With winter beckoning from around the corner, it is time to move moisturisers to the front of the queue. But while the dry weather can necessitate a more generous helping of moisturising agents, there is a growing concern in skincare circles that over-moisturising could hamper the functioning of the skin while also causing sudden breakouts. So, is it really possible to have too much of a good thing? We put this question to a skincare expert and here’s what we learned:
What is over-moisturising?
For starters, can too much moisturiser do more harm than good? Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic, believes so. “Over-moisturising occurs when you end up using moisturiser excessively or more than what is required for the skin. The definition of what constitutes as over-moisturising varies as per skin types. For oily skin type, using a cream moisturiser twice a day can qualify as over-moisturising whereas for dry skin, it can occur when layering thick cream layers multiple times a day,” she explains.
While skincare savviness has spiked in recent times, it can also unintentionally leave the door open for unexpected skincare concerns. “These days products have multiple actives including hydrating agents. So you may be using serums and creams with actives like vitamin C or niacinamide and it can have added moisturising agents that you may have missed reading on,” she cautions. Another common cause of over-moisturising occurs from a misplaced belief that larger quantities can moisturise the skin effectively.
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What are the side effects of over-moisturising?
While moisture and hydration might sound like skincare goals to clock in, the truth is that over-moisturising comes with its own drawbacks. “When you over-moisturise your face, the skin can get lazy and stop functioning in an optimal manner to balance normal oils and hydration. While there is no studied data to back this claim, it has been drawn as a clinical observation. When the skin cells have an indication that the skin has adequate lipids, oils and moisture, it can cut back on this function.This can gradually lead to dry skin as well as sudden breakouts, bumps in the skin, clogged pores and, at times, increased sensitivity,” says the Mumbai-based dermatologist.
How to moisturise your skin the right way
When it comes to addressing your skin’s moisturising needs, either extreme of the spectrum will not work. Here, Dr Agarwal shares her best moisturising tips for ensuring that your skin is getting the hydration that it needs:
- Start by identifying your skin type and choosing a formula accordingly. Those with oily skin will want to choose a lightweight gel moisturiser, whereas dry skin can lean on a thicker lotion or cream.
- The key to adequate moisturising lies in opting for the right quantity. Start with a pea-sized amount and apply it on your face. If your skin still feels dry after applying the moisturiser, you can take a similar amount and apply it again.
- Start with moisturising twice a day for dry skin and once a day for oily skin. You can then increase the frequency to accommodate for changes in the weather or your lifestyle, as needed. When in doubt, it helps to consult a board-certified dermatologist to devise an accurate moisturising regimen as per your skin’s needs.
- It also helps to exfoliate regularly with a chemical exfoliator to reduce clogging and dead skin build-up—this will help to regulate the skin’s barrier function.
