How to Moisturize Correctly: The Do’s and Don’ts Revealed

When it comes to skincare, if you want a complexion of dewy delight instead of dry fright, it comes down to one key – and vital step in the big three of basic skincare – moisturizing! If you’ve got the proper cleansing and sun-protecting steps under your spa headband, but you’re dabbling in moisturizing techniques, you’re missing the art and skin-fits of supreme skin hydration.

The pursuit of soft, supple, and healthy-looking skin has long been a universal desire in the skincare realm. But it’s hard to be a self-care skincare queen when there’s confusion about proper moisturizing techniques. What if the key to achieving that radiant complexion was simply knowing how to moisturize correctly? Let’s give your skin the hydration it craves!

Follow along as we help build your path to hydration mastery complete with moisturizing do’s and don’ts and the best hydration tips. You’ll be achieving optimal skin hydration through correct practices in no time and – a mega-moisturizing mogul!

Understanding Skin Hydration

Imagine having perfectly soft, supple, glowing skin by understanding exactly what it needs. What if the key to achieving that radiant and healthy-looking complexion boils down to a little earthly element – water? Good old H2O is not only one of the fundamental building blocks of the natural world, it’s our complexion’s thirst trap for balanced, radiant skin!

Let’s dive into the importance of skin moisture and the role of water in skin health.

Skin moisture refers to the thin layer of water and lipids that covers the skin’s surface. It keeps skin feeling smooth, supple, balanced, and more youthful looking. Water is vital for skin health because it offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to its overall health and appearance:

Improved Elasticity: Water hydrates skin cells, which helps the complexion appear plump and elastic. This means the skin is less likely to crack, peel, or show signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduced Fine Lines: Water plumps up the skin, filling in fine lines and making them less noticeable. This immediate plumping effect can give your skin a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Brighter Complexion: When your skin is hydrated, it looks more vibrant and alive. Water helps to flush out toxins and waste away from skin cells, and supports the skin’s natural renewal processes, leading to a clearer and more even-toned complexion.

Stronger Skin Barrier: A well-hydrated skin barrier is more effective at protecting against environmental damage, allergens, and irritants. This means fewer breakouts, less irritation, and an overall healthier skin appearance.

Improved Blood Flow: Water improves circulation and blood flow to the skin, which helps oxygen and nutrients reach the skin and heal wounds. 

Without water for skin health, the dermis is unable to trap essential moisture, leading to dry and dehydrated skin from not having and maintaining adequate hydration from the inside and out. Skin becomes imbalanced and more prone to various issues, including a weakened barrier function.

You can balance skin from the outside with the right hydrating and moisturizing skincare products, and from the inside by keeping up a healthy intake of H2O. Otherwise, your skin “turns on the waterworks” and experiences Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL), where the barrier of the skin is compromised and water evaporates from the skin. Skin barrier function is vital as it contains many essential nutrients like cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids which, together, form the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Natural moisturizing factor plays an instrumental role in keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.

We know water is essential for skin health and offers a multitude of skin-efits, including retaining optimal barrier function and moisturizing factors it needs to perform and look its best. While the skin barrier performs different roles, it’s generally agreed to perform three main functions: retaining moisture, transporting nutrients, and protecting the rest of your skin from the environment around it. Because of these essential roles, it’s vital the skin barrier has the right moisturizer.

Aside from its apparent function to moisturize skin, there’s actually a science to effective moisturizers and how they work, including its humectant, emollient, and occlusive properties.

Humectants: These happy helpers are hydration, which binds water to the skin. They work by attracting water molecules from the air and pulling them into the skin’s surface. This match made in hydration heaven leaves your skin plump and supple.

Occlusives: Humectants will lose their water-binding powers if the moisturizer type doesn’t have a way to trap precious H2O. That’s where occlusives come in; occlusive ingredients create a physical barrier on the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss and lock in hydration.

Emollients: The skin smoothers of a moisturizer – they leave everything lovely and smooth! These ingredients will provide some occlusive properties, but their main functions are to restore and soften the skin. Emollients also help replenish any damage on the surface of your skin.

Each of these moisturizing types has a different responsibility when it comes to softening, hydrating, and replenishing your skin. This reinforces why the importance of proper moisturizing and choosing the right moisturizer is vital for skin health and the secret to perfectly hydrated skin!

While most skincare products use a combination of them to create a synergistic effect, it’s equally important to use them in tandem depending on skin concerns and environmental factors for best results.

