SORTED: Everything You Need to Know About Moisturisers


Ultimate Guide To Moisturiser - model with hair up in white towel applying moisturiser to her face Ultimate Guide To Moisturiser - model with hair up in white towel applying moisturiser to her face


It may sound dramatic but the power of a fabulous moisturiser should never be overlooked.

Dosed with hydrating ingredients to seal and trap moisture into the skin, moisturisers are a key beauty buy that should be a staple in everyone’s skincare routine.

Keeping the skin well-nourished also goes a long way in treating and preventing a whole heap of other skincare concerns like ageing, dullness and acne.

In this guide, we’ll be focusing on all things moisturisers – from the benefits you can expect to how exactly you should use them – plus some of your other frequently asked questions about this beauty bag essential.

You can also watch the YouTube video below for tips on choosing the right moisturiser...


Benefits Of Moisturiser

Besides ensuring that dry, flaky skin stays well off the agenda, keeping your complexion well-hydrated goes a long way towards helping treat and prevent other issues like signs of ageing, and even breakouts (more on this further below).

Moisturisers also strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier.

How To Use Moisturiser

Applying moisturiser couldn’t be easier.

  • Simply dispense some of your product onto clean fingers and smooth into your face using gentle patting motions in an upward, circular manner.

  • Not sure how much to use? A generous dollop - around the size of a 20-cent piece - is a good ballpark measure.

  • Check the back of your product’s packaging for further advice as this recommendation can differ between formulas.

When Do I Apply Moisturiser

  • Moisturiser is normally the last step in your skincare routine and you’ll want to apply it post-cleansing, following any other serums or treatment products.

  • If you’re needing even more moisture, you can add a few drops of facial oil on top to really lock it all in.

  • It’s also thought that it’s best to moisturise within one minute of cleansing to ensure the skin soaks up as much hydration as possible – so once you’ve washed your face or taken a shower, don’t delay applying your skincare.

How Often Should You Moisturise Your Face? - model with hair up in white towel applying moisturiser to her face How Often Should You Moisturise Your Face? - model with hair up in white towel applying moisturiser to her face


How Often Should You Moisturise Your Face?

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to moisturise as often as you cleanse – if you’re cleansing morning and night, that means twice a day.

How Often Should You Moisturise Dry Skin?

If your skin is dry, you may feel like you need a little extra hydration. Therefore, If you’re dealing with particularly dry skin, you might also like to consider adding an extra layer of moisturiser right before bed to give your face an extra hydration hit to see you through the night. We also suggest doing regular hydrating masks to really give your dry skin some moisture, our personal favourite moisturiser mask for dry skin? Aspect Probiotic Mask

Does Moisturiser Cause Acne?

The idea that moisturiser causes breakouts has to be one of the biggest (and most widely spread!) fallacies of the beauty world.

While it is true that moisturisers on the richer side could be problematic for oilier skin types, there is a vast range of formulas available. 

If you’re dealing with oily skin, congestion or acne and you’re worried about your moisturiser causing acne, look for oil-free formulas that are designed specifically for your skin type.

Trust us, if you find the right moisturiser, it will not cause breakouts. In fact, researchers have discovered it’s actually possible that moisturiser helps acne. 



Day Cream And Night Cream Differences

The differences between day creams and night creams vary on a case-by-case basis depending on the products at hand.

Typically though, moisturisers marketed as ‘day creams’ are lighter in texture than those designed for the evening.

Day creams might have built-in SPF, too.

Night creams, on the other hand, are often richer and could contain higher concentrations of active ingredients like Retinol.  

Do I Need A Day Moisturiser? 

At any time of the day, skin needs hydration.

But, whether you purchase a specific ‘day’ moisturiser all comes down to your personal preferences.

While it’s absolutely fine to use the same hydrator both morning and evening, many day creams come with extra benefits like built-in SPF as we’ve said.

Plus they might have pollution or blue light protection, and they may also contain ingredients that help mattify, add glow or prep the skin for makeup.

So if you’d like your moisturiser to do more for you than simply hydrate your skin, we’d certainly suggest grabbing one that addresses your daytime complexion concerns.



Do I Need A Night Moisturiser?

If you’re wondering whether you also should put moisturiser on at night, the answer is absolutely – yes!

When it comes to deciding whether you’ll use the same moisturiser both day and night, again, this will be decided by your individual needs.

If you prefer to take a minimalist approach to your skincare and limit the number of products in your line-up, by all means, you can use the same moisturiser morning and night – but there are a couple of caveats to keep in mind:

  • We don’t recommend using moisturiser with sunscreen at night so if your day cream contains SPF, we’d definitely suggest getting a second formula for nighttime.

  • If you have dry skin, you may like to opt for a richer moisturiser in the evenings to give your skin an extra hydration boost.

Hunting for an overnight moisturiser? With nourishing Ceramides, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and energising Adenosine, IT Cosmetics Confidence In Your Beauty Sleep is an excellent one to try and it’s a brilliant moisturiser for all skin types. 



Does Moisturiser Get Rid Of Wrinkles?

Moisturisers containing active ingredients can play a role in smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Look for formulas containing Retinoids (AKA Vitamin A derivatives such as Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate) Niacinamide (a form of Vitamin B3) or Vitamin C to boost your skin’s regenerative process and reduce signs of ageing.

If you’re after more advice on how to get rid of wrinkles, check out our anti-ageing skincare guide.

Ready to check out some products? Here are some of our recommendations for the best moisturisers to try plus some of our favourite non-comedogenic moisturisers.

And if you need some tips on how to build a skin care routine, check out the YouTube video below...





Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.




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