What does 'hydration' refer to in skin care?

Hydration in skin care specifically refers to the process of increasing the water content in the skin. This is essential for maintaining the skin's health, elasticity, and overall appearance. Proper hydration helps to prevent dryness and keeps the skin looking plump and youthful. Techniques for enhancing skin hydration can include using moisturizers that contain humectants, which attract and hold moisture in the skin, as well as drinking adequate amounts of water.

Understanding the importance of hydration aids in crafting effective skin care routines that address moisture levels, making it a fundamental principle in esthetics. It is important to differentiate this from other processes like the application of oils, which may provide moisture in a different manner but do not directly affect the water content itself. Exfoliation is about removing dead skin cells, while serums often contain active ingredients that can aid in hydration but are not synonymous with the hydration process itself.