A lot of people use moisturisers but did you know why, and are you using the correct one for your skin?
A moisturiser is a product designed to reduce water loss from the skin.
Those with oilier skin, have more natural moisturiser (sebum) than those with drier skin.
Moisturisers come in different forms and textures and with different properties, and finding the one that works for your skin is key.
I would consider this a pretty essential step for anyone. Yes, even if you have oily skin!
There are three main types of moisturiser:
- Humectants e.g. hyaluronic acid, glycerin: hold water
- Emollients e.g. ceramides, fatty acids: fill in the gaps between skin cells making the skin feel smoother
- Occlusives e.g. petrolatum (Vaseline), shea butter: create a physical seal on the skin’s surface
All help to improve the skin’s hydration in different ways, and most products are a combination of all three but of varying proportions.
Choosing products to suit your oiler skin may mean avoiding products with too many occlusives as this may lead to more breakouts.
However, drier skin often cries out for occlusive moisturisers!

Do I need to use a moisturiser?
Moisturising is a key step in maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin barrier has a hugely important protective function against pathogens, dirt, pollution etc.. and if not properly hydrated, the barrier function reduces.
Even oily skin needs moisturisers… just the right type of moisturiser.
Which one should I choose?
Moisturisers come in many textures, and which you choose ultimately comes done to personal preference.
- Creams: an oil-in-water emulsion with a thicker consistency
- Lotions: thinner consistency, higher water content than a cream
- Balms: very little water, high oil content almost waxy consistency
If you can try a few different ones (get your hands on some samples!), and see what feels/smells nice, and sits well with your make-up.

When should I moisturise?
You can use a moisturiser in your morning and evening routine.
Often people opt for a richer, thicker cream moisturiser at night and a lightweight one during the day.
If you have particularly dry skin, such as eczema then you may find you need to moisturise more than twice a day.
It can also be useful to moisturise after a shower following exercise, or swimming in the pool or sea.
How much do I need to use?
A generous 20p size should be enough to cover the face and neck, but if this doesn’t feel like it spreads enough then just add more.
In the morning:
Cleanse then moisturise then sunscreen.
In the evening:
Cleanse then moisturise.
Apply lighter serums before your moisturiser.
Apply targeted treatment e.g. retinol before your moisturiser.
Remember, apply products from thinnest to thickest!

My favourite moisturisers!
- SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore – the boss of moisturisers, perfect for dry/dehydrated or ageing skin, barrier restoring, but quite pricey
- Obagi Hydrate – lightweight but packs a lot of hydration, great for acne-prone skin
- Teoxane Advanced Filler for Dry Skin – packed with Hyaluronic acid and occlusive
- Neostrata Clarify Sheer Hydration Sunscreen SPF 40 – mattifying moisturiser with sunscreen for oilier skin
- CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream – best body moisturiser to tackle bumpy skin while still hydating
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