Is it better to moisturize in the morning or at night?

Author: Amely Gulgowski MD  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

Your skin naturally loses some of its moisture overnight, which is why a strategic nighttime skincare routine, including a good face moisturizer, is essential. While you're asleep, there's a lot going on with your skin.

Is it better to moisturise at night or morning?

For best results, apply moisturizer twice daily--once in the morning and once before bed. Morning application prepares your skin for the day, and nighttime application allows your skin to rejuvenate while you sleep. Conclusion Properly applying moisturizer is a simple yet essential part of any skincare routine.

What is the best time to apply moisturizer?

  • The best time is after cleansing and toning, while your skin is still damp, but not dripping.
  • A moisturizer is designed to keep water from evaporating off the surface, and to keep any water in your skin.

Should I let my skin breathe at night?

No, you should never avoid using moisturizer in an effort to give your skin a break or let your skin “breathe.” In this post, I'll explain why the consistent use of nighttime moisturizer is critical for hydrated, healthy-looking skin—no matter your skin type!

How long before bed should you moisturize?

She said: "The reason we should do our skin care routine two hours before bed is to allow enough time for all the active ingredients to penetrate the skin before going to sleep.

How To Get Clear Skin (Science Based)

Why does my skin look better without moisturizer?

So by stopping moisturising, this actually stimulates cell turnover and encourages natural desquamation (that's the shedding of the outer layers of the skin). This improves skin function and exposes the tightly packed plump fresh cells to effectively reflect light and leave the skin glowing.

Should you rub Moisturiser in or let it soak in?

Creams are best applied by patting them gently into the skin, notes Dr. Mack. Gel or water-based moisturizers should be applied in circular motions until they are completely absorbed.

Can you overdo moisturizer?

When you over-moisturise your skin, it interferes with your body's sebum production and can result in actually drying out your skin. Ironic, we know, but moisturising your skin too much can leave your skin feeling dry.

What is the finger rule for moisturizer?

The “fingertip unit” is used to measure the amount of cream or ointment to be used in dermatology: it is a strip of product squeezed on to the index finger, from the distal crease to the fingertip. With the rule of nines, the body's surface area is divided into 11 areas, each representing roughly 9% of the total (box).

What happens if we apply moisturizer at night?

Skin repair: The skin regenerates during the night, and a moisturizer with nourishing ingredients can support this process, aiding in the recovery of damaged skin. Enhances elasticity: A nighttime routine that includes a face moisturizing gel helps improve skin elasticity, keeping it soft and supple.

What is the best natural thing to moisturize your face?

8 Simple DIY Natural Moisturizers for Soft, Smooth Skin
  • Shea Butter. It's common knowledge that shea butter is one of the best natural skin moisturizers available to us, but do you know why? ...
  • Coconut Oil. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Olive Oil. ...
  • Beeswax. ...
  • Oatmeal. ...
  • Squalane. ...
  • Essential Oils.

What is the best night moisturizer?

Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.

Is it better to wash your face with cold or hot water?

Lukewarm water is the way to go for any skin-related cleansing (including your body). You want some warmth in your water, since as you probably know, heat can help loosen plugs in pores. (This is the reason steamers are so popular with aestheticians.) Warm skin also absorbs your subsequent skincare products better.

Is vaseline good for your face?

The frequently asked question has a simple answer: Yes! Vaseline® products, including Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly, are absolutely safe for your skin. The Vaseline® Jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it does not block or clog your pores.

What does over-moisturized skin look like?

Also, your product should last you a few months, not a few weeks—using up product quickly indicates you might be using too much. Some signs that you may be over-moisturizing are clogged pores, blackheads, bumpy skin, and excess oil.

Is moisturizing 3 times a day OK?

Generally, we suggest that you apply moisturizer as regularly as 2 or 3 times a day on clean, dry skin. It's the most commonly accepted practice because it ensures that the moisture content of your skin remains constant throughout the entire 24-hour period.

What is the best face moisturizer?

Some of the best brands include:
  • CeraVe: Known for their gentle, dermatologist recommended moisturizers.
  • La Roche-Posay: Offers a wide range of affordable skincare products, including non-comedogenic moisturizers.
  • Kiehl's: Known for their effective, high end skincare products.

Is it better to pat or rub moisturizer?

In contrast to rubbing in your skincare products, patting is supposedly more gentle and it helps skin care products penetrate the skin better.

Why do dermatologists say not to use moisturizer?

Another reason Dr Obagi is against moisturiser: He believes that if you use it daily over time, it can change your skin's natural balance of water, lipids, and proteins. The result? Your body will stop delivering the skin's normal, natural method of hydration from within.

Does your skin age faster if you don't moisturize?

Not Using a Moisturizer

Dryness could be one of the main things that are aging your skin. Apply moisturizer daily so water is trapped in the skin. This will lead to a healthier and more youthful appearance. If you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize.

Is toner necessary?

Is toner necessary? Toner is not an essential part of your skincare regime but something of an extra boost that can enhance and enrich your routine. For many skincare enthusiasts, it's a must!

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