Too Much: Are You Over-Moisturizing Your Face?

We all know the benefits of moisturizing regardless of the skin type. Apart from sealing everything in, properly and adequately moisturizing can also keep the skin looking plump, smooth, and radiant. And when paired with a formula with quality ingredients, it can nourish the skin and provide extra protection against external aggressors. 

Unfortunately, too much of a good thing can be bad. In the hope of getting what moisturizers claim to offer, some of us over-moisturize. This does not lead to better results; it can sometimes do the opposite. Continue reading as we share the effects and signs of moisturizing too much and how to make adjustments.

What happens when you over-moisturize your face?

Using too much moisturizer or applying it more often than you should can cause your skin to get lazy. It tricks the skin into thinking that it has enough water, lipids, or oils, prompting it to produce less moisture on its own. Moisturizing excessively can keep the skin from working optimally to balance oil and hydration.

With less moisture or an imbalance in normal oil/hydration, the production of certain skin nutrients slows down. This can cause your skin to look and appear dry, prompting you to moisturize more. Going overboard can cause the moisturizer to work against your skin’s favor, resulting in more skin issues.

What are the signs you’re over-moisturizing?

• Increased sebum production – Layers of moisturizer can pile up on your skin and cause your skin to look and feel greasy. This can then attract dirt, bacteria, and other impurities, and may even cause the skin to produce more sebum.  
• Clogged pores – Too much moisturizer or using a heavy formulation can build up on the skin’s topmost surface. It can then clog your pores, causing sebum, dirt, and other bacteria to accumulate. This eventually leads to the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).
• Breakouts – Clogged pores due to the accumulation of layered products can contribute to the formation and worsening of breakouts. If you notice flares or an increase in breakouts after moisturizing, it may be time to make adjustments to how much or what product you are using. 
• Dryness and sensitivity – Excessive moisturizing can negatively affect the skin’s natural sebum secretion by the sebaceous glands. And with less sebum, the skin can become dry quickly, which can also lead to a dull and sensitive complexion.  
• Uneven skin texture – As previously mentioned, too much moisturizer can accumulate in the pores and lead to congestion. Clogged pores can contribute to several skin issues, such as blackheads, acne breakouts, inflammation, and rough skin texture. 

How can you avoid moisturizing too much? 

Using too little is not the solution. Here are a few tips that can help make sure that your skin is getting enough moisture:

• Know your skin type and choose the appropriate formula. Oily skin types can benefit from a lightweight or gel-based face moisturizer, while those with dry skin can use a thicker or creamier formulation.
• Start with the right amount, like a pea-sized. If your skin still feels dry after application, take the same amount and apply it to your skin. 
• Exfoliate regularly to reduce clogging and remove the accumulation of dead skin cells. Make sure not to use abrasives or over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin and cause further problems. 
• Moisturize twice a day (morning and night). It is ideal to do so after properly cleansing your face and before applying makeup. Make sure to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you apply the product in the morning. 

How can we help?

If you’re already dealing with the effects of over-moisturizing, a visit to Sanctuary by Cutis can help. We have several aesthetic treatments that cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and properly hydrate your skin, as well as improve common skin concerns. We have chemical peels, lasers, and other energy-based treatments that improve or tackle:

• Clogged/congested pores 
• Enlarged pores
• Facial redness and spider veins
• Acne and symptoms brought on by acne
• Dark spots, melasma, pigmentation
• Dull and tired-looking complexion
• Uneven skin texture 
• Visible signs of aging

Let us be your partner in achieving your beauty and skincare goals in Singapore. Contact us via WhatsApp at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or book an appointment.