The Do’s of Moisturizing

Do: Choose the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type:

Before you start shopping for a moisturizer, it’s essential to understand the needs of your skin. Skin generally falls into one of four basic types, with some overlapping symptoms. Before choosing your natural moisturizer, identify your skin type and accompanying symptoms. Here’s a quick refresher on skin types:

If your skin is OILY, it means you’re suffering from sebum overproduction, and as a result, have a visible lipid layer on the surface of your skin. Remember that even if your skin is oily, it’s possible that it’s simultaneously dehydrated – that is, lacking water. If your skin is dehydrated as well as oily, chances are you have a tough, dull texture, and visible micro-lines.

If your skin is DRY, that means you’re suffering from a lack of moisture and hydration. This is usually a two-part problem: your skin doesn’t have adequate amounts of H2O in it, and at the same time, it doesn’t have an adequate lipid barrier (to keep things lubricated while locking in water).

If your skin is COMBINATION, it means that you’re experiencing a mixture of oily and dry symptoms, typically on different areas of your face. Many people with combination skin have dry cheeks and an oily T-zone.

Finally, if your skin is NORMAL, you’re one lucky duck! You’ve got a balanced complexion that is neither dry nor greasy.

Matching moisturizer ingredients to skin needs:

It’s crucial to choose a moisturizer with ingredients that match your skin’s needs and type. Humectant moisturizers are light and absorb easily into the skin, which makes them a perfect choice for summertime, oily/combo, or acne-prone skin types. Next up on moisturizer ingredients, due to their thick, heavy consistency, occlusive moisturizers are best reserved for severely dry or damaged skin.

When it comes to leaving skin healthy, hydrated, and smooth, nothing beats a better moisturizing ingredient than emollients. Dry skin types and those with damaged skin will love emollient-type moisturizers. These ingredients help to restore the skin’s natural barrier to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Seasonal adjustments in moisturizer choice:

While the seasons have their perks (some more than others) changes in climate and weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Whether you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, your dermis can be affected by seasonal changes in the weather. Be sure to adjust your moisturizer choice depending on the season.

Winter: Cream-based moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are effective for retaining moisture.

Summer: Gel-based or water-based moisturizers that are lightweight and absorb quickly are ideal. Look for products with hyaluronic acid or aloe vera.

Spring/Autumn: Depending on your skin type and the specific conditions (more humid or dry), you might switch between lighter and heavier moisturizers.

Do: Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin:

The importance of timing in moisturizer application:

The best time to apply moisturizer is when your skin is damp as this can help lock in hydration. Use your moisturizer before your skin has dried post-cleansing. 

Techniques for locking in hydration:

Moisturizing helps keep skin hydrated and healthy by locking in moisture and maintaining elasticity. Applying sunscreen daily protects your skin from damaging UV rays and locks in hydration from serums and toners. Be sure to apply skincare products in the right order; start with a non-drying cleanser, then apply serum, moisturizer, and finally a lightweight oil, ointment, or cream. Lastly, avoid using harsh products and over-washing your face, which can strip away the skin’s natural oils and moisture. 

Layering products for maximum benefit:

Skincare layering involves applying multiple skin products in a specific sequence to maximize their benefits, allowing each layer to build upon the last. The concept isn’t just about using more products; it’s about using them wisely to create a customized regimen that addresses individual skin concerns with precision.

Do: Use Proper Application Techniques

Gentle patting vs. rubbing motions:

When applying moisturizer, gentle patting is generally gentler on the skin than rubbing. This technique involves applying a small amount of product to your fingertips and gently tapping it into your skin. Patting is gentler on the skin because it reduces the risk of pulling or dragging on the skin. It can also help the product absorb better, stimulate blood flow, and increase the effectiveness of the product.

Though rubbing can increase blood flow to the skin and promote lymphatic drainage, it can be harsh and can stretch the skin and break down collagen, which can lead to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Rubbing can also be overly stimulating for people with sensitive or redness-prone skin, or those with chronic hyperpigmentation. 

Upward strokes to counteract gravity:

There are benefits of gravity and less ideal ones like its role in the development of sagging skin. But you can help counteract the effects of gravity a bit by applying moisturizer using upward strokes. Using these motions helps to lift saggy skin.

Focusing on often-neglected areas (neck, ears, décolletage):

When it comes to skincare we often focus all our attention on the face and neglect our neck, ears, and décolletage. However, just like our face, the skin in these areas is also subject to visible aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and dehydration. Ensure that you massage your anti-aging products and moisturizer down the neck and chest.

Do: Moisturize Consistently

Establishing a daily routine:

Remember we mentioned earlier about the big three steps in a skincare routine? Having a daily (and nightly) skincare routine can help maintain healthy, happy skin. This entails using a natural, gentle cleanser, a moisturizer for your skin type and needs, and sun protection. Applying toners, serums, and other treatments with actives to target your skincare concerns can achieve your ultimate skin dreams!

