3 Signs You Need a New Moisturiser

Is Your Moisturizer Working? 3 Signs You May Need a New One

A well-formulated moisturiser does more than just combat dryness—it is a foundational component of any effective skincare routine. Its primary role is to support your skin’s health by maintaining proper hydration levels and reinforcing its natural protective barrier. Understanding this function is the first step toward achieving balanced, resilient, and healthy-looking skin.

This blog will explore the vital role of moisturisers, explain how they support the skin barrier, and help you identify the key signs that your current product may no longer be meeting your skin’s needs.

The Science of Skin Hydration and the Barrier

Your skin has a sophisticated, multi-layered defense system known as the skin barrier, or stratum corneum. This outermost layer is composed of skin cells (corneocytes) held together by a lipid matrix of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids. A healthy, intact barrier is crucial for two main reasons: it locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated, and it defends against external stressors like pollutants and irritants.

When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to transepidermal water loss (TEWL), where moisture escapes from the skin. This can leave the skin feeling dry, tight, and vulnerable. A good moisturiser works by supporting this natural barrier. It supplies the skin with hydration (humectants), locks in that moisture (occlusives), and can help replenish the lipid components (emollients) that keep the barrier strong and functioning correctly.

A healthy skin barrier is the foundation for a calm, balanced complexion. By consistently using a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type, you help maintain this critical function, promoting long-term skin health.

Is Your Moisturiser Right for You? 3 Signs to Look For

Your skin is a dynamic organ, and its needs can change over time due to factors like climate, age, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle. A moisturiser that was once a perfect fit may no longer provide the support your skin requires. Learning to recognize the signals your skin sends is key to adapting your routine effectively.

Here are three common signs that it might be time to reassess your choice of moisturiser.

1. Persistent Dryness, Flakiness, or a Tight Feeling

One of the most apparent signs that your moisturiser isn’t performing is if your skin still feels dry or tight shortly after application. You might notice flaky patches, a dull appearance, or a feeling of tautness, especially after cleansing.

This often indicates that the formula is not providing adequate hydration for your skin type or lacks the right combination of ingredients to prevent moisture loss. For instance, if your skin is naturally dry, a very lightweight, water-based lotion may evaporate too quickly. You might need a richer cream with more occlusive ingredients to create a protective seal that locks in hydration.

If your skin feels persistently dehydrated despite daily use, it’s a clear signal to look for a more nourishing formula.

Pro Pick: Intensive Moisturiser and Barrier Renewal Cream provide rich hydration that restores comfort.

2. New or Worsening Redness, Itchiness, or Irritation

Your skin should feel calm and comfortable after you apply your moisturiser. If you instead experience stinging, itching, redness, or other signs of irritation, it’s a strong indicator that an ingredient in the formula is not compatible with your skin.

This sensitivity can develop even with products you have used for a long time. It could be a reaction to a specific preservative, fragrance, or active ingredient. For individuals with conditions like rosacea or eczema, using a product not specifically designed for sensitive skin can lead to a flare-up of symptoms.

Paying close attention to how your skin feels immediately after and in the hours following application is important. Any sensation of discomfort is a message from your skin that it’s time to switch to a gentler, more supportive formula.

Pro Pick: Barrier Renewal Cream delivers lightweight, non-irritating hydration with restorative ingredients that strengthen the skin’s barrier.

3. Increased Oiliness, Congestion, or Breakouts

It might seem counterintuitive, but an increase in oiliness can also be a sign that your moisturiser isn’t the right match. This can happen for two primary reasons.

First, if a moisturiser is too heavy or contains pore-clogging ingredients for your skin type, it can lead to congestion and breakouts. This is a common concern for those with oily or acne-prone skin who may mistakenly think a heavy cream will provide better moisturisation.

Second, excessive oiliness can be a symptom of dehydration. When the skin lacks adequate moisture, its sebaceous glands may overcompensate by producing more oil to try and protect the skin’s surface. In this case, using a lightweight but effectively hydrating moisturiser can help restore balance and reduce surface oiliness. If you’re experiencing more breakouts or a shinier-than-usual complexion, your moisturiser could be the culprit.

Pro Pick: Hydrate without heaviness using Light Moisturizer or Barrier Renewal Cream.

How to Select the Right Moisturiser

Listening to your skin is the most important step in building an effective skincare routine. By understanding these common signs, you can make more informed decisions and select a formula that provides the right level of hydration and support for your unique needs.

If you believe your skin could benefit from a different approach to hydration, we invite you to explore our carefully formulated collection of moisturisers. Each product is designed with specific skin types and concerns in mind, from lightweight hydration for oily skin to deep nourishment for dry and compromised barriers.