Winter Skin 101: Hydrate vs Moisturize?
Why your skin needs both when the temperature drops.
When winter rolls in, most of us notice the same thing. Skin starts to feel tight, itchy, and a little dull. The cold outside and the dry indoor heat create a perfect one-two punch that pulls both water and oil from the skin. The fix is simple once you understand one key concept. Moisture and hydration are not the same thing, and your skin needs both to feel comfortable all season.
This is where most winter routines fall apart. We pile on thick creams when what our skin really needs is water, or we mist all day but forget to seal anything in. Once you know the difference, shopping and layering get a whole lot easier.
What is hydration? (Think water):
Hydration is the water content in your skin. When skin is dehydrated, it often feels tight, looks dull, and may show fine lines more easily. This is common in winter because cold air and indoor heat pull water from the surface almost instantly. To bring water back in, look for humectants and water-based formulas. These ingredients pull moisture into the skin and help keep everything balanced.
A great example is our CoQ10 Toner. It is light, refreshing, and instantly brings water back to the skin. It features Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, and CoQ-10 that support hydrated-looking skin. Think of it as your first drink of water after a long day in the cold. Best time to use it: Right after cleansing, before any oils or creams.
What is moisture? (Think oil):
Moisture refers to the oils and lipids that keep water from evaporating. If hydration is water, moisture is the lid that keeps the pot from steaming away. Without enough oil, it does not matter how much hydration you add. Your skin will still feel parched. To support moisture, reach for nourishing oils that keep skin soft and supple.
My go-to is Squalane Facial Oil. It is lightweight, incredibly comfortable, and sinks in immediately. It helps seal in hydration and leaves skin smoother and moisturized. This is the step that keeps your skin feeling calm even when the weather is anything but. Best time to use it: After your hydrators, morning and night.
Why does winter skin need both?
Think of hydration and moisture as partners. Water keeps your skin plump and comfortable. Oil keeps it from evaporating. When you combine a water-based formula like CoQ10 Toner with an oil based formula like Squalane Facial Oil, you create a routine that supports your skin even on the coldest days.
A simple winter routine to try:
- Cleanse with your favorite gentle cleanser
- Hydrate with CoQ10 Toner
- Moisturize with Squalane Facial Oil, Brightening Cream or our Retinol Alternative Cream
- SPF with our Daily SPF Primer (remember it doesn't matter what time of year it is. SPF is a non negotiable).
Your skin will thank you before January even hits.