Adapting moisturizing frequency to skin needs:

Consistent moisturization is crucial for everyone; however, the frequency of application can vary from an individual’s skin type to its needs. If you have dry skin, it is crucial to prioritize hydration to prevent flakiness and discomfort. Dry skin tends to lack natural oils, leading to a compromised skin barrier. To combat this, it is recommended to moisturize dry skin in the morning and at night. 

While oily skin is characterized by excess oil production, it’s a common misconception that it doesn’t need moisturization. On the contrary, oily skin still requires applying a non-comedogenic moisturizer twice daily to maintain a healthy balance. For combo skin, focus on applying a lightweight moisturizer on the T-zone to manage excess oil production, while opting for a nourishing formula on the drier areas. 

Special considerations for night-time moisturizing:

While daytime skin requires ingredients that can moisturize and protect it from environmental aggressors, nighttime moisturizing poses a unique consideration. At night, while your skin is at rest, it’s best to use products with active ingredients aimed at supporting the skin’s natural repair processes. Opt for nighttime moisturizers loaded with active ingredients like peptides and fruit extracts, which can improve visible firmness, enhance barrier function, and more.

Do: Incorporate Hydrating Ingredients in Your Routine

Key hydrating ingredients to look for:

Look for hydrating ingredients in a moisturizer that absorb water, preserve the skin’s existing water and hydration, and draw more moisture into the skin as well.

Humectants: Powerhouse humectants to look for in a great moisturizer formula would be popular picks, hyaluronic acid, well-known glycerin, and calming urea.

Occlusives: The moisture barrier is extremely instrumental for skin protection from the environment, moisture loss, and skin health. What’s great is that ceramides, butters, and wax-based ingredients are occlusives that help to do the barrier support heavy lifting in a moisturizer formula.

Emollients: Emollients help stabilize the wet and waxy ingredients in a moisturizer formula to create not just the silky texture we’re looking for, but absorbability. We see the best benefits from ingredients like squalane and nut oils.

Combining moisturizers with serums and essences:

Combining actives in serums and essences with moisturizers can transform skin from dull to dazzling. Just be sure you use the skin products in the correct order for maximum results.

Apply serum before moisturizer:

Serums are typically lightweight, so applying them before moisturizer maximizes their contact with the skin. You can apply serum after toner, essence, or ampoule, depending on your routine. If you use a sheet mask, you can also add the serum before the mask and finish the routine with a moisturizer after the mask.

Mix serum with moisturizer:

You can mix a few drops of serum with your moisturizer in the palm of your hand. This can help dilute the serum’s potency, which can be useful if you’re new to a product or have sensitive skin. 

Apply essence before serum:

Essences are lighter than serums, so you can apply them first so your skin can fully absorb them. You can apply a few drops of essence to the palm of your hand and then gently pat it on the skin, avoiding the eye area.

The role of facial oils in hydration:

As a top-tier skin protector, facial oils can lock absorbent ingredients below to help them work more efficiently. They can help hydrate the skin by creating a protective barrier that seals in moisture and prevents water loss. Using a face oil last allows the more impenetrable “oil” layer to trap hydration from your moisturizer within your skin. Facial oils can also nourish and revitalize the skin by strengthening and repairing the lipid barrier in the outermost layer of the skin.

Overcoming Moisturizing Misconceptions

When it comes to skincare, there are many misconceptions, particularly when it comes to moisturizing – and especially for oily and acne-prone skin. Many individuals with these skin types tend to avoid moisturizers altogether, fearing they will exacerbate their skin issues and cause clogged pores and breakouts among other concerns. Let’s clear up some of the moisturizing misconceptions.

Fear of clogged pores or breakouts:

A common misconception is to believe that moisturizers will clog pores or create breakouts. The truth is, all skin types need a moisturizer to seal in nutrients and water, and to balance sebum (your skin’s natural oil) production so you can stay shine-free. For oily skin, look for lightweight, natural, non-comedogenic moisturizers specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin. These moisturizers are designed to hydrate without clogging pores, helping to maintain the moisture balance and Zen of the skin.

Confusion about how much product to use:

If you have oily skin, do you use a pin-head-size of moisturizer or for dry skin, a big dollop to feed its thirst? Using too much moisturizer can make your skin feel heavy and shiny, and can lead to breakouts. Start with a small pea-sized amount, and add a bit more as needed. You won’t need a ton of moisturizer, especially if you’re using a face serum before, a face oil after, or both. The eye area is a major problem for most and the tendency is to apply too much eye cream.

