Is There Such a Thing as Over-Moisturizing?

Is going all-out on hydration too much even for dry skin? Find out now

It’s no secret that we’re big advocates of plump, moisturized skin. And in order to achieve a youthful glow and radiate natural beauty, one needs to set up a well-rounded skincare routine that focuses a lot on hydration. But when your skincare steps start to add up and you notice enlarged pores appearing on your face, you may start to wonder: is there such a thing as over-moisturizing?

When hydration gets too heavy

The short answer is: yes. You can overload your face with too many moisturizing products of similar consistencies, which may then lead to enlarged pores and oily skin instead of soft, supple skin. But by understanding your skin type and what it needs, you can layer different moisturizers while reaping only the best results.

For dry skin types

In an interview with Glamour, dermatologist Kaleroy Papantoniou shares that people with dry skin who live in a humid climate (like Singapore) do not necessarily need to worry about piling on too much moisturizer. In fact, the extra humidity from the climate may provide an additional boost to your face cream. By absorbing water from the air, your skincare stays supple and hydrating—so you never have to worry about oily skin. But don’t forget to observe how your skin reacts to the products you use and ensure all the product you use is actually getting absorbed and not just sitting on top of your skin.

For oily skin types

You may indeed want to stick to a simpler moisturizing routine. Dr. Papantoniou says that summer forecasts can be tough for those with oily skin as the extra hydration on the skin and lack of hydration can lead to residue buildup on your skin—coupled with your face’s natural oils—and can result in clogged, enlarged pores. If your face is prone to acne, too many moisturizing products can also trigger more breakouts.

For sensitive skin types

If your skin tends to flare up easily with the introduction of new/too many products, it’s always a good idea to keep your skincare routine minimal. Instead of focusing on achieving the bouncy, “glass skin” that so many women want, stick to a gentle moisturizer and strive to just be the best version of you. Clear, beautiful skin will come naturally when your skin is at its happiest and healthiest!

For combination skin types

Just finding a moisturizer for combination skin can be challenging, so if you’re keen to explore the benefits of different moisturizers, you’ll be interested in our next point.

Don’t worry about over-moisturizing, try multi-moisturizing!

If you look at the multi-moisturizing bundles that we’ve discovered from The Moisturizers Co, you’ll notice that they grouped certain products together—whether you have oily skin, sensitive skin, dry skin—they’ve got targeted solutions for everyone with their  high efficacy moisturizers.

While they typically advise their customers to use the products in their multi-moisturizing bundles on alternating days/nights, it’s possible to use them at the same time if you have areas of your skin that need specific help. Here’re two examples:

1. Problem areas: Redness on cheeks and the appearance of fine lines

Solution: The Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel and Cell Regenerate Gel Cream

Use an adequate amount of Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel from The Moisturizers Co, which is specially formulated with soothing botanicals such as Chamomile, Calendula and Burdock Root, on your cheeks to instantly calm down any inflammation. Next, take a good-sized blob of their Cell Regenerate Gel Cream with Mulberry and gently dab on any fine lines or dry skin on your face.

2. Problem areas: Oily T-Zone area and dry, dull skin on cheeks

During your nighttime regime, use an adequate amount of Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel, which is formulated with Cucumber extracts and Allantoin, on your cheeks to deeply replenish skin moisture. Next, spread a thin layer of the Ultra Pore Refiner Anti-Blemish Night Cream from their efficacy range on your T-zone and gently pat it in.

And that’s just the beginning—there are so many ways to combine the moisturizers for the best results. They’ve got a handy ‘Questions’ page, feel free to pen down any burning ones you may have and they’ll be right with you.

About the brand: The Moisturizers Co. is a skincare company with a niche in targeted moisturizers of the highest quality and efficacy—combining natural botanical and clinical-grade actives in advanced skincare formulations that penetrate deeper to deliver high performance actives into skin. They allow busy urban women to enjoy quality skincare that has proven to deliver real results. Products are manufactured under strict GMP-certified conditions, free from parabens, silicones, alcohol, with zero animal testing.