Moisturizing and hydrating your skin are not the same thing. That’s correct. The primary difference lies in their functions-moisturizers create a barrier on your skin to prevent moisture from escaping, while hydrators draw water from the environment and help retain it in your skin. Let’s delve deeper into these concepts.What is the difference between a Hydrator and Moisturizer? There is no clear definition that differentiates hyderator and moisturizer, and most of the brands use them interchangeably to market and sell their products. “[Hydrator and moisturizer] are marketing terms and can be defined by the brands pretty much however they want,” Perry Romanowski, cosmetic chemist and co-founder of The Beauty Brains told Healthline. He added that moisturizers contain oil-based ingredients, including occlusive agents, such as petrolatum or mineral oil, and emollients like esters and plant oils. "They work by creating a seal on the surface of skin that prevents water from escaping and also make the skin feel smoother and less dry," he said. On the other hand, Hydrators are ingredients called humectants, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, that absorb water from the atmosphere or your skin and hold it in place on your skin. Here, many people question if water is a good moisturizer? Well, it isn't. In almost all cases, water has already evaporated by the time a person leaves the bathroom after a shower. What should you pick-Mosturizer or Hyderator? For those with persistently dry skin that flakes or peels, the issue might not be related to seasonal weather changes but rather a fundamental difficulty in retaining moisture. To combat this, use a thick, emollient moisturizer to create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, which helps lock in moisture. Opt for a rich formula that offers essential nutrients to keep your skin nourished throughout the winter.For severe dryness, petroleum jelly, or petrolatum, is highly effective due to its occlusive properties that prevent moisture loss. According to expert advice, petrolatum is the best option for extremely dry skin. However, if you prefer to avoid petrolatum, alternatives like shea butter, canola oil, or soybean oil can also be beneficial.Key ingredients to look for in your moisturizer include petrolatum, plant oils such as jojoba oil, and nut oils like coconut oil. On the other hand, if your skin is dehydrated and lacks water, a hydrating serum is essential. Choose a serum with hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, to effectively replenish hydration and improve skin moisture levels.