The Don’ts of Moisturizing

Don’t: Over-moisturize

Signs of over-moisturized skin:

Often, over-moisturizing can lead to clogged pores. That can lead to whiteheads and blackheads. This is because when we apply any product to the skin, the pores take what they need and absorb it into the dermal layer. Meanwhile, any moisture that isn’t needed sits on the surface of the skin. That potentially creates a greasy, over-occlusive layer that can attract more dirt and bacteria, which can cause acne. In the case of oily skin types, over-moisturizing may trigger a spike in oil production, leading to an acne breakout.

The risks of excessive product use:

We love our skin products but often more is not better, and in fact, piling on products creates unbalanced, unhealthy skin. The more products you use, the harder it can be for your skin to do its job and the more problems that may pop up. Product overuse can result in dryness, redness, breakouts, blotches, and dermatitis. Stressed skin from excessive product use can cause flare-ups of underlying skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

Finding the right balance for your skin:

Just like trying to have a balanced diet or work schedule, discovering the right balance for your skin can help you achieve your skin dreams. In contrast to more is not better, sustaining a “less is more” approach to your skin regimen can still help you achieve your skin goals without compromising your protective barrier. Focus on simplifying your skincare routine with products that address your specific skin concerns. Be sure to be patient while finding the right balance for your skin, as it can take two to four weeks for your skin to react to new products.

Don’t: Neglect Exfoliation

The relationship between exfoliation and moisturizing:

Exfoliation and moisturization are both vital skincare practices that work together to improve the overall health of your skin: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can prevent moisturizers from penetrating the skin. Exfoliating can also promote the growth of new, healthy skin. While you might want to have glowing, freshly exfoliated skin every day, not moisturizing your skin afterward can cause damage to your skin and its natural barrier. Moisturizing can enhance the effects of exfoliation by promoting optimal skin hydration, in turn leading to smoother, more radiant skin.

Proper exfoliation techniques to enhance hydration:

Exfoliating helps to clear pores by removing the dead skin cells, dirt, and oil that can build up and create clogging complications. Your skin type and needs determine the frequency of exfoliating your skin.

Oily skin: Generally, exfoliating your face 2-3 times a week would be beneficial for oily skin. Acne-prone skin can be more sensitive than other skin types, so when exfoliating, make sure to mix facial scrub with water on your fingers before applying. Reduce to 1-2 times a week if skin seems to be more sensitive than usual.

Dry skin: Exfoliation for dry skin should be less frequent, as the skin’s lipid barrier can be compromised by over-exfoliation. Exfoliating once or twice a week helps to clear flakes and bumps common with dry skin, resulting in skin that’s softer and smoother to the touch.

Aging skin: Exfoliating helps to speed up and increase skin cell turnover rate, boosting your skin’s circulation and healing process. By clearing away dead skin cells that cause dullness, exfoliation can also brighten your complexion to impart a healthy, youthful glow.

Avoiding over-exfoliation:

The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and concerns. Most skin types can exfoliate 2-3 times a week, but dry or sensitive skin may need less frequent exfoliation. Over-exfoliation can harm the skin’s barrier and cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to breakouts. So, stick to a frequency that fits your skin type. Be sure to listen to your skin. If you notice signs of irritation, redness, or sensitivity, reduce the frequency of exfoliation. Follow up with a natural moisturizer to replenish your skin’s moisture levels. 

Don’t: Forget Sun Protection

The importance of SPF in maintaining skin hydration:

Several factors can deplete your skin’s moisture levels like high temperatures, which can increase the rate of water loss from your skin, leading to dehydration. UV rays can damage the skin barrier, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture. Whether outdoors or exercising, sweating also causes the skin to lose water and essential minerals. And, even while you sleep, your skin loses some moisture.

Simply put, an SPF moisturizer combines the hydrating and SPF steps of your routine. You get more supple, hydrated skin while protecting yourself from UV rays. Any antioxidants in your moisturizer are the cherry on top for defending against free radical damage.

Choosing moisturizers with built-in sun protection:

We often don’t get as much sun protection as we need, and part of that is because we forget to add the extra sunscreen step after our morning skin routine. Part of it is not having enough time to apply sunscreen and let it absorb. But when your SPF is added to your moisturizer, you’re more likely to use it. Since sunscreen effortlessly becomes a part of your routine, you have one less step to worry about.

Choosing a moisturizer with built-in sun protection also helps to eliminate pilling, or a heavy, greasy feeling: When we use moisturizer and SPF separately, pilling can occur when a skincare product begins balling up after it’s applied. This happens because the product hasn’t been absorbed into the skin fully.

