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Dermatologist explains hydration versus moisturizing

Dermatologists are concerned

South Charlotte dermatologist

Dermatologist can be concerned because skin care product manufacturers have intermixed and clouded the terms, “hydration” and “moisturizing.” Many patients come in thinking that hydration is something that only people with dry skin should be concerned about. However, hydrating your skin is exactly what you do when you are hydrating your body. Your body needs sufficient levels of hydration regardless of skin type.If you pay close attention to the ads, there are many products that claim to give you hydrated skin; when what you may need is one that gives your skin the moisture it needs.

The difference between hydratorsand moisturizers

Moisturizer is collective term. There are several moisturizer types:

  • emollients
  • squalene
  • humectants
  • occlusive

Most skin lotions contain both occlusive and emollient ingredients. Some products moisturize and hydrate at the same time. This is where a lot of confusion comes from. Products come in different formulations such as gels, balms, oil, and creams; however, it doesn’t affect the performance of the product, the ingredients do.

Water and other moisturizers

Water can provide moisture for the skin, but it evaporates, and therefore it isn’t effective enough to keep your skin moisturized. Ironically, the more you wash your skin without applying a moisturizer or hydrator, the more your skin will dry out.Moisturizers are oil-based ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil. They can also be emollients like Aloe Vera. They are effective because they create a seal on the surface of skin which prevents water from escaping.

Hydrators

Hydrators are ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, these products absorb water from the atmosphere and hold it in place on your skin. Hydrators work very differently.Which products you choose is very important to your skin health, if you have dry skin, try a thicker moisturizer.If your skin is dehydrated, you will need to proactively add water back into the skin. Consider the application of a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid.Such a formulation can retain 1,000 times its weight in water.

A top dermatologist in Charlotte, NC

If you are finding it difficult to correct a skin condition,residents in or near the South Charlotte NC area can experience full-service dermatology, including medical, surgical, cosmetic and Mohs micrographic surgery at Metrolina dermatology.  Dr. Sasha Haberle and her staff offers customized care for the specific treatment of patients of all ages and skin conditions. Dr. Haberle is recognized as an expert in all areas of dermatology, including medical, cosmetic, and surgical care. She is a Board-Certified dermatologist and Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon.  Call the friendly staff at Metrolina Dermatology today to schedule appointment. They welcome new patients and will help you develop a dermatology-based plan for treatment of your skin condition.

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