Skin hydration vs. moisturization – learn the difference and take care of your skin consciously

Radiant, elastic and healthy-looking skin is no accident – ​​its condition depends largely on the level of water in the epidermis and the ability to retain it. Although the terms skin hydration and skin moisturization are sometimes used interchangeably, in reality they refer to completely different mechanisms. Understanding this difference is the first step to effective facial skin care – especially in the case of dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin .

One of the most common mistakes in daily skin care is using only emollients when the skin is dehydrated , i.e. when the skin lacks water , not fat. In turn, people with a disturbed hydrolipid barrier often reach for light, water-based formulas (e.g. humectants ), which are not enough to retain moisture in the epidermis and improve the skin's moisture level .

In this article we explain:

• what is the difference between skin hydration and moisturizing ?
• how to effectively hydrate dehydrated skin ,
• what skin moisturizing products and active ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid , trehalose , ceramides or betaine ) are best for the care of dry skin that requires hydration ,
• why TEWL (transepidermal water loss) is a problem that is worth fighting holistically – both from the outside and from the inside (e.g. with skin hydration tablets ).

Take care of proper hydration , proper skin moisturization and its good condition with us - because conscious care is not only an effect, but also an investment in the healthy appearance of the skin .

What is skin hydration?

Skin hydration refers to the water content of the stratum corneum – not the presence of lipids, as is the case with hydration. When skin lacks water , it becomes tight, rough and dull, even if it is not typically “dry” to the touch. The problem can affect any skin type – including oily skin – and is often associated with excessive TEWL (transepidermal water loss) , which is the phenomenon of moisture evaporating from the skin’s surface.

The key element responsible for proper hydration is NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) – a natural moisturizing factor, consisting of PCA , amino acids, urea , lactic acid and mineral salts. It is NMF that helps maintain water in the epidermis and is responsible for its elasticity and smoothness.

When skin becomes dehydrated , the most common symptoms are:

• feeling of tightness and tension after washing,
• matte, earthy color,
• fine dehydration lines, especially visible around the eyes and mouth,
• sensitivity and discomfort despite the use of creams.

In such a situation, skin moisturizing products with emollients are not enough – first of all, active ingredients are needed that will hydrate the dehydrated skin from the inside. We are talking about so-called humectants – hygroscopic ingredients that bind water molecules and transport them to the deeper layers of the epidermis. The most commonly used include:

• hyaluronic acid (in various particle sizes),
• betaine ,
• trehalose ,
• gluconolactone ,
• as well as plant polysaccharides, such as tremella – a natural equivalent of hyaluronic acid, used e.g. in the Hydro Tremella Series .

It is worth remembering that effective skin hydration should be a two-track process - both from the outside (through appropriate cosmetics) and from the inside (e.g. drinking water, electrolytes, and even skin hydration tablets ).

Hydration is the first step to restoring the health of your skin – without it, even the best skin moisturisers will not be able to improve its appearance and protective functions.

Ingredients typical for hydration

To effectively hydrate dehydrated skin , it is not enough to reach for the first moisturizing cream that comes to mind. The key to restoring proper hydration is the use of active substances with hygroscopic properties – those that bind water molecules and transport them to the deeper layers of the epidermis. These ingredients are called humectants and are the foundation in the care of dry, dehydrated skin , but also oily or combination skin.

In the case when the skin lacks water , it is worth reaching for skin moisturizing products that not only attract moisture from the environment, but also help retain it in the epidermis. Here are the most important ingredients that support skin hydration and improve its elasticity, firmness and comfort.

Hyaluronic acid – a classic in various forms

It is one of the most studied and effective moisturizing ingredients. Hyaluronic acid is found in various molecules:

• HMW (High Molecular Weight) – acts on the surface, creating a film that prevents TEWL (transepidermal water loss) .
• LMW (Low Molecular Weight) – penetrates deeper, improving the skin's moisture level .
• Oligo-HA – ultra-fine particles that stimulate the synthesis of endogenous hyaluronic acid.

Using products with different forms of HA is the best way to comprehensively hydrate dehydrated skin .

Trehalose – a sugar that protects

It is a plant disaccharide that has strong water-binding properties. It protects cells from oxidative stress and dehydration. Trehalose is perfect for the care of dry and reactive skin .