You can eliminate both these issues with a moisturizer with built-in sun protection. You’ll combine 2 steps in 1, leaving skin with a light feeling as your product absorbs more quickly.

Layering SPF products correctly:

Layering your skincare products involves applying multiple skin products in a specific sequence to maximize their benefits, allowing each layer to build upon the last. The concept isn’t just about using more products; it’s about using them wisely to create a customized regimen that addresses individual skin concerns with precision.

Pilling can be a big issue if you use moisturizer, SPF, primer, and makeup – multiple layers of product don’t always sit well. Simply applying moisturizer and sunscreen on top can leave you feeling heavy or greasy. This is because many sunscreens contain occlusives, like beeswax, that create a blanket of moisture on top of the skin. Choosing a moisturizer with built-in sun protection also helps to eliminate pilling, or a heavy, greasy feeling:

Your Path to Hydration Mastery

The pursuit of supple and healthy-looking skin has long been a universal desire in the skincare realm. But with confusion about proper moisturizing techniques, it can be tough to be a self-care skincare queen. Now that we’ve presented you with the important do’s and don’ts of moisturizing your skin, we hope you embark on your own personalized moisturizing routine.  

And, remember, the keys to achieving that radiant complexion you long for boils down to proper moisturizing and the correct skincare techniques. Be sure you choose natural moisturizing skincare products that are designed for your skin type and unique needs. We know you got this down pat under your spa headband!

Imagine having perfectly balanced, glowing skin by understanding exactly what it needs. Well, now you do! No more dabbling in moisturizing techniques – you can build your path to hydration mastery! Missing the art and skin-fits of supreme skin hydration.

100% PURE Moisturizing Products

We weren’t going to leave you without some solid skincare recommendations to try and find the perfect facial moisturizer. Here are our best moisturizer suggestions:

Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream:

This antioxidant-rich moisturizer helps to hydrate and protect skin from environmental stressors. This cream harnesses the power of green tea’s EGCG to soothe inflammation, unclog pores, and promote healthier skin.

Hydra Drench Cream:

This intensely hydrating yet lightweight formula delivers a surge of moisture to your skin without heaviness. This cream uses plumping chia seed gel, hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and nopal cactus to boost hydration while repairing and replenishing thirsty cells.

Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Ultra Riche PM Treatment:

This nutrient-packed night cream is your go-to for deep hydration and skin renewal while you sleep. Packed with corrective vitamin C and reparative vitamin A, it works overnight to combat skin damage accumulated during the day. This rich formula deeply moisturizes, softens, and restores the skin’s glow, making it an essential part of your PM routine.

Restorative Sea Culture Extra Riche Crème:

This luxurious, marine-based moisturizer is designed to replenish and revitalize dry, mature skin. It drenches skin in deep moisture, delivers nutrient-rich sea minerals and vitamins, and plumps skin with hydrating seaweed polysaccharides.

Intensive Nourishing Balm:

Looking for an intensely moisturizing balm that offers maximum nourishing, smoothing, and anti-aging benefits? This ultra-rich, multi-purpose balm deeply moisturizes and soothes extremely dry or sensitive areas. Healing avocado, shea butter, and almond oil restore softness and elasticity for more supple skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my moisturizer not absorbing into my skin?

If your moisturizer doesn’t seem to absorb, it could be due to several reasons. You may be using too much product, your skin may not be adequately exfoliated, or the formula might be too heavy for your skin type. Ensure to exfoliate regularly, use the correct amount of moisturizer, and choose a formula that suits your skin type for better absorption.

Why is my moisturizer making my skin feel oily?

If your moisturizer is making your skin feel excessively oily, it may be too rich for your skin type. Those with oily or combination skin should opt for lighter, oil-free, or non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without adding extra oiliness.

Can a moisturizer cause breakouts?

Yes, if a moisturizer is not suitable for your skin type, it can clog pores and cause breakouts. This is especially true for people with acne-prone or sensitive skin. It’s crucial to choose non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores and to patch-test new products to see how your skin reacts.

Why does my skin feel tight or dry even after applying moisturizer?

If your skin feels tight or dry after applying moisturizer, it could be that the product is not hydrating enough, or your skin might need more than just moisturization, like exfoliation or a hydrating serum. It could also be a sign of dehydration from factors like weather, diet, or not drinking enough water.

How long does it take for a moisturizer to work?

The immediate effects of a moisturizer, like skin feeling soft and hydrated, can usually be felt right after application. However, for long-term benefits like improved skin texture and reduced fine lines, it may take several weeks of consistent use.