We need to talk.
About your moisturiser.
More specifically: why it’s just… not doing the thing.

You’ve been diligent. You cleanse, you apply, you even do the dramatic face pat like a K-beauty influencer. But your skin still feels tight, flaky, or suspiciously oily three hours later.

So what’s going on? Let’s decode the mystery, shall we?

1. You’re Applying It on Bone-Dry Skin

Moisturisers don’t add moisture—they seal in what’s already there. So if you’re applying it to completely dry skin, you’re basically wrapping a raisin in clingfilm and wondering why it’s not turning into a grape.

🧴 Fix it: Always apply moisturiser on damp skin. Not soaking wet, just slightly dewy. Post-cleansing or post-toner is the perfect time—catch that hydration before it floats off into the ether.

2. You’re Using the Wrong Formula for Your Skin Type

You wouldn’t wear a puffer coat to the beach. Likewise, your dry skin doesn’t need a featherlight gel, and your oily skin doesn’t want a thick butter that sits on top like frosting.

🧴 Fix it: Pay attention to your skin type and season. What works in January may feel like a heavy sweater in July. Look for texture and ingredients that suit your skin’s vibe—hydrating, not smothering.

3. Your Skin Barrier is on Strike

If you’ve been over-exfoliating, over-cleansing, or experimenting with every trend TikTok throws at you (hello, DIY coffee scrub), your skin barrier might be screaming silently.

🧴 Fix it: Focus on gentle, nourishing ingredients. Think ceramides, squalene, niacinamide, or anything that sounds like it belongs in a spa rather than a chemistry lab. Give your barrier time to repair—and your moisturiser a chance to do its job.

4. You’re Not Using Enough… or Way Too Much

Some people apply moisturiser like they’re frosting a cupcake. Others act like it’s liquid gold and barely use a drop. Neither is ideal.

🧴 Fix it: Use a pea to almond-sized amount, depending on your skin’s needs. Enough to cover your face without looking like you fell into a tub of lard. Listen to your skin—it usually knows when it's being drowned or starved.

5. You’re Expecting a Moisturiser to Do the Job of a Serum, Exfoliant, and Therapist

A moisturiser is amazing—but it’s not magic. If you’re dealing with breakouts, dullness, or dehydration, it might need some backup.

🧴 Fix it: Build a basic routine. Cleanser → toner (optional) → serum (optional but wonderful) → moisturiser. And yes, drink your water—but don’t rely on that alone unless you’re planning to bathe your face from the inside out.

Final Thoughts (AKA Your Glow-Up Summary)

If your moisturiser isn’t working, it’s usually not about switching brands every two weeks. It’s about:

• Applying it right after cleansing

• Matching the texture to your skin type

• Repairing your barrier first

• Using the right amount

• Supporting it with a good routine

Because great skin isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works. And now? You officially know better. Go forth and moisturise like a pro!