Skin Hydration: Can You Moisturize Too Much?

We all know the importance of moisturizing in keeping our skin healthy and looking youthful. Does this mean it’s okay to moisturize a bit more? What happens if you apply too much of this beneficial skin care product to your skin? Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore answers these questions and learn more about the deal with moisturizing too much. 

Can you moisturize too much?

Yes, you can. And as most face moisturizers come in thicker or heavier consistencies, using too much of it can work against your favor. This is also why moisturizing is the last step in most skin care regimens. It hydrates the skin and locks in moisture, as well as seals everything (including nutrients) in.

Applying too much also means you’re wasting the product or your money. If your face moisturizer only lasts for a few weeks, it could mean that you are using too much of it.  Other signs that you’ve moisturized too much include: 

• Excess oil – Using too much of the product can cause your skin to look greasier and oilier than usual. When there’s an excess layer of moisturizer on your skin’s surface, it can attract impurities, dirt, and bacteria. This can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and even breakouts.
• Clogged pores – Too much of the product, especially creams or rich formulas, can clog the pores. And what happens with clogged pores? You are more likely to have breakouts or worsen existing breakouts. If this happens, you may want to cut back on applying face moisturizer. 
• Dry skin – Excess moisture can interfere with your skin’s natural sebum secretion. And without enough sebum, your skin will become dry. This can also lead to dull complexion and sensitive skin.  
• Rough or bumpy skin texture – Tiny bumps and rough patches could indicate that you’re not using your moisturizer properly. Also, added layers of the product will not penetrate the skin as you want it to. Excess moisturizer will sit on the top layer and clog the pores. 

What happens if you moisturize too much?

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Applying a bit too much of a good face moisturizer may not necessarily damage your skin, but it can make it feel greasy and sticky. And as previously mentioned, it can lead to excess oil on the surface and attract dirt and grime.

Skin pilling may also occur, which is when a skincare product, such as a serum or moisturizer, clumps up in small balls after rubbing it on. This can mean that the skin is not absorbing the products evenly. It can decrease the effectiveness of your moisturizer or skincare, as you’re not getting the beneficial ingredients in the formula.  

Moisturizing too much can also cause your skin to become lazy. Excess moisture may prompt your skin to produce or secrete less natural moisture, as it is getting a signal that it has sufficient water and lipids. This can decelerate the production of other essential skin nutrients and cause your skin to look dry, encouraging you to use more moisturizer.

How to moisturize the right way 

Don’t just slather the product mindlessly. Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore shares a few tips on how to moisturize correctly.

• Choose the right type – So, which face moisturizer is best? This will depend on your skin type. If you, for instance, have oily or blemish-prone skin, you may want to avoid thick or heavy creams that may clog your pores. A gel-based or lighter moisturizer is an ideal choice. The opposite is recommended if you have dry skin. 

Dr. Sylvia’s Hydra Pro with MoistureLock Complex is a non-greasy formula designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. It can also soothe and heal the skin, making it a good choice for those with irritated or sensitive skin. HydraPro can also improve your skin’s overall appearance, leaving it looking more radiant and youthful. 

• Apply while the skin is damp – Doing so helps lock in hydration, as well as prevent the feeling of dryness and tightness. You can use a face mist or a spritz of water before moisturizing to make sure it is damp.
• Exfoliate – Dead skin cells make it more difficult for your skincare to penetrate properly. So, for it to properly absorb your moisturizer and other products, gently exfoliate at least once a week. Then, you can use a small amount and let your skin take in its intended benefits.
• Apply in an upward motion – Use gentle, upward strokes for a lifting effect. Make sure not to rub aggressively and apply the product not just on your face, but also on your neck and upper chest. You should also do the same for other skin care products. 

For further reading: Focus on Quality: 5 Reasons to Invest in Skincare

Make Cutis your partner in achieving your beauty and skincare goals. Browse through our blog for more product and treatment recommendations or contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore to book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.