I’ve had enough of these moisturiser myths, so it’s time to set the record straight.
In the vast world of skincare, moisturisers often take centre stage – yet, they’re surprisingly misunderstood. For years, common beliefs, often passed down or amplified by fleeting trends, have clouded our understanding of these essential hydrators. It’s time to gently peel back the layers of misinformation, offering clarity and a deeper wisdom about how moisturisers truly work for your skin. I’m here to dismantle the myths and empower you with the facts to guide your routine towards lasting skin health.
Myth 1: Oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser
This is perhaps one of the most persistent myths out there. The logic seems straightforward: if your skin is already oily, why add more moisture?
The truth: Oily skin absolutely needs moisturiser! Here’s why:
- Dehydration differs from oiliness: Your skin can be oily and dehydrated at the same time. Dehydration means a lack of water, while oiliness is about excess sebum production. If oily skin lacks water, it can actually trigger your sebaceous glands to produce more oil to compensate, leading to a vicious cycle.
- Protection for your skin barrier: Moisturisers help support your skin’s natural barrier function, which protects against environmental aggressors and prevents water loss.
- Counteracting harsh treatments: If you use treatments for acne or excess oil (like salicylic acid or retinoids), these can be drying. A good moisturiser helps mitigate that dryness and irritation.
The fact: For oily skin, opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), gel or lotion-based moisturisers. These provide hydration without feeling heavy or greasy.
Myth 2: The more expensive the moisturiser, the better
It’s tempting to believe that a higher price tag automatically equates to superior quality and results. After all, luxury brands often promise transformative effects.
The truth: While some expensive moisturisers contain cutting-edge ingredients or unique formulations, their effectiveness isn’t solely determined by price. Many affordable drugstore options contain excellent, research-backed ingredients that deliver fantastic results. You’re often paying for branding, packaging, and marketing, not just the ingredients themselves.
The fact: Focus on the ingredient list, not the price tag. Look for effective humectants (like hyaluronic acid, glycerin), emollients (like ceramides, fatty acids), and occlusives (like petrolatum, dimethicone) that suit your skin type and concerns.
Myth 3: Moisturiser prevents all wrinkles
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a single cream could completely stop the hands of time? This myth often leads to unrealistic expectations.
The truth: Moisturisers are fantastic for hydrating the skin, which can plump it up and temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making them less noticeable. Dry, dehydrated skin tends to show lines more prominently. However, moisturiser alone does not stop the biological ageing process or eliminate deep-set wrinkles caused by collagen loss, sun damage, or repetitive facial expressions.
The fact: For true anti-ageing, a moisturiser is a crucial part of a broader strategy that should include daily sunscreen use (SPF 30+), antioxidants (like Vitamin C), and targeted treatments like retinoids. Moisturiser supports these efforts by keeping your skin healthy and receptive.
Myth 4: You should only moisturise when your skin feels dry
Many people only reach for moisturiser when their skin starts feeling tight, flaky, or uncomfortable.
The truth: Waiting until your skin is crying out for moisture means you’re already playing catch-up. Consistent, preventative moisturising is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing problems before they start. Your skin is constantly losing water to the environment, a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL), even if you don’t feel dry.
The fact: Make moisturising a daily habit, ideally twice a day – morning and night. Applying it after cleansing and toning helps lock in moisture and provides continuous support to your skin’s protective barrier.
Myth 5: Your skin gets dependent on moisturiser and stops producing its own oil
This myth suggests that if you use moisturiser too much, your skin will become “lazy” and lose its natural ability to hydrate itself.
The truth: Your skin doesn’t get dependent on moisturiser in the way your body might get dependent on certain substances. Moisturisers work with your skin’s natural physiology to support its barrier function and provide external hydration. They don’t switch off your sebaceous glands or alter your skin’s inherent ability to produce its own oils.
The fact: Regular moisturising helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which in turn helps your skin function optimally. It’s about support, not dependence. If you stop using moisturiser, your skin might revert to its previous state (e.g., dryness or dehydration) because you’ve removed that external support, not because it’s become a dependency.
Myth 6: Natural ingredients are always better
With the rise of “clean beauty,” there’s a strong perception that anything natural is inherently superior and safer than synthetic ingredients.
The truth: The term “natural” is unregulated and doesn’t automatically mean “better,” “safer,” or “more effective.” Many natural ingredients can be potent allergens or irritants; for example, certain essential oils, fragrant plant extracts. Conversely, many synthetic ingredients are highly effective, stable, and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure safety and efficacy. Formulations that combine well-researched natural and synthetic components often yield the best results.
The fact: Look for well-formulated products with proven ingredients, regardless of whether they are derived from nature or synthesised in a lab. Focus on ingredients that benefit your skin type and avoid known irritants.
The bottom line
With these common moisturiser myths thoroughly debunked, you’re now equipped with a clearer understanding and newfound confidence. No longer will misconceptions dictate your choices.
Instead, by embracing the proven facts, you gain the power to make truly informed decisions, building a skincare routine that genuinely nourishes, protects, and supports your skin’s unique needs.
