In the quest for a youthful, radiant complexion, moisturising has become the holy grail of skincare routines. It’s a step that many have come to embrace with open arms, especially as the skin matures and craves that extra bit of hydration. To keep the skin hydrated, many are turning to an ever-growing selection of creams, gels, and serums.
But is it possible that in your pursuit of dewy, supple skin, you might be overdoing it? Could your well-intentioned slathering of moisturisers be doing more harm than good?
Let’s break down the facts about moisturising. Understanding how your skin absorbs moisture can help you create the skincare routine that is best for you.
The importance of moisturising
With ageing, the skin naturally becomes drier and less elastic. But with the help of moisturisers, the skin can maintain its hydration levels, keeping it looking plump and minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s not just about vanity, though; a well-hydrated skin barrier is essential for protecting against environmental aggressors and preventing irritation.
However, as with all good things, moderation is key. The beauty industry has long touted the benefits of moisture, but it’s important to strike the right balance for your skin’s needs.
The risks of over-moisturising
Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says, ‘You can definitely go overboard with moisturising.’
It turns out that too much moisture could also lead to a host of skin issues. Experts say that over-moisturising could disrupt the natural balance of hydration and oils on the skin, leading to a breakdown of the skin barrier. This can make the skin more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
Moreover, an overly moist environment can reportedly encourage the growth of yeast and fungi, which can result in conditions like fungal acne.
Signs you may be overdoing it
To tell if you’re over-moisturising, look out for signs of irritation such as redness or discoloration. Eczema flare-ups, acne breakouts, and milia (small, white bumps) could also be indicators.
If your skin constantly looks shiny or feels like it needs blotting, you might want to reassess your moisturising routine, says Dr Rabach.
What to do if you’ve over-moisturised
If you suspect you’ve been a bit too generous with your moisturiser, it’s time to scale back. Simplify your skincare routine to just a basic moisturiser and sunscreen for a week or so to give your skin a chance to reset and rebalance. After this period, you can slowly reintroduce products as needed, paying close attention to how your skin reacts.
‘You really need to pull the plug on the majority of the products you’re using and go cold turkey,’ advises Shereene Iriss, MD, another board-certified dermatologist.
In addition, Dr Rabach says, ‘Over-moisturising can be caused by the frequency with which you’re moisturising, the amount of moisturiser you’re using, and the actual formula of the product(s).’
The right way to moisturise
To avoid the negative effects of over-moisturising, it’s essential to understand your skin type and the climate you live in. Here are some tailored tips you could practice, depending on your skin type:
Dry skin: You may need multiple hydrating products, but watch for signs of overuse and adjust accordingly. Start with a small amount and only add more if your skin still feels tight.
If you have dry skin, Dr Rabach recommends using moisturisers with ingredients such as ceramides or lanolin.
Oily skin: Stick to lighter, water-based gel moisturisers and avoid layering too many products. Once a day may be enough, or twice if your skin feels dry.
Moisturisers with humectant ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are recommended for those with oily skin.
Combination skin: Adopt a spot-treatment approach, using lighter products on oily areas and richer ones on dry patches.
The climate and season can also affect your skin’s hydration needs, so adjust your routine as necessary. And always start with less product, adding more only if your skin seems to need it.
In conclusion, while moisturising is an essential part of skincare, especially for those over 50, it’s important to do it wisely. Over-moisturising could lead to a host of skin problems, but with the right approach, you can maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all moisturising routine. Listen to your skin—it will tell you what it needs.
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices community. Have you ever experienced the effects of over-moisturising? How do you ensure you’re giving your skin just the right amount of hydration? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Also read: This all-natural body oil duo is the secret to happy, hydrated skin year-round
