Moisturiser
A product designed to support your skin's barrier by reducing water loss and drawing hydration into the upper layers.
A moisturiser is a leave-on skincare product formulated to help your skin hold onto water. It works by combining ingredients that support the skin's natural barrier, keeping the outer layers hydrated, comfortable, and functioning well. Think of it less as "adding moisture" and more as helping your skin retain what it already has.
Most moisturisers use a blend of three ingredient types working together. Humectants (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) draw water into the upper skin layers. Emollients (like squalane or ceramides) smooth and soften by filling gaps between skin cells. Occlusives (like shea butter or petrolatum) form a gentle seal on the surface to slow water evaporating out. The ratio of these three determines the texture and feel: lighter gel-creams tend to be humectant-heavy, while richer creams lean on emollients and occlusives. The best choice depends on your skin type, climate, and what else you're using in your routine.
Moisturiser matters because a well-supported barrier is the foundation of healthy-looking skin. If your barrier is compromised, other products like serums and exfoliants can feel irritating rather than helpful. Apply moisturiser after water-based serums to lock their benefits in, and before sunscreen in the morning. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or reactive, a good moisturiser is often the most useful first step. For oilier skin types, a lightweight formula still offers genuine benefit without feeling heavy.
A moisturiser supports hydration and comfort, but it won't resolve underlying concerns on its own. It's not a substitute for sunscreen, and it cannot reverse structural changes in the skin. If your skin remains persistently dry, irritated, or uncomfortable despite consistent use of a well-formulated moisturiser, that's a good signal to speak with a skincare professional who can help identify what's going on beneath the surface.
Most moisturisers use a blend of three ingredient types working together. Humectants (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) draw water into the upper skin layers. Emollients (like squalane or ceramides) smooth and soften by filling gaps between skin cells. Occlusives (like shea butter or petrolatum) form a gentle seal on the surface to slow water evaporating out. The ratio of these three determines the texture and feel: lighter gel-creams tend to be humectant-heavy, while richer creams lean on emollients and occlusives. The best choice depends on your skin type, climate, and what else you're using in your routine.
Moisturiser matters because a well-supported barrier is the foundation of healthy-looking skin. If your barrier is compromised, other products like serums and exfoliants can feel irritating rather than helpful. Apply moisturiser after water-based serums to lock their benefits in, and before sunscreen in the morning. If your skin feels tight, flaky, or reactive, a good moisturiser is often the most useful first step. For oilier skin types, a lightweight formula still offers genuine benefit without feeling heavy.
A moisturiser supports hydration and comfort, but it won't resolve underlying concerns on its own. It's not a substitute for sunscreen, and it cannot reverse structural changes in the skin. If your skin remains persistently dry, irritated, or uncomfortable despite consistent use of a well-formulated moisturiser, that's a good signal to speak with a skincare professional who can help identify what's going on beneath the surface.
