Stay Always-Hydrated, With Pretty Glow Box!

A lot of us often substitute “hydration” for “moisturization”. The thing is, they mean different things although they have similar functions. Notice how we said “similar” and not “same”? Don't worry, we’re not going to overwhelm you with scientific explanations or terms!

Are Hydrators Different From Moisturizers?

Hydrators work to bring water or moisture that already exists, either  in the deeper layers of the skin or in the external environment, to the outermost layer of the skin. 

Moisturizers on the other hand, when applied to the skin, provide a protective barrier to the skin. The function of a moisturizer is to prevent water-loss from the skin.

What Is The Best Way To Moisturize My Skin?

Keeping in mind your skin-type and skin-concerns, invest in products that contain moisturising ingredients. Moisturizing ingredients are mainly categorized into two:  

• “Emollients”: Emollients are fatty acids or fatty alcohols that work to strengthen the skin-barrier by sealing moisture on the outermost layer of your skin. For this reason, it is recommended that those who have damaged skin-barriers, or dry skin, should use thick moisturizers in order to repair the damage to the skin-barrier, thereby increasing the skin’s ability to hold moisture. 
• “Occlusives' ': These are heavier and larger molecules than Emollients. A popular Occlusive that you might be familiar with is Vaseline! 

Now that you’re familiar with moisturizing ingredients, and how moisturizers function, you might be wondering about hydrators. 

What Can Hydrators Do For My Skin? 

Hydrators work best for those who have dehydrated skin, which is a treatable and temporary condition of the skin, and not an actual skin type. Hydrators are products that contain humectants, which work to pull in water from the external environment or from the skin’s deeper layers, to the outermost layer of the skin. 

Ingredients such as Urea, Panthenol, Glycerin, and Hyaluronic Acid are hydrating. Look for these in the ingredients list of the product that you’re going to buy, if it's hydration that your skin needs.

Not to forget our most beloved hydrating ingredient-water! It was noticed in several scientific studies that those who consumed the required amount of water everyday had more hydrated skin, when compared to those who did not.

Does my skin type matter when it comes to hydrating my skin?

The answer is yes, your skin-type is the key factor that will determine what is required for your skin: hydrating, moisturizing, or both. The first step is to know your skin-type, so that you can choose products that will yield actual results.  

It is important to know your skin type, so that you can avoid using products that can further damage your skin. For example, for those who struggle with dry skin especially in the winters, it is recommended that you choose a thick moisturizer rather than a hydrator. This is because a moisturizer will seal moisture into your skin, reducing further damage to the skin barrier. 

Whereas if you use a hydrator, there is a risk that your skin might flake or become drier because hydrators work by pulling in water from your skin or the environment to the outermost layer of your skin. The lack of water in your skin's deeper layer (of those who have dry skin), or in the external environment (such as during the winters) means that your skin might be at the risk of getting further damage.

What Is The Best Way To Keep My Skin Hydrated?

It is highly recommended to follow a consister skincare regimen, such as using a hydrating cleanser, followed by a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients, and finally applying an SPF 50+ sunscreen. This will ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and taken care of throughout the day. It would be super beneficial for your skin, as well as your overall health, to cut-down on habits such as regularly consuming alcohol, smoking, and skipping your skincare routine because you’re tired (this is something that we all fall victim to!).

Pretty Glow Box: Always-Hydrated

We’re here to help you with your skin-hydration concerns with our “Always-Hydrated” Skin Care Beauty Box, a collection that contains high-quality, cult-favourite products that are gentle, soothing and hydrating for your skin. Check out the following products, all of which are suitable for every skin-type!

Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream - HaruHaru Wonder

Our “Always-Hydrated” collection includes HaruHaru Wonder’s Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream (50ml), a moisturizing hydrator (yes, it multi-tasks!) that contains hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that is proven to offer intense hydration to the skin.

Most products that deeply hydrate the skin usually leave the skin feeling a bit cakey or heavy after application, but the Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream is very light-weight and also does not contain fragrance, which is the number-one cause of contact dermatitis!

Daily Calming Serum - Bellflower

Another product you’ll find in our carefully curated collection is Bellflower’s Azulene Daily Calming Serum (30ml), formulated with Azulene Extract, an ingredient taken from Chamomile oil, that is calming for the skin and gentle as well.

This serum contains other ingredients that soothe the skin, such as Centella. We’d recommend this for those who have sensitive skin, because of the hydrating and healing properties of its ingredients.

Hyaluronic Acid Complex - One Thing

Formulated from vegan sources, this one is a favorite in the skincare community as well as at Pretty Glow Box, because it contains Hyaluronic Acid, a deeply hydrating ingredient that is easily absorbed and non-irritating on the skin.

The Hyaluronic Acid Complex (150ml) by One Thing is an essence that works wonders on the skin and is also cruelty-free. This product replenishes moisture throughout the skin’s layers, leaving your skin supple and soft.

This essence is a Hyaluronic Acid Complex, meaning that it is a powerhouse-product that not only hydrates your skin, but also has anti-aging properties.

In Conclusion

At Pretty Glow Box, we believe that everyone's skin deserves the best care, through affordable luxury. Hence, we’ve curated beauty product box with  top-rated products from highly reputed, international brands. The skin is the body’s largest organ, so you might as well invest in it, without burning a hole through your pocket!