Betaine – gentle but effective

Natural amino acid obtained from sugar beet. It has a soothing effect, reduces irritation and moisturizes. Betaine also supports other moisturizing ingredients, enhancing their effect. Often used in the care of facial skin , which is sensitive or irritated.

Tremella – a mushroom with the power of hyaluronic acid

Valued in Asia for its unique ability to bind water. Tremella fuciformis works more strongly than hyaluronic acid and penetrates the epidermis more effectively. It is the leading ingredient in the modern Hydro Tremella Series , dedicated to intensive hydration of dry skin and improving its condition .

Ferments – microbiological support for hydration

Fermented ingredients (e.g. soy, rice, bamboo ferments) show better bioavailability and support proper skin hydration . Additionally, they strengthen the protective barrier and improve the appearance of the skin .

Does thermal water really hydrate the skin?

Thermal water can bring relief and have a soothing effect, but it is not enough to hydrate dehydrated skin on its own. Its effect is rather temporary – for a lasting effect it is necessary to “lock” moisture in the epidermis with emollients such as linseed oil , raspberry oil , urea or ceramides .

What is skin hydration?

The concept of skin hydration refers to the ability of the epidermis to retain moisture and maintain it at the right level. Unlike skin hydration , which involves supplying water, skin moisturizing cosmetics focus on preventing this water from evaporating too quickly from the surface of the epidermis. The key here is to limit TEWL (transepidermal water loss) – a natural phenomenon that increases when the hydrolipid barrier is damaged.

When the skin lacks water and its surface is not protected by appropriate lipids, skin dehydration occurs, and as a consequence, micro-damage, tightness, roughness and decreased comfort occur. People with dry skin , atopic skin or skin requiring hydration after intensive dermatological treatments are particularly at risk.

Emollients – irreplaceable in the care of dry skin

Emollients are a group of ingredients that create a thin occlusive layer on the skin's surface, protecting it from moisture loss. Unlike humectants , which attract water, emollients retain it. Their presence in skin moisturisers is essential to hydrate dehydrated skin for a longer period of time, not just temporarily.

The most commonly used emollients in cosmetics include:

• avocado oil , raspberry oil , linseed oil – rich in unsaturated fatty acids that strengthen the lipid barrier,
• squalane – a light lipid biocompatible with human skin,
• urea – an ingredient with a double action: moisturizing and keratolytic,
• ceramides – natural lipids that cement epidermal cells.

In facial skin care and daily care of dry skin, it is worth looking for combinations of emollients and humectants - such recipes allow you to simultaneously attract water and retain it in the deeper layers of the epidermis.

Intercellular cement – ​​the foundation of good skin condition

The skin's protective barrier is not only sebum and surface lipids, but also the so-called intercellular cement - a structure made of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. Its task is to fill the spaces between the cells of the stratum corneum and ensure the cohesion of the epidermis structure.

When it is damaged, e.g. by excessive exfoliation, washing with aggressive detergents or external factors (wind, frost, UV radiation), the skin loses water and becomes more susceptible to irritation. Then even the best skin moisturizing products will not work effectively if we do not first restore the skin's proper moisture and rebuild the natural lipid barrier.

What can care for dehydrated, but oily and combination skin look like?

Contrary to appearances, dehydrated skin is not always dry. Very often it concerns oily and combination skin, which secretes excess sebum, and at the same time the skin lacks water . This is the result of, among others , improper skin care , overly aggressive cleansing, long-term exposure to air conditioning or the use of mattifying cosmetics without the support of humectants and emollients .

As a result, we are dealing with a complexion that is simultaneously shiny and tense, rough, with visible pores and finely marked dehydration lines . In such a situation, it is worth opting for light but effective care that will restore proper hydration without weighing down the skin.

The Perfect Solution? The Hydro Tremella Series from Orientana

The Hydro Tremella series is the answer to the needs of dehydrated, oily and combination skin . Its strength is a modern, plant-based alternative to hyaluronic acid – Tremella fuciformis , a snow fungus from Asia. This natural polysaccharide:

• works more strongly than low molecular weight hyaluronic acid,
• has smaller particles, thanks to which it effectively hydrates the skin in deeper layers,
• supports the skin's moisture level and protects against TEWL (transepidermal water loss) ,
• leaves the skin elastic, smooth and radiant, without a greasy effect.

