Unlike hydrators, which attract water to the skin, moisturisers contain oils that help to lock in moisture. These oils help to keep dry skin feeling soft, smooth and comfortable. Moisturisers also help to strengthen the skin’s barrier protection. As skin ages – or dries out – this lipid barrier starts to break down, resulting in further moisture loss. Specialist moisturisers are available in cream, lotion or serum format. Other skincare products, such as cleansers and face masks, can also include supplementary moisturising ingredients. It’s worth nothing that drier skins may benefit from both a moisturiser and a hydrator.