Aesthetic dermatologists have observed that habitual, daily moisturising over a prolonged period can actually age the skin. This induced ageing occurs because the same fibroblast cells which produce GAGs (the skin's moisturiser) also produce collagen and elastin, which help maintain the skin's elasticity.
“When you use moisturizer every day, you run the risk of making your skin older, not younger,” he warned. “If you apply a lot of moisture, skin will become sensitive, dry, dull, and interfere with natural hydration.”
Myth #4: Moisturizing prevents wrinkles from forming
Fact: Giving some love to your skin through moisture is a must, but it's not going to necessarily prevent wrinkles from forming. However, it may make them a little less noticeable. Moisturizer, along with sunscreen, is one of the most critical skincare products.
Moisturizers aren't magical, and they can't erase wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. But the dermatologists of the AAD say that daily moisturizing traps water in the skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and make your skin look brighter and more youthful overall.
Generally speaking, moisturizer is believed to be good for your skin by acting as a protective barrier, but if overused, your skin could rely on the moisturizer and not properly exfoliate on its own or produce as many natural lipids and proteins, according to Obagi.
“When the imbalance of water, lipids, and proteins is altered using moisturisers, the skin's ability to act as a strong barrier to protect our inner organs will be weakened,” he explains.
“When you use moisturizer every day, you run the risk of making your skin older, not younger,” he said to Refinery29. “If you apply a lot of moisture, skin will become sensitive, dry, dull, and interfere with natural hydration.”
Ideally you can begin around age 12 with just the basics, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. During puberty, you may have to switch your cleanser to an oil control one if you suffer from acne and pimples.
Moisturizing can reduce the appearance of other blemishes.
Freshly moisturized skin has a healthy sheen, which can even out any existing blemishes. Some moisturizers have some tint or self-tanner that can work with any skin tone.
Moisturizing your face will help you to look and feel younger, you will have softer, more elastic skin, and it will keep your skin hydrated. All of these things are important if you want to make sure to look as young as you can in the years to come.
As we mature, some physical skin changes occur naturally: Collagen production slows down – so skin loses its firmness. Elastin production decreases – and skin becomes less elastic. Fat cells start to disappear – and skin starts to sag.
The biggest changes typically occur when people are in their 40s and 50s, but they can begin as early as the mid-30s and continue into old age. Even when your muscles are in top working order, they contribute to facial aging with repetitive motions that etch lines in your skin.
Most skincare professionals suggest moisturizing twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. This ensures your skin's moisture will remain constant both throughout the day and while you sleep, so you can always look forward to supple, healthy skin.
When you don't use a moisturizer on your body or face, you are likely to see more signs of premature aging. What's happening when the skin gets dry is that it's actually experiencing a low level of inflammation. This ongoing inflammation can lead to a breakdown of collagen. That's bad news for beauty.
“Moisturizing your face helps to protect the skin's barrier from irritation. It also helps to reduce the development of dryness, or helps you to revive your skin from dryness,” says Marmur. Moisturizer creates a barrier between your skin and the climate, including cold, dry air that can further dry out skin.
Night is an essential time to renew your mind—and your skin. Adding a lotion before bed creates softer, more hydrated, and better-looking skin the next day. It also helps seal in moisture and repairs the skin barrier that's compromised by dry air and harsh cleansers.
They block water evaporation and can actually clog pores and increase acne. They can interfere with the use of drugs such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Because dry skin reflects more ultraviolet light than hydrated skin, some dermatologists feel that moisturizers actually accelerate skin aging.
If you over-moisturize, the leftover moisturizer just sits on your face. With nowhere to go, this extra moisturizer will eventually fill up the pores on your skin and clog them, resulting in the production of acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.
When it comes to a skincare routine, there is no particular age. However, if we had a put a number on when to start, we would suggest that you start with the basics such as a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen around the age of 13 to 15, when you hit puberty and your skin undergoes multiple changes.
The sooner you start your anti-aging skin care routine the more time you are able to see results, but it's never too late to begin. With the right products and right routine, you can have the results you are looking for whether you start at age 30 or age 55.
Moisturizers can't prevent wrinkles, but they trap water in the skin, temporarily masking tiny lines and creases.
Not really. If you have dry skin, moisturiser does help by supplying water to the skin and trapping it there. Most moisturisers contain a greasy substance that holds the water in.
It can actually worsen your dry skin. “By over-moisturizing, you can cause the skin barrier function to weaken and risk clogging pores,” explains Sobel. Add those together and you get both dry skin and body acne — the allover equivalent of combination skin.