Step-by-step care with Hydro Tremella

1. Cleansing:
Start with a gentle cleansing foam or gel without aggressive detergents so as not to damage the skin's hydrolipid barrier.

2. Toning:
Use a light moisturizing toner with added humectants , such as aloe or betaine, to restore the proper pH and begin to hydrate the skin .

3. Hydro Tremella Serum:
Light, water formula rich in tremella , trehalose , gluconolactone , betaine , urea and PCA - this is the perfect set to hydrate dehydrated skin without weighing it down. The serum has a strong moisturizing and antioxidant effect, improves the condition of the skin , smoothes it and protects it from drying out.

4. Hydro Tremella Cream:
Perfect for both day and night use. It combines emollients with humectants , which simultaneously hydrates the skin and prevents water loss. The cream absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy film - ideal for the care of combination and oily skin , which needs moisturizing ingredients but does not tolerate excess lipids.

5. Hydro Tremella Mask (2-3 times a week):
It is a rescue for skin in crisis - intensively hydrates , soothes and restores the healthy appearance of the skin . It works great after exposure to the sun or in air-conditioned rooms.

Why does this series work?

Hydro Tremella cosmetics contain everything that skin that requires hydration needs:

• humectants with various effects (hyaluronic acid, tremella, trehalose),
• soothing ingredients (e.g. panthenol , gluconolactone ),
• delicate emollients (e.g. linseed oil ) that prevent moisture loss.

It is proper hydration , supported by a well-thought-out formulation, that allows you to rebuild good skin hydration without the effect of shine and a feeling of heaviness.

How to choose care for your skin?

Effective skin care is not based on guesswork – its foundation is recognizing the real needs of the epidermis: is the skin lacking water or lipids? Or maybe both? This is especially important for dry , dehydrated , and oily skin, which can also be dehydrated . Proper diagnosis of the problem allows you to implement care that will hydrate dehydrated skin and provide it with adequate moisture .

Skin Diagnosis – What's Really Missing?

Dehydrated skin is characterized by a feeling of tightness, dullness and fine lines, even though the skin may be oily. Dry skin, on the other hand, is rough, flaky and often burns because it lacks lipids. In practice, it can be difficult to distinguish – so it is worth listening to the needs of the skin and paying attention to signals such as:

• loss of firmness and elasticity (low skin hydration ),
• rapid loss of comfort after washing the face (disturbed lipid barrier),
• shiny and tight at the same time (oily but dehydrated skin),
• susceptibility to irritation and redness (lack of protective lipid layer).

The role of the beautician in assessing the hydrolipid barrier

Professional skin diagnosis performed by a cosmetologist or a beautician allows to assess the degree of TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and the state of intercellular cement . In the office, it is also possible to measure skin hydration, sebum or elasticity. Such knowledge allows to select both active ingredients and cosmetic consistency adapted to a specific case - regardless of whether it is facial or body skin care .

Routine example: how to combine hydration and moisturization?

Effective care should balance skin hydration (i.e. supplying water) and skin moisturization (i.e. retaining this water within the epidermis). Here is an example regimen for skin that requires hydration , especially when it tends to get dehydrated:

Morning routine:

1. Gentle cleansing – foam with Japanese gourd (rich in polysaccharides) or another cosmetic, but necessarily without SLS.
2. Moisturizing tonic - with plant extracts
3. Humectant serum – with tremella , gluconolactone , PCA , glycerin .
4. Light moisturizing cream – with added emollients (e.g. squalane , linseed oil , ceramides ).

Evening routine:

1. Make-up removal and washing – oil, then delicate foam.
2. Toning – as in the morning.
3. Night serum – may contain hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to regenerate and improve skin condition .
4. Regenerating cream – richer in emollients ; may contain urea , panthenol , vitamin E.
5. Moisturising mask (2x a week) – with tremella or Hydro Tremella Series , to deeply hydrate dehydrated skin .

Well-chosen skin moisturisers should contain a synergistic combination of humectants and emollients – this is the best strategy to ensure proper hydration while rebuilding the protective barrier necessary to maintain the skin’s healthy appearance and good condition .

Recommended ingredients and cosmetics for different skin types

Each skin type – whether dry , dehydrated , combination or oily – has its own individual needs. The key to proper skin hydration and moisturization is to consciously select active ingredients that will improve its condition , reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss) and help hydrate dehydrated skin without overloading it. Below you will find a list of ingredients and skin moisturizing products that are worth introducing into facial skin care , adapting them to its type.

