Hydrating refers to adding water to the skin. Water is essential for healthy skin as it helps maintain the skin's elasticity, flushes out toxins, and keeps the skin looking plump and youthful. However, water can easily evaporate from the skin due to factors such as sun exposure, air conditioning, hot showers, and other environmental elements. This can leave the skin feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable.

Hydrating products are designed to replenish the skin's water content by attracting moisture from the environment or delivering it directly to the skin. Hydrating products often contain ingredients such as:

• hyaluronic acid
  
• glycerin or propendiol
  
• Vitamins B5 and B3
  
• Aloe

Which are all known for their ability to attract and hold onto water.

Examples of hydrating products include toners, facial mists, and serums. These products are typically lightweight and can be used throughout the day or alongside a skincare routine to keep the skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.

Moisturizing refers to adding oil to the skin. While water is essential for healthy skin, it's not enough on its own. The skin also needs oil to maintain its natural barrier function, which helps to prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Moisturizing products are designed to nourish the skin with oils and other emollients, which help to soften and smooth the skin's surface. Moisturizing products often contain ingredients such as:

• ceramides
  
• natural butters (i.e. shea butter, mango butter, cacao butter...)
  
• natural oils (i.e. jojoba, coconut, almond...)
  

Which are known for their ability to moisturize and protect the skin.

Examples of moisturizing products include creams, lotions, and facial oils. These products are typically thicker and more emollient than hydrating products and are best applied to wet skin to 'lock in' the hydration. 

While hydrating and moisturizing serve different functions, they are both essential for optimal skin health. Without hydration, the skin can become dry, dull, and prone to wrinkles. Without moisture, the skin can become rough, flaky, and prone to irritation.

By incorporating both hydrating and moisturizing products into your skincare routine, you can help keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Start by using a hydrating mist or serum to add moisture to the skin, then follow up with a moisturizer to seal in that moisture and provide nourishment to the skin.

In conclusion, while the terms hydrating and moisturizing are often used interchangeably in skincare, they refer to two distinct concepts. Hydrating refers to adding water to the skin, while moisturizing refers to adding oil. Both are essential for optimal skin health, and by incorporating both into your skincare routine, you can help keep your skin looking and feeling its best.