Moisturising cream is essential in any skincare routine, but myths about moisturizer and moisturizer for face can cause confusion. Let’s debunk the biggest misconceptions and clarify what really matters.
Myth 1: Oily Skin Doesn’t Need Moisturizer
Fact: Even oily or combination skin types benefit from hydration. Skipping a moisturizer for face can cause skin to produce excess oil to compensate, potentially leading to breakouts
Expert Fix: Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer - ideally a gel or lotion containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Myth 2: Thick Creams Are Always Better for Dry Skin
Fact: The effectiveness of a moisturising cream lies in its ingredients, not its texture. Thick creams aren't inherently better. In fact, formulations with ceramides, humectants, and occlusives balance hydration more effectively.
Expert Fix: Choose products based on function - humectants (e.g., glycerin), emollients (e.g., ceramides), and occlusives (e.g., dimethicone) rather than thickness .
Myth 3: Your Skin Can Become "Lazy" or "Addicted"
Fact: There's no physiological dependency; these myths stem from skin feeling drier after stopping moisturizer due to the skin barrier readjusting, not because of addiction .
Expert Fix: Use a suitable moisturizer for face daily to support, not hinder, the skin’s natural hydration function.
Myth 4: You Can Never Over-Moisturize
Fact: Over-moisturisation can actually harm the skin. It may clog pores, disrupt the barrier, and even encourage microbial overgrowth .
Expert Fix: Apply a pea-sized amount of moisturising cream to the face, once or twice daily. Choose formulas tailored to your skin type to avoid overloading the skin.
Myth 5: You Don’t Need Moisturizer If You Didn’t Wash Your Face
Fact: Environmental factors like sun exposure, wind, and air conditioning can still dehydrate your skin, even if you haven’t cleansed it [1]. However, applying moisturizer over unclean skin can trap dirt and impurities, potentially worsening skin problems.
Fix: Always cleanse your skin properly before applying moisturizer as part of your day and night skincare routine to ensure optimal hydration and skin health.
Myth 6: One Moisturizer Works for the Whole Body
Fact: The skin on different parts of your body has different needs. Your facial skin is thinner and more sensitive, while areas like your feet or elbows may require thicker, more intensive moisturising cream.
Fix: Use targeted moisturizers - a rich cream for feet and hands, and a lighter formula for your face.
Myth 7: Stinging Means It’s Working
Fact: A stinging or burning sensation often indicates your skin is irritated, not that the product is effective.
Fix: If your moisturizer causes discomfort, stop using it. Look for fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested moisturising cream for sensitive skin.
Bonus Fact: Not All Moisturizers Are the Same
Formulations branded as “moisturizer” can vary widely from occlusives (e.g., petrolatum) to humectants (e.g., glycerin) to emollients (e.g., lanolin). Choose a moisturising cream with ingredients suited to your unique skin concerns.
Smart Moisturising in 3 Steps
1. Know Your Skin Type & Choose Ingredients Wisely:
- Oily: lightweight, non-comedogenic gel or lotion
-
Dry: humectant + barrier-supporting moisturising cream
2. Moderation Matters:
Use required amount of moisturizer, tailored to seasonal needs
3. Consistency, Not Addiction:
Daily hydration supports barrier health; it’s about care, not dependency
Conclusion
Moisturising is a fundamental step in maintaining healthy skin, but only when done with clarity, not confusion. Let science guide your choices, not myths. Choosing the right formulation and understanding your skin’s needs can make all the difference in how your skin feels, functions, and flourishes over time.
References
-
The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26449379/
-
Moisturizers: The Slippery Road
