By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
With the rainy season still here, it is time to move moisturizers to the front of the queue. While the dry weather can necessitate a more generous helping of moisturizing agents, there is a growing concern in skincare circles that over-moisturizing 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?
What is over-moisturizing?
“Technically, it’s possible to overdo it with anything, so there are always people who push it to the extreme–maybe spend all day, around the clock to put moisturizer on,” Dr. Dray, a board-certified dermatologist, says in a TikTok video. Issues arise when your skin’s natural hydration levels are out of whack—whether your face is too dry or overly moisturized.
When you over-moisturize 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.
How to moisturize correctly
When it comes to addressing your skin’s moisturizing needs, either extreme of the spectrum will not work. Here are a few general rules to keep in mind.
- Start by identifying your skin type and choosing a formula accordingly. Those with oily skin will want to choose a lightweight gel moisturizer, whereas dry skin can lean on a thicker lotion or cream.
- The key to adequate moisturizing 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 moisturizing 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 moisturizing 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.
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