Dry and parched skin

• Needs: lipids and occlusion, rebuilding the hydrolipid barrier, limiting TEWL.
• Recommended ingredients: ceramides , panthenol , urea , linseed oil , squalane .
• Examples of Orientana products:
  • Eye cream with ceramides – regenerates, protects and smoothes the thin skin around the eyes.
  • Hydro Tremella face cream – provides intense hydration and regeneration, ideal for the care of dry skin .
  • Sandalwood and turmeric face oil – rich in emollients , strengthens the lipid barrier.

Dehydrated skin (also combination and oily)

• Needs: intensive skin hydration , NMF replenishment, light consistency.
• Recommended ingredients: tremella , hyaluronic acid , trehalose , betaine , gluconolactone .
• Examples of Orientana products:
  • Serum Elixir with Tremella – a light, water-based serum with tremella mushroom , which works more strongly than traditional hyaluronic acid , ideal for hydrating dehydrated skin .
  • Hydro Tremella Mask – a nourishing cream mask that supports the proper level of skin hydration and improves its appearance .
  • Japanese Rose Facial Tonic – soothing, supports daily care of dehydrated skin .

Mixed leather

• Needs: balance between hydration and matting, sebum regulation without drying out.
• Recommended ingredients: niacinamide , hyaluronic acid , panthenol , humectants , gentle emollients .
• Examples of Orientana products:
  • Antioxidant Serum Ampoule with Ashwagandha and Niacinamide – regulates, soothes, supports skin balance and reduces oxidative stress.
  • Hydro Tremella Cream – light consistency, ideal for skin that requires hydration , also in the T zone.
  • Japanese Rose Facial Toner – supports microbiome balance, soothes and moisturizes.

Oily skin

• Needs: light formulas, sebum regulation, skin hydration without heaviness.
• Recommended ingredients: niacinamide , tremella , betaine , gluconolactone , vitamin C.
• Examples of Orientana products:
  • Brightening Serum Ampoule with Vitamin C and Tranexamic Acid – a light formula that supports the fight against discoloration and dehydration.
  • Hydro Tremella Serum – an ultra-light formula, ideal for hydrating oily skin without clogging pores.
  • Face mask with tremella – regulates the function of sebaceous glands without drying out.

Ingredients in a Nutshell – Why Is It Worth It?

• Tremella – a natural polysaccharide that binds water more effectively than HA, especially recommended for skin dehydration .
• Squalane – a light lipid biocompatible with the skin, regenerates without weighing it down, ideal for the care of oily and combination skin .
• Niacinamide – has a regulating and antioxidant effect, improves skin condition .
• Panthenol – soothes, regenerates and supports the skin’s moisture level , especially dry skin .

By properly matching skin moisturisers to your skin type, it is possible to restore the skin's balance, elasticity and healthy appearance - without the risk of overloading or drying out. Orientana cosmetics offer both humectants and emollients - ideally combining skin hydration with protection.

Synergistic effect of hydration and moisturization

Skin care is not about choosing between hydration and moisturization , but about skillfully combining these two pillars. When the skin lacks water , reaching for a rich cream alone will not solve the problem - just as a light serum will not help rebuild the damaged lipid barrier. Only daily skin care , which includes both skin hydration (i.e. the action of humectants such as hyaluronic acid , tremella , betaine ) and protection against TEWL with emollients (e.g. ceramides , squalane , linseed oil ), allows you to restore and maintain proper hydration and skin moisture level .

The skin functions in a changing environment – ​​air conditioning, UV radiation, heating, wind or a diet poor in water are just a few factors that can lead to skin dehydration and weakening of its protective barrier. Therefore, it is worth regularly monitoring the skin's reactions and adapting care to current conditions – in the summer, opt for light skin moisturizing products , in the winter, enrich the routine with protective creams with lipids.

Well-chosen care is a balance – humectants supply water, emollients retain it. Combined with soothing ingredients (such as panthenol or gluconolactone ) and antioxidants ( niacinamide , vitamin E ), they provide the skin with not only a healthy appearance , but also long-term resistance to stress factors.

Remember: without proper hydration , even the best creams will not be effective. And without hydration , the skin will quickly become tight, rough and dull again. Only synergy of action gives the effect of full, conscious care.