Look for cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and other skincare treatments with humectants and lipids that can work together.
Using high-quality products specifically tailored to hydration is key. Typically, these will be free from fragrance and other irritants that could dry out your skin. Remember, consistency is key when introducing these products into your regimen.
In the meantime, lifestyle factors can help you maintain a more hydrated complexion. This includes getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and limiting the amount of coffee or alcohol you drink.
Embrace hydration skincare with ZO® Skin Health
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