Can you moisturize your face too much

The result? Your whole sensitive skin issue? He blames that on moisturizer, claiming your skin becomes weaker and less tolerant after three to four weeks of only using moisturizer. How ominous. In short, yes. When used sparingly and in conjunction with products like serums or ampoules, moisturizers can be beneficial.

When applying moisturizer, a nickel-sized amount should be enough for your entire face. Using too much moisturizer may leave your face feeling oily and potentially lead to breakouts. The most important thing Obagi says to remember is that you should be using products that enhance your skin's natural exfoliation process , instead of stifling it—or, as he puts it, "eliminating surface dead cells and allowing the mother cells to create a new generation of cells for renewal.

And if the retinol causes dryness, Weinstein says it's totally fine to use a moisturizer to combat it. Here's another slightly jarring claim from Obagi: "Only a small percentage of people who have certain genetic disorders have actual skin dryness.

Basically, he's saying that most people who consider themselves as having dry skin actually just need help "building stronger barrier functions, using enhancers that regulate skin cell renewal, and stimulators that boost certain cellular functions within the skin.

In contrast to Weinstein, he claims moisturizer should not be used every day, with one exception: Long-term outdoor exposure to the wind and sun. Check out some of Byrdie's favorite moisturizers below:. There's good reason this anti-aging moisturizer has become one of Olay's best selling products it has sold more than one billion of these tiny red jars. Formulated with powerful hyaluronic acid, amino-peptide complex II, and niacinamide, this drugstore-sold cream works to hydrate the skin, revealing a smoother, healthier complexion in just 28 days.

Another great drugstore buy, Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel is packed with hyaluronic acid and olive extract meant to plump, protect, and nourish the skin. It works to lock moisture into the face and is totally alcohol and oil-free, making it a great option for all skin types. Made with an optimal ratio of ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids, this cream counteracts the aging process and nourishes skin on contact.

It promises to not only smoothe, but also protect the skin's surface, encouraging it to improve dryness and pores. Think of your skin like a muscle and moisturizer like a pair of Spanx: It may give you a temporary fix, but strengthening from the inside out will give you better long-term results.

And when in doubt, just ask your derm. Obagi says your skin's needs change about every year or so, and a professional who truly knows it will be able to help you achieve your glowy skin goals. If you didn't realize that, don't feel silly. Says, Dr. Papantoniou, "We frequently discuss how to take care of skin during periods of cold weather and low humidity, but we often dismiss the management of skin care in humid climates.

Her advice for you oily-skinned ladies: "I often recommend changing up creams that were being used in colder and drier climates and switching to lighter, noncomedogenic lotions or serums. The moisturizer also comes after any serums that you use. The only step after moisturizer should be sunscreen. Or, you can pick a moisturizer combined with sunscreen and save a step. Use it on damp skin after your cleansing routine is finished. After the shower, many people are familiar with the old belief that they should use moisturizers.

This locks moisture onto damp skin. This is also when it is most easily absorbed. While this is the right time for skin treatments, lotion may not be the right one.

Post-shower skin is more absorbent. But moisturizer may not be the cure-all that many people think it is. Many people are used to applying moisturizers every day. They never question if they actually need any. If your skin is actually suffering from dryness, there are better options. Lotions, generally, provide less moisture than alternatives like ointments.

The American Academy of Dermatology cautions people away from water-based lotions. They suggest products with oils like creams or ointments. The more oil in the product, the more moisture it can replace. You may be more interested in specific skin concerns. After the shower is an ideal application time. Hyaluronic acid is highly recommended to hydrate and plump the face. Adding lotions over the top may actually reduce the effectiveness of serums. Click here to see Neutrogena Hydro Boost with hyaluronic acid on Amazon.

What it needs is exfoliation. Dead skin cells cause a rough sensation. This is easy to mistake for dryness. Moisturizer is a temporary fix. It does plump up those dead skin cells for a short time.

Actually, all this does is keep the old, dead skin cells intact. The short-term effects of the moisturizer fade. This leaves behind dull, dead skin. This tricks most people into believing that they need to rejuvenate with another layer of moisturizer.

We already know what a vicious cycle this is! Try exfoliating instead. In many cases, this is more beneficial than a moisturizer. Sometimes skin just needs an extra boost.

Typically, however, the skin should be able to keep itself